Menstruation and Breastfeeding

Many new mothers have questions about menstruation and breastfeeding. What is “normal?” The answer: Just about anything.

When Will Your Period Return?

The return of your period depends upon many factors: how frequently the child is breastfeeding, if the child is supplemented with bottles or other food, how long the baby is sleeping at night, and whether or not the mother has started taking birth control pills. Any time the stimulation to the breast is decreased (especially at night) menstruation will likely start very soon.

In my case, my period returned as soon as I switched from the mini-pill to my regular birth control pills with two of my children and when I introduced solids to my youngest. Each mom has a different body and a different situation.

Just Remember

Even before your period returns, you should consider yourself fertile and take precautions against pregnancy if desired. Some women consider their first period as their "warning period" that they are now capable of becoming pregnant. However, I know too many women who didn’t get a “warning” before becoming pregnant with their next child.

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