Can your period come back and go away while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation During Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding can be a perplexing experience. The relationship between breastfeeding and the menstrual cycle is influenced by a variety of factors, leading to a range of experiences among individuals.
The Timing of Your Period’s Return
Typically, breastfeeding can delay the return of your menstrual cycle. For those who are exclusively breastfeeding, periods may not resume for several months, often ranging from six to 18 months postpartum. This delay is largely due to hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces, particularly the production of prolactin, which suppresses ovulation. However, this is not a universal rule; some individuals may find their periods returning sooner, even within a few months after giving birth.
Can Your Period Come and Go?
Yes, it is entirely possible for your period to come back and then go away again while you are still breastfeeding. This phenomenon can occur due to fluctuations in breastfeeding frequency and the introduction of supplementary feeding. For instance, if a breastfeeding parent begins to reduce the number of feedings or introduces formula or solid foods, this can lead to hormonal changes that may trigger the return of menstruation. Conversely, if breastfeeding becomes more frequent again, it might suppress the menstrual cycle once more.
Impact on Milk Supply
When menstruation resumes, some parents may notice changes in their milk supply. Hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle can affect how a baby feeds and may temporarily reduce milk production. However, most breastfeeding parents can manage this by increasing feeding frequency or ensuring proper hydration and nutrition during their cycle.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every individual’s experience is unique. Factors such as the age of the baby, the frequency of breastfeeding, and overall health can all influence when and how menstruation returns. Some may experience regular cycles shortly after their period resumes, while others might have irregular cycles for a time.
In summary, while breastfeeding often delays the return of menstruation, it is not uncommon for periods to come back and then disappear again. This variability is a normal part of the postpartum experience, shaped by individual circumstances and breastfeeding practices.

Can your period be inconsistent when breastfeeding?

Your period after pregnancy can be irregular due to hormonal changes, especially with the levels of estrogen and progesterone still fluctuating. If you’re breastfeeding, prolactin—the hormone responsible for milk production—can further delay your cycle, causing it to be on and off.

How likely is it to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

Can your period start and stop again while breastfeeding?

Once your periods return, they may be irregular to start with if you are still making milk (lactating). It’s not unusual to skip a period, or even for it to be a few months before your next one.

Why do I have cramps but no period while breastfeeding?

“Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that has many effects in a postpartum mother,” Carroll says. “It stimulates the uterus to contract, which causes those cramps.”

How do I know if I’m having a phantom period?

The symptoms of phantom periods include abdominal cramps, fatigue, tenderness in the breasts, mood swings, bloating, and overall discomfort.

Why am I getting my period every 2 weeks after giving birth?

It’s very common to have irregular periods for the first several months postpartum. Once your hormones normalize, you should start getting a regular period again. If you’re breastfeeding, you may not menstruate at all until you begin the weaning process. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Can a breastfeeding mother miss her period without being pregnant?

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can suppress your period, depending on how frequently you are nursing. You may get a period while breastfeeding, and then not have another one for several months or more, particularly if your baby is nursing exclusively.

When should I take a pregnancy test if I am breastfeeding?

So, if you’re breastfeeding, having sex without using birth control, and think there’s a possibility you might be pregnant, you should take a standard pregnancy test on the first day of a missed period or two weeks after having unprotected sex.

Can you have a phantom period while breastfeeding?

Even if you don’t get your period for the whole duration of your breastfeeding, you can still experience period-like symptoms. This is sometimes referred to as the phantom period, but it doesn’t need to be as daunting as the Scooby-Doo-like name implies – especially since there’s less blood involved than normal!

What are signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.