Transitioning into motherhood brings a cascade of changes, not just to your daily routine, but to your body as well.
Breastfeeding your baby is one of the first things you'll need to wrap your head around as a new mum, and if it wasn't tricky enough, the return of your period can make things even more complicated.
Can I get my period while breastfeeding?
There is a common myth that you can't get your period while breastfeeding.
You certainly can, but it's nothing to worry about. Understanding how breastfeeding impacts your menstrual cycle — and vice versa — can help you navigate this period (pun intended) with more confidence and less worry.
The impact of breastfeeding on menstruation
Breastfeeding can delay the return of your menstrual cycle due to hormone changes in the body.
Following your baby's birth, your body starts producing prolactin for breastfeeding.
This hormone is responsible for milk production, but it also suppresses oestrogen and progesterone levels associated with regulating menstruation. Lower levels of these hormones mean less likelihood of menstruation [1].
The reality of lactational amenorrhea
The period during which you do not menstruate due to breastfeeding is known as lactation amenorrhea [2]. For many women, this can last throughout the period of exclusive breastfeeding.
However, it's crucial to understand that the return of menstruation can vary widely. Some mothers may see their periods return within a few months of birth, even while breastfeeding.
This is especially true when the baby's breastfeeding pattern changes. This could be because the baby starts sleeping through the night, and nighttime feeding decreases, or the baby starts solid foods [3].
It could also occur if breastfeeding decreases because the mother is supplementing with milk formulas. Essentially, the less you are breastfeeding, the more likely it is your period will return.
When will my period return after giving birth?
After the joy (exhaustion and pain) of childbirth, your body begins a process of recovery and adjustment.
One aspect of this adjustment is the return of your menstrual cycle, but as mentioned, the timing varies.
For exclusively breastfeeding mothers, menstruation may take longer to return, due to the impact of the aforementioned hormones on the ovulation cycle [4].
The result of these breastfeeding hormones means that many breastfeeding mothers may not have their first postpartum period for several months. It's normal for the menstrual cycle to be suspended for 6 months or even longer in some cases [5].
If you bottle feed your baby with formula, however, your period could return as quickly as 6-12 weeks postpartum [6].
What will my first period after birth be like?
After the arrival of your little one, your body embarks on a journey back to its pre-pregnancy state. This means at some point, you're going to get your period.
There are a few things to know about your first post-partum period.
Timing and variability
The timing of your period's return will vary depending on whether you're breastfeeding or not, and due to fluctuating hormones in your body, it may take a while for your period to be predictable.
What you can be sure of, is it will probably be a little different to begin with.
Flow and duration
You may notice your period is heavier, and many women report it lasts longer than their pre-pregnancy menstrual cycles.
This is because the uterine lining is thicker following pregnancy, resulting in a heavier, longer period often accompanied by more blood clots [7].
While a heavier flow is normal, it is important to monitor and continually consult with your doctor who can help you distinguish between a heavier flow and any post-pregnancy complications.
Cramps and discomfort
Cramping may also be more intense during your first few postpartum menstrual cycles. This is due to the uterus contracting as it sheds its lining.
If you had a cesarean delivery, these sensations may be even more acute [8].
Irregularity and hormonal fluctuations
It can take a few months until your period starts arriving "on schedule".
Breastfeeding mothers, in particular, might find that their periods come and go unpredictably, influenced by the frequency of nursing and changes in breastfeeding patterns.
Monitoring and managing your first cycles
Irregular periods are part of postpartum life, but it's a good idea to keep track of your initial cycles by using a menstrual diary or a tracking app to identify your cycle and any symptoms.
If your periods are exceptionally heavy, prolonged or accompanied by severe pain, talk to your doctor to rule out any postpartum complications or health issues that require attention.
Will my period affect my breast milk supply?
The menstrual cycle is governed by fluctuations in several hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone, which can influence breast milk production.
Just before and during your period, these hormonal changes can temporarily reduce your milk supply.
Peer-reviewed studies show that periods' effect on milk production is inconsistent across women [9].
However, when your milk production is impacted by your period, your baby can become fussier. This is because of changes in composition as well as supply [10].
Research shows insufficient milk supply is one of the most commonly provided reasons for stopping breastfeeding early. However, if you're able to, there are definite benefits in persevering with breastfeeding for women and their children.
Breast milk is designed to provide the best possible nutrition and immune protection for your baby. It contains antibodies that have immunoprotective benefits for a baby [11].
There is also the continuing connection between mother and baby that breastfeeding encourages.
3 tips for increasing your milk supply during your menstrual cycle
If you're concerned about the potential impact of your period on your breast milk supply, or you find your baby changing its feeding patterns while you are menstruating, there are proactive steps you can take to mitigate these effects.
- Increase nursing frequency. Breast milk production works on a supply-and-demand principle. To combat a temporary dip in supply, try nursing more frequently or pumping in addition to regular feedings [12].
- Drink plenty of water and stay well-nourished. Staying well hydrated and consuming a balanced diet can help support breast milk supply. Consider high-protein foods known to promote lactation, such as oats, almonds, red meat, and leafy greens [2].
- Consider supplements. Studies have shown that taking calcium and magnesium supplements mid-cycle can help minimise potential milk supply drops. Kin's Postnatal Vitamin is a great option, designed to support a multitude of physiological needs as you breastfeed, and help you meet your nutritional needs 6 months after birth and while breastfeeding.
However, always consult with a health professional before introducing supplements particularly if you're breastfeeding [15].
Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Now we've covered how your period can impact your milk supply, let's answer another sticky question: can you get pregnant while you're breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding affects fertility and is often seen as a natural form of contraception against becoming pregnant. However, it is important to understand how a new pregnancy is possible while breastfeeding. If you want to avoid becoming pregnant, here's what you need to know.
The role of lactational amenorrhea in contraception
The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) refers to the natural suppression of ovulation that occurs as a result of exclusive breastfeeding.
The World Health Organization notes that LAM is a natural form of birth control during the first 6 months after birth, provided the mother exclusively breastfeeds and does not have a period during this time [13].
However, this is only if certain circumstances are maintained. If they change the likelihood you can become pregnant skyrockets. Here are the 3 things that indicate the LAM is in place:
- The mother is exclusively breastfeeding, day and night, and has not started to bottle feed the baby with formula.
- The baby is less than 6 months old
- Your period has not returned
When these criteria are met, LAM can be up to 98% effective in preventing you from becoming pregnant. If any of these conditions change, particularly the return of your periods, the reliability of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method decreases significantly [13].
If you want to avoid pregnancy while you are nursing your new baby, you may want to consult with your doctor about formal birth control, like condoms and diaphragms, which do not affect breastfeeding and hormone levels.
Oral contraceptives, injections or IUDs that contain only progestin are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and do not typically impact milk supply. Non-hormonal IUDs provide long-term contraception without affecting breastfeeding.
They're your best insurance against becoming pregnant while you're still breastfeeding your baby.
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