Every new mom goes through the natural cycles of breastfeeding and periods. But lots of ladies wonder about the way breastfeeding could change when their period comes back, and the other way around. Let's explore how breastfeeding has an influence on your cycle, what could happen, and handling both after having a baby.
Breastfeeding and the Period: A Quick Look
A lot of mothers notice their menstrual cycle doesn't come back right away after having a baby, and it's pretty common when they're breastfeeding. That's because those hormones you have when you're breastfeeding can put a pause on ovulation and push back when your period comes. But it's not the same for everyone. Each woman is different in how breastfeeding has an influence when Aunt Flo decides to visit again.
Periods Taking a Break During Breastfeeding
Some moms might find breastfeeding puts a stop to their periods. Thanks to prolactin, the hormone that makes milk, it often blocks the hormones that make you ovulate and have a period. That's the main reason plenty of women don't get their periods when they're breastfeeding in the first few months.
Here's the scoop on why it happens: When you breastfeed more and more, your body pumps out extra prolactin, which has an influence on keeping your period away. The whole no-period thing can stick around for quite a few months, or even more, and it all depends on how much you're breastfeeding and how your body handles the hormone switch-up.
Some ladies might skip their periods when they're nursing, but others could have sporadic cycles while they do it. In these women, periods might pop back up without warning or come across as super heavy or maybe not so much.
Menstruation While Breastfeeding
Lots of moms keep nursing their babies even when they start having periods again. It's fine to nurse during your period; it won't hurt the little one. But, some moms might see the amount of milk they produce to dip or its taste to be a bit off when they're on their period.
When you're having your period, your body is going through hormone changes. These changes have an influence on the milk you make and how it's made up. That's why some moms might find less milk coming out or their babies acting a bit different when they feed during that time of the month.
Getting your period back while you're nursing your baby can bring up different feelings for moms. Some might be excited to see their cycle come back, but other moms might be a bit stressed about what it means for nursing their little one. Let's look at some things you might notice if your period's on its way back:
- The amount of milk you make might dip a bit right before or when you're on your period.
- Your child might get a tad more cranky or restless than usual because the milk tastes or feels different.
- That first period could be just a few spots or maybe more intense than what you're used to.
Getting Your Period 2 Months Into Feeding Your Baby with Breast Milk
Some moms might get their period while breastfeeding 2 months after having a baby. Not every woman goes through this. For a few, periods pop up pretty soon, maybe even during the early breastfeeding days, but for others, it may take more time before they start again.
Why this happens: If you're mixing breastfeeding with formula or aren't breastfeeding as much, your body might get the go-ahead to start periods again. The return of your period depends on various factors, such as your breastfeeding habits and the hormonal changes occurring in your body.
Summing up
Breastfeeding and periods are just two of those routine body things and, yes, they can mix it up in all sorts of ways. While some women don't get their period at all when they're breastfeeding, others might not even get them when expected. But, just so you know, breastfeeding isn’t gonna mess with your cycle, and having your period doesn’t mean you need to stop breastfeeding or anything. If weird stuff is going on with your cycle or with breastfeeding, check with your doctor to make sure everything is okay!
