Periods & Breastfeeding: Complete Guide for New Moms

• Introduction
• Hormones and Breastfeeding: A Complex Relationship
• Missed Periods During Breastfeeding
• Does Period Affect Breastfeeding
• Factors Determining When Your Periods Will Return
• Irregular Period While Breastfeeding
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message from SuperBottoms

New or first-time mothers have many questions about the changes in their bodies after giving birth. The topmost concern is missed periods while breastfeeding. So, to ward off all these doubts surrounding breastfeeding and period, we have curated this complete guide on periods while breastfeeding.

First, you must know that if you have started nursing after birth, your periods will not return for several months. Some women may have no periods when nursing, while others may call it irregular. However, breastfeeding is known to cause delays in periods. To learn more about why and what makes that happen, continue reading this article!

Hormones and Breastfeeding: A Complex Relationship

As a parent, you want to provide healthy food for your kids; however, breast milk is the most important and safest nutrient for a newborn baby, which will help them in their growth and development. Just as hormones support your pregnancy, they are also responsible for breastfeeding. Hormones play a pivotal role in the intricate process of breastfeeding and period. The delicate balance of these chemical messengers is crucial for milk production, let-downs, and overall breastfeeding success.

1. Prolactin: Often referred to as the "milk-making hormone," prolactin stimulates breast milk production. Its levels rise significantly during pregnancy and continue to increase after childbirth, especially with frequent breastfeeding.

2. Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is responsible for the let-down reflex, which triggers milk release from the breast. It also plays a role in uterine contractions and bonding.

3. Estrogen and Progesterone: While these hormones decrease after childbirth, they continue to influence milk production and overall lactation.

4. Other Hormones: Cortisol, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones also contribute to the complex breastfeeding process.

Understanding the role of hormones can help you appreciate the incredible breastfeeding process and identify potential challenges.

Missed Periods During Breastfeeding

Prolactin, the primary hormone for breastfeeding, prevents menstruation and keeps the hormone level high so that you can nurse your baby for longer. The higher the prolactin hormone, the less you have to worry about increasing breast milk supply through other ways. On the other hand, when you stop breastfeeding your little one, your periods will most likely return to normal.

However, your baby will drink most of your breast milk during the first few months; therefore, make sure that you are prepared with all the breastfeeding and period essentials like nursing pads, stole-style nursing covers, Period Underwear, Cloth Pads, etc. Your 5-month-old baby's diet food chart will still have breast milk as an essential part. But if you introduce your little one to solid foods, the pituitary gland will sense the feeding has reduced. Thus, when prolactin levels go down, you will find your cycle to return to normal.

Does Period Affect Breastfeeding

Many mothers are concerned about their periods returning during breastfeeding. Understanding how these two processes interact is essential.

1. Hormonal Changes: The hormonal fluctuations associated with your menstrual cycle can influence milk supply and breastfeeding patterns.

2. Milk Supply: Some women may notice a slight decrease in milk supply during certain phases of their cycle, particularly around the time of their period.

4. Baby's Behavior: Hormonal changes in breast milk can sometimes affect a baby's feeding behaviour, leading to increased fussiness or changes in feeding patterns.

4. Comfort and Milk Transfer: Breast tenderness or discomfort during your period may impact breastfeeding comfort.

It's important to remember that individual experiences vary, and many women continue to breastfeed successfully while menstruating. Consult a lactation consultant if you have concerns about your milk supply or your baby's feeding behaviour.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are still breastfeeding your child and notice leaks, make sure you have your dry-feel nursing pads on because these five layers of organic padding absorb any milk that may leak during breastfeeding.

Factors Determining When Your Periods Will Return

Several factors influence the timing of your menstrual cycle's return after childbirth. Understanding these factors can help you manage your expectations.

1. Breastfeeding Frequency and Duration: Exclusive and frequent breastfeeding tends to delay the return of menstruation. As your baby's feeding patterns change, your cycle may resume.

2. Individual Variations: Every woman's body is unique, and the timing of menstrual return can vary significantly.

3. Hormonal Factors: Prolactin levels, which are elevated during breastfeeding, are crucial in suppressing ovulation and menstruation.

4. Other Factors: Stress, illness, and nutritional status can also influence the return of your period.

It's essential to remember that there's no definitive timeline for the return of your menstrual cycle after childbirth. Patience is key, and it's expected to experience fluctuations in your cycle during this period.

Irregular Period While Breastfeeding

Many women have irregular periods post-birth and if they are breastfeeding. Irregular periods mean your cycle is shorter or longer than the usual 28 days. However, missed periods while breastfeeding are not the only reason; irregular periods can be due to several health reasons, which you will have to discuss with your doctor, and they can rule out causes such as -

1. Uterine fibroids
2. Extreme weight loss
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
4. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Key Takeaways

1. Delays are Normal - Missed periods while breastfeeding is not a significant cause of concern because, as mentioned in the article above, the prolactin hormones cause the delay.

2. Ease Up on Breastfeeding - Ease up on breastfeeding, especially after the first years, and your baby will gain more nutrition from other foods. Your periods will be restored to the normal cycle.

3. Seek Professional Help - If you haven't been nursing your baby, you should have regular cycles soon after delivery. In such cases, if you experience irregular periods without even breastfeeding, immediately call your doctor.

FAQs

Q1 – Can breastfeeding cause delayed period?

Ans – Yes, breastfeeding can cause a delayed period. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, also suppresses ovulation, preventing an egg's release and delaying menstruation. The more frequently you breastfeed, the higher your prolactin levels, and the less likely you are to get your period.

However, it's important to note that not all breastfeeding mothers experience delayed periods, and individual variations exist.

Q2 - Can you get your period while breastfeeding?

Ans – Yes, you can get your period while breastfeeding. While it's less common, some women can experience their menstrual cycle while breastfeeding. The frequency and duration of breastfeeding and individual hormonal factors play a role in determining when your period returns. Would you like to know more about how breastfeeding can affect your menstrual cycle?

Q3 - Does Breastfeeding Affect My Milk Supply?

Ans - While hormonal changes during your period might cause slight fluctuations in milk supply, they typically don't significantly impact your ability to breastfeed.

Message From SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! No matter where you are around the world or in India, SuperBottoms ensures your kids are using the best and safest products. SuperBottoms offers the best cloth diapers, which are completely safe and gentle for your baby, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, padded underwear for potty training your kids, and period underwear for women. These products suit your baby delicate skin at any time of year. SuperBottoms is a must-have product for you and your child whether you live in Canada, Kuwait, the United States, Qatar, Hawaii, Bahrain, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, or the Philippines. SuperBottoms products are also available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.

Reference Links

1. Spotting While Breast-Feeding: Is This Normal?
2. Predictors of puerperal menstruation - PMC