Menstruation After Breastfeeding
What Happens to Menstruation After Breastfeeding?
Many women experience odd bouts of menstruation after breastfeeding, but no two woman’s bodies will react the same. Some women experience spotting while breastfeeding and some women don’t experience menstruation at all until after the breastfeeding is over. Any women who are not experiencing menstrual cycles while they are breastfeeding are more than likely protected from pregnancy. These are great questions to ask your obstetrician or gynecologist.
Menstruation may occur when the feeding periods for baby are spaced out more, but it is more likely that regular menstruation after breastfeeding will occur. Some women take pride in the breastfeeding bond that they can create with their baby, so they are not likely to give it up. This breastfeeding routine is also beneficial for the mother as a natural contraceptive. Breastfeeding is also going to differ from one woman to another so, keep in mind that breastfeeding is no guarantee that you won’t get pregnant.
Menstruation after breastfeeding may kick in right away, or it may happen gradually as you begin to start the baby on solid foods to supplement their diet. Menstruation could still be delayed so it’s wise to watch for warning signs of your cycle. The reason menstruation is delayed while breastfeeding is because it’s the body’s internal switch to shut off ovulation, therefore no menstrual cycle. Menstruation after breastfeeding may also be delayed for up to a year depending on your body’s response. Because of this off and on feeding schedule the menstruation schedule will be bumpy and very rigid leaving you unsure of whether you will have a cycle or not.
The key to menstruation after breastfeeding is when you are able to stop feedings during the night. Once this happens, the hormones that induce a menstrual cycle will turn on and begin the process. The hormones that keep you ovulating to prevent periods are what keep your cycle shut off, so this is your queue to prepare for your cycles to start up again.
Once menstruation begins, this doesn’t mean that you have to stop breastfeeding. As mentioned previously, it is possible to have menstrual cycles while breastfeeding. However, this doesn’t affect the nutrition that your baby receives. Breastfeeding may certainly affect the production of your milk, but this does return to normal after your period is over. One thing to look for is your baby’s reaction to your milk. The milk may taste a little different during menstruation, but it isn’t likely that the baby will not feed altogether. Much like we react to something that tastes different, they will react the same way with a new flavor of breast milk. The changes aren’t drastic enough to prevent your baby from wanting to continue. They will just simply notice the change and move on.
Menstruation after breastfeeding is probably going to be rough. This first cycle is going to be an adjustment for your body, and especially while caring for a new baby. Menstruation after breastfeeding can be very painful. Cramping may be extremely severe or cramping will relatively normal. The first period is likely to be very heavy, but it could also be very light. There is really no way to predict what the first period will be like after you stop breast feeding but with all the physical and hormonal changes it can really throw you for a loop. Trying to care for a fussy baby while feeling bad isn’t always easy. Cramping alone is enough to put you out of commission, and not getting enough rest will make this harder. Breast soreness that accompanies breastfeeding will certainly diminish as time goes on once the breastfeeding stops altogether. The main point here is that there is not right or wrong answer because no two women are alike.