How soon after birth can you get your period while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation Post-Birth While Breastfeeding
The question of when menstruation resumes after childbirth, particularly for breastfeeding mothers, is a nuanced one. The timing can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, including breastfeeding practices and hormonal changes.
Timing of Menstruation Resumption
For many breastfeeding mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle is often delayed. While some women may experience their first period as early as four to six weeks postpartum, this is more common among those who are not exclusively breastfeeding. In contrast, for those who are breastfeeding, especially if they are doing so exclusively, it can take much longer for menstruation to resume. Research indicates that most breastfeeding mothers typically see their periods return between nine and eighteen months after giving birth.
Influence of Breastfeeding on Menstrual Cycle
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in delaying the return of menstruation. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, also suppresses ovulation. This means that as long as a mother is breastfeeding frequently, particularly during the night, her body may continue to delay the onset of her menstrual cycle. Once breastfeeding frequency decreases or if the baby begins to wean, many mothers find that their periods start to return.
Variability Among Mothers
It’s important to note that the experience can vary widely among mothers. Some may find that their periods return sooner, while others may not see any signs of menstruation until they have completely weaned their child. Factors such as individual hormonal balance, overall health, and the frequency of breastfeeding can all influence this timeline.
Conclusion
In summary, while some mothers may see their periods return as early as a few weeks postpartum, most breastfeeding mothers can expect a delay, with menstruation typically resuming between nine and eighteen months after childbirth. The interplay between breastfeeding and hormonal changes is a significant factor in this process, making each mother’s experience unique.

How quickly can a woman get pregnant after giving birth?

You can get pregnant 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, including if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t started again. You need to use contraception every time you have sex after giving birth unless you want to get pregnant again. Your midwife will discuss contraception with you after your baby is born.

When did your period return when breastfeeding?

The time it takes for a woman’s periods to return when she is breastfeeding can vary widely – from as early as 3 months after the birth to over 2 years. In Australia, the average is around 9 to 10 months.

When do you get your first period after having a baby and breastfeeding?

Though most women get their periods within 12 weeks of delivery, breastfeeding is the most significant factor that can delay it. Your first periods after delivery can be different than your periods before you became pregnant, and it can take up to a year for them to return to the way they were.

How long do you stay fertile after giving birth?

Contraception after having a baby
You can get pregnant 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, including if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t started again. You need to use contraception every time you have sex after giving birth unless you want to get pregnant again.

How do I know if it’s my period or postpartum bleeding?

Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. A typical period lasts about one week. Lochia lasts about six weeks in most people.

How soon can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and Fertility
Once you start menstruating, it is usually a sign that your fertility has returned or will return soon. As menstruation returns to a fairly regular schedule, it usually means that you are back to full fertility and breastfeeding won’t have any effect on your ability to get pregnant.

Are you extra fertile after having a baby?

You may have heard that people are “super fertile” after giving birth, but there’s no scientific evidence indicating that fertility increases post childbirth.

What are the 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.

Why am I getting my period while breastfeeding?

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.

Does getting your period mean your milk is drying up?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women. However, for most women, the increase in these hormones is not high enough to affect milk production. Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production.