Introduction
After giving birth, mothers often face a lot of changes in their bodies. One of the things they may wonder about is when they will get their period again, especially if they are breastfeeding. Dealing with a menstrual cycle on top of breastfeeding can be challenging, but it is important to understand how the two are linked and how to navigate this period of time. In this article, we will explore the link between menstruation and breastfeeding, discuss when to expect your first period, and provide tips and advice on managing your menstrual cycle while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding and Menstruation: Understanding the Link
The hormone responsible for breastfeeding is called prolactin, and it can impact a woman’s menstrual cycle. When prolactin levels are high due to breastfeeding, it can inhibit the monthly menstrual cycle. This is because breastfeeding suppresses the production of the hormones responsible for menstruation – estrogen and progesterone – which are needed to make the uterine lining shed and a period to happen.
It is essential to note that while breastfeeding can be a means of natural birth control, it is not completely foolproof. The possibility of menstrual bleeding while breastfeeding is not eliminated entirely, and there is a chance of getting pregnant even without a period.
Postpartum Periods: How Breastfeeding Affects Your Cycle
Not every mother’s body works the same way, so it is difficult to say with certainty when one might expect to get their period after giving birth. For some, it may take weeks, while others may go several months without a period.
Factors like nursing frequency and baby’s age can impact your period. If you exclusively breastfeed without supplementing with formula, it can delay the return of your menstrual cycle, and this can last anywhere from a few months to over a year. As your infant starts to eat more solids and consume less breast milk, your prolactin levels may decrease, making it easier for your menstrual cycle to return. It is also worth noting that the return of a woman’s period post-childbirth could differ based on the mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean).
The Science Behind Postnatal Menstruation and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding hormone levels, combined with postpartum changes in a mother’s body, can result in a delay in the return of menstruation. For many women, anemia due to blood loss during delivery and the stress of taking care of a newborn can also impact the menstrual cycle. It is worth taking a moment to recognize that every woman’s body is unique, and it is normal for one to experience different periods of time to allow their menstrual cycle to return after giving birth.
When to Expect Your First Period After Delivery: Breastfeeding and Beyond
On average, most mothers can expect their first menstrual cycle after six months of breastfeeding. However, it is possible to resume menstruation as early as three months postpartum or even several months after discontinuing breastfeeding.
It is essential to track your menstrual cycle while breastfeeding. Even without a period, mothers should consider tracking their cervical mucus, basal body temperature, or using ovulation predictor kits to keep an eye on fertility. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common menstrual irregularities so that mothers can be early to spot them.
Navigating Your Menstrual Cycle while Breastfeeding: Tips and Advice
If you are looking to manage your menstrual cycle while breastfeeding, using a reliable form of birth control is crucial. Mothers can use non-hormonal birth control methods like condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs, or hormonal birth control options like progestin-only pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), and progestin-only implants, but these will require consultation with your doctor. It is essential to know the risks, benefits, and side effects before choosing any of the methods.
Irrespective of the chosen birth control method, it should be remembered that some common medications, such as antibiotics or St. John’s Wort, may impact the effectiveness of hormonal birth control options. Mothers should read up their medication labels or consult with their doctors about how their medications interact with their chosen birth controls.
The Truth About Menstruation During Breastfeeding: What to Expect
There are many common misconceptions about breastfeeding and menstruation. Some of the most common myths are that breastfeeding will prevent menstruation, allowing a mother to take a break from their periods for a while. However, as we’ve previously discussed, there’s a chance that mothers can still menstruate while breastfeeding.
Most women experience heavier or lighter menstruation compared to their pre-pregnancy periods. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers can experience more significant cramps, and periodic inconsistencies leading to more extended-term menstruation than non-nursing women. If any bleeding that is heavier than moderate or lasts longer than usual is experienced, it is imperative to inform your healthcare provider to rule out complications postpartum.
Breastfeeding, Ovulation, and Periods: What You Need to Know
It is essential to note that breastfeeding can affect ovulation, which is the process where your body releases an egg that can be fertilized by sperm. Because breastfeeding pauses ovulation in some women, they may worry about getting pregnant. Tracking cervical mucus, basal body temperature, or using ovulation predictor kits can help you to identify ovulation while breastfeeding.
If you want to conceive while breastfeeding, it may be difficult to know when you are ovulating unless you are tracking your menstrual cycle closely. Once menstruation returns, it is a sign that ovulation is taking place, and you can use that information to plan for pregnancy.
Conclusion
Understanding how breastfeeding impacts menstruation and how to navigate your menstrual cycle while nursing is crucial. It can be challenging to know when to expect your first period and what to expect from there on, but monitoring your cycle, seeking advice from your doctor, and using birth control are excellent tools to manage your menstrual cycle while breastfeeding.
For further information, mothers are encouraged to seek guidance from their healthcare providers, read books, discuss with other moms, and read more articles on the topic.
