When the baby starts getting nutrition from external foods, the production of breast milk starts dwindling and leads to hormonal changes that restart your menstrual cycle. Similar changes are seen when mothers supplement their feeding with formula.
Often, co-sleeping mothers end up breastfeeding their babies in the middle of their sleep routines. This leads to an increase in the production of breast milk, which further delays periods. Carrying your baby close to make latching easy for him is another way you will end up breastfeeding your little munchkin often. This, in turn, delays periods. If you do happen to get your periods while you are breastfeeding, you must know that it is most probably because there is a decrease in the production of the prolactin hormone.
Wondering how else periods could affect breastfeeding? If you do get your period while breastfeeding, the chances are that you will not notice any difference. However, some women will notice a few changes, which include:.
Menstruation should not interrupt or stop breastfeeding. The change in hormones is normal, and within a few days, your body will adjust to the changes.
Nursing during your menstrual cycle will not pose any harm to your health or your baby. If you do notice a drop in the supply of breast milk, you must consult your doctor or a lactation specialist, who might recommend some natural supplements that could boost the milk production. When your baby is only dependent on breast milk, you may want to maintain or increase the supply of breast milk. In that case, your specialist might recommend some steps to delay your menstrual cycle.
Here are some ways of delaying your periods. Getting your periods after pregnancy while breastfeeding is a sign that your body has started to ovulate again. Every month, an egg is released by your ovaries, and your uterus thickens in preparation for pregnancy.
When the egg is not fertilised, the egg and the lining of the uterus is expelled. However, even if you do breastfeed, you could get your period back right away. You are more likely to get your period back sooner if:. When your period does return, it doesn't mean you have to wean your baby. Breastfeeding while you have your period is perfectly safe. It's not harmful to you or your child at all. Your breast milk is still healthy and nutritious for your baby.
However, hormone changes in the days leading up to your period can affect your breast milk and your baby's breastfeeding pattern for a few days. You may not notice any difference in breastfeeding when your period returns. And, even if there are some changes, your baby may not mind and continue to breastfeed as usual.
It's also possible that the return of your period can cause nipple tenderness, a dip in your breast milk supply, and for the taste of your breast milk to change.
For instance, research shows that the composition of breast milk changes around ovulation mid-cycle. So, the breast milk becomes saltier and less sweet during this time. Also around the time of ovulation and just before the start of your period, estrogen and progesterone levels change which can affect your breasts and your breast milk. When estrogen and progesterone levels go up, it can make your breasts feel full and tender. Higher estrogen levels can also interfere with milk production.
Studies also show that calcium levels in the blood go down after ovulation. It's not uncommon to experience sore nipples when you get your period. So, for a few days before your period starts, it may be a little uncomfortable to breastfeed. Here are some tips to help you deal with nipple tenderness. The decrease in your milk supply related to your period is usually temporary. You may notice the dip during the few days before your period arrives.
Then, once you get your period, your supply should begin to increase again as the hormones balance out. If your milk supply drops too low, it could be dangerous for your baby. So, you should also:. If your breast milk supply does go down to a point where your child is not getting enough, the pediatrician may recommend a supplement. The return of your period may not have any effect on your baby or your milk supply all.
Some infants continue to breastfeed well and without any issues. On the other hand, some infants will not like the taste of the breast milk or the drop in the amount of breast milk that can happen when your period returns.
Your baby may:. These changes in your baby's behavior should only last a few days. Then, your child should settle back into her regular breastfeeding routine. If you do not see any improvement in a few days, you should talk to your doctor. Keep in mind that prolactin is responsible for both milk production and pregnancy support. It can be difficult for the body to support both at the same time.
If you want to get pregnant at this time, talk to your doctor about your options. An irregular cycle really means that your cycle is either shorter or longer than the typical 28 days.
They will want to rule out other causes, such as:. You will definitely need to call a doctor right away if you experience any severe pain, or if you have heavy spotting between periods. Once you start to ease up on breast-feeding, especially after the first year as your baby gains more nutrition from foods, your periods will start to normalize again.
You might even get your next period four weeks after delivery. How late is too late for a period to come? We'll break down how to know if it's late or just not coming this month and some common reasons why. For most menstruating people, period cravings are just a part of life. Here's a look at why they happen, whether they're a sign of pregnancy, and how…. Anyone with a period may be looking for a sustainable way to manage menstruation.
Read on to see if a menstrual cup like the DivaCup is right for you. Fully breastfeeding means the baby relies completely on breastfeeding for nourishment and for all sucking needs. Frequent nursing inhibits the release of hormones that cause your body to begin the monthly preparations for a new pregnancy. You are more likely to ovulate and resume regular periods if your baby is going for more than a few hours without breastfeeding for instance, at night and your baby is more than 6 months old.
Weaning your baby will almost certainly cause your menstrual cycle to return, but most people find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to gradually resume. More information on this topic can be found at our resource page for Breastfeeding and Fertility. Once your baby is not nursing for several hours at a time during daytime or at night, it is possible that you will ovulate. Therefore, you could become pregnant.
If you suspect you are pregnant, you will want to check with your health care provider. Also, this would be a good time to consider a method of birth control that is compatible with breastfeeding unless another pregnancy is desired.
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