What to Know About Getting Period While Breastfeeding

While experiencing a break from periods during pregnancy can be a welcomed experience for some, as moms transition into postpartum life, menstruation will eventually make its return. However, the exact timeline can differ between women, with factors like breastfeeding playing a big role in when the cycle starts up again.

If you're a breastfeeding mom wondering when to expect your first postpartum period, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to learn about the link between breastfeeding and menstruation.

When Do You Get Your Period After Birth While Breastfeeding?

While we can't predict the exact time a period will return, we do know that there is a strong link between it and breastfeeding.

Typically, breastfeeding will naturally delay the return of menstruation due to the hormonal shifts that support milk production. This means that many women who exclusively breastfeed may not see their periods return for six months or longer. However, because all bodies are different, some women get their period back as early as six to eight weeks postpartum, even while breastfeeding.

In some cases, menstruation may not occur until breastfeeding frequency significantly decreases or stops altogether, and even if it does return, irregular periods while breastfeeding are common.

Factors such as nursing frequency, formula supplementation, and individual hormonal responses all play a role in the return of menstruation. It is common for a woman's period to resume after significant milestones in her baby's development, such as sleeping longer stretches at night or transitioning to solid foods, as these changes often result in less frequent breastfeeding.

Fun Fact: The temporary absence of menstruation due to breastfeeding is known as lactational amenorrhea. Recognized by the World Health Organization as a proven contraceptive method, the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is a hormone-driven form of birth control that, when strictly followed, can be up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy during the first six months postpartum. This pregnancy prevention is achieved because while breastfeeding exclusively, the hormone prolactin is released, which inhibits ovulation. However, LAM loses effectiveness as breastfeeding decreases, allowing fertility to return, so it's important to consult your doctor about different contraception methods during this stage if avoiding pregnancy is a goal of yours.

Signs of Period Returning While Breastfeeding

A woman may notice signs that her period is approaching before it fully returns. These signs can range from subtle to more noticeable and may include:

• Changes in milk supply - A slight dip in milk production may occur in the days leading up to menstruation.

• Breast tenderness - Hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased breast sensitivity and tenderness, which may be familiar and similar to premenstrual symptoms experienced before pregnancy.

• Cramping or bloating - Some women experience mild digestive discomfort in the form of cramping or bloating before their cycle fully returns.

• Spotting or light bleeding - The first period after breastfeeding may start off lighter than usual, or spotting may occur beforehand.

• Changes in the baby's nursing habits - Some babies may become fussier at the breast and not feed as well due to temporary changes in milk supply or taste.

Understanding the Impact of Periods on Breast Milk Supply

Hormonal fluctuations play a key role in breastfeeding, and the return of menstruation can temporarily affect a mother's milk supply. But what exactly causes this? The answer lies in the intricate relationship between hormones, especially estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin.

Generally, progesterone and estrogen levels are reduced during exclusive breastfeeding because prolactin inhibits the production of these hormones. Prolactin is stimulated by a baby's sucking and is the hormone primarily responsible for milk production. Consequently, prolactin levels drop when breastfeeding is reduced, allowing the menstrual cycle to eventually resume.

The composition of breast milk may also change slightly during menstruation. These changes can alter the taste of the milk, which some babies may notice, leading to fussier feedings or changes in their feeding patterns.

While these fluctuations are temporary and typically not cause for concern, they can worry mothers who rely on breast milk as their baby's primary source of nutrition. The worry that their baby might not be getting enough milk during this time is understandable, but generally, a mother's milk supply will stabilize once her body adjusts to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle.

How to Increase Milk Supply During Period

If a mother is worried about her decreasing milk supply on her period during breastfeeding, there are several strategies to help maintain and promote milk production:

• Breastfeed on demand - Nursing frequently tells the body to produce more milk.

• Maintain a consistent routine - Avoid skipping nursing or pumping sessions, as consistency helps sustain milk production.

• Enhance nutrition - Consuming nutrient-dense foods rich in iron, protein, and healthy fats can support lactation.

• Increase breastfeeding or pumping sessions - Adding extra nursing or pumping sessions can stimulate additional milk production.

• Consider supplements - Calcium and magnesium supplements may help stabilize milk supply fluctuations during menstruation. However, we encourage you to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements while breastfeeding.

Tips on Managing Breastfeeding and Period

For many mothers, juggling breastfeeding while their period returns can feel like riding a hormonal rollercoaster. Both processes are driven by shifting hormone levels, and the body needs time to find its new balance.

Once menstruation resumes, staying hydrated becomes even more important. Estrogen fluctuations during the cycle can lead to fluid retention, which may affect milk production. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain supply, while nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in iron, calcium, and magnesium, can support both lactation and postpartum recovery. These minerals play a key role in regulating hormones and keeping energy levels steady.

Stress can also impact milk supply, as elevated cortisol levels interfere with prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Finding moments to rest, even small amounts of sleep can make a difference. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, stretching, or even a short walk can help keep stress in check. Some mothers also find that calcium and magnesium supplements help stabilize hormonal fluctuations and prevent temporary dips in milk supply before their period starts.

While it's normal to notice small changes in breastfeeding during menstruation, these shifts are usually temporary. By staying mindful of their body's needs and making small adjustments, mothers can continue breastfeeding successfully while their cycle settles back into place.

FAQs on Period and Milk Supply

Let's tackle some of the most asked questions about the menstrual cycle while breastfeeding because if you're wondering, chances are, a thousand other moms are too!

Can Your Period Start Then Stop Again While Breastfeeding?

Yes. Some women experience an irregular return of menstruation while breastfeeding. Hormonal fluctuations, changes in feeding frequency, or stress can cause menstruation to start and stop before establishing a regular cycle.

The key factor affecting menstruation is whether a mom is breastfeeding exclusively or not. If you breastfeed consistently, your period can return between 6 months to year but if you're less consistently nursing, it could return in as little a 3 to 6 months.

It's also important to be aware that if you are not breastfeeding exclusively but still don't have your period, you could still be ovulating. That means if you're aiming to avoid another pregnancy at this point, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional about contraception.

How Much Does Milk Supply Decrease During Period?

Milk supply may drop slightly in the days leading up to menstruation, but for most women, this decrease is temporary and mild. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and breastfeeding on demand can help minimize the impact.

Does Breastmilk Taste Different When on Your Period?

Some babies become fussier at the breast around menstruation, which may be due to slight changes in the taste of breast milk caused by hormonal fluctuations. However, these changes are temporary, and most babies adjust quickly.

Understanding the connection between menstruation and breastfeeding can help mothers navigate the postpartum period with confidence. Remember that if there are concerns about a mother's milk supply, consulting a lactation specialist can provide guidance and reassurance.