Breastfeeding and your period!

Lauren - posted on 11/30/2012

That's normal cauz your still breastfeeding. My sons 4 months now and I'm breastfeeding him 5-6 times a day plus formula feeding and I still havn't got my periods yet. It's great not having them !

Jese - posted on 01/18/2010

Yes, it's normal, but don NOT use breasfeeding EVER as a form of *replacement* for birth conrtrol. I had a cousin who swore by this, thru mis-guided midwife, no less) and has two children now, 13 months apart in age :-)

You're not having your period due to hormones being release from Nursing, btw.



Also, CONGRATULATIONS* for having nursed as long as you have!

I nursed both of my eldest daughters *exclusively* on demand until the age of 9 months; and no pacifiers, ever.

Never had my period until after I stopped and put them on a cup.



After my twins were born, when older children were 11 and 14, I had to have Hyserectomy when twins were 5 months old due to Fibroid Cysts attached to outside wall of uterus, and Flo NOT *ever* stopping (runs in the family).



And so it was, Bye-bye to 'Flo'....forever!

Yes Virginia, there IS a God!

Caryl - posted on 01/16/2010

I did some research on this as I managed to go without a period for 27 months! Bliss! (9 months of pregnancy and 18 months of breastfeeding). Apparently its the feeding in the early hours of the morning that keeps the periods at bay. But I tell you mother nature is getting her own back now as the first period was worse than labor!

Stefanie - posted on 01/15/2010

i usually didn't start again until my kids slept through the night. between a year to 18 months. it is quite nice to be honest:)

Loretta - posted on 01/15/2010

It is normal try yo relax sometime being stress can cause this for some women

Amy - posted on 01/15/2010

Hi! I'd have to say yes it is. It's different for everybody, but particularly if you're exclusively breastfeeding it is very common. I have a 19 month old (who I am just starting to wean) and I only got my period back about six weeks ago (I've had two small ones now). Just be careful though - while in theory breastfeeding is an effective contraceptive, this too varies depending on the person. (You do not need to be having a period to be ovulating so I know a few people who became pregnant despite not having their periods yet - one is now the proud mother of two babies under one!)

Brooke - posted on 01/14/2010

It's totally normal, I didn't have my period until I stopped breastfeeding.

D'lynn - posted on 01/14/2010

Totally normal, I didn't have a period for a year while I was breastfeeding both of my boys. I think how fast comes back just despends on you. I wouldn't worry.

Alexandra - posted on 01/14/2010

Actually, Linda, there are some birth control methods that are safe and doctor-recommended while breastfeeding. I, for instance, am on the mini pill and have been since my 6 week postpartum appointment. It is safe and effective and does not cause any problems with your milk supply or your baby getting hormones from it. You can definitely get pregnant while breastfeeding, so if you don't use some sort of birth control, you are pretty much asking to get pregnant again.

Moira - posted on 01/14/2010

hi there my little one is 9 mths past on 31st was exclusively breastfed until 5 and a half months when i introduced solids tho she has had bottles of expressed milk from 2 weeks old as i went back to work when she was a month. she is still breastfed alongside 3 solid meals a day and i've just had my second period since she was born first one being a month ago! relax and enjoy being period free!

Moira - posted on 01/14/2010

hi there my little one is 9 mths past on 31st was exclusively breastfed until 5 and a half months when i introduced solids tho she has had bottles of expressed milk from 2 weeks old as i went back to work when she was a month. she is still breastfed alongside 3 solid meals a day and i've just had my second period since she was born first one being a month ago! relax and enjoy being period free!

Cristen - posted on 01/14/2010

I exclusively breast-fed both of my children for the first 6 months, and continued to breast feed each of them for 3 years each. I never resumed my cycles until they were almost 2 years old - for both of them. So, including pregnancies, about 5-1/2 years period-free!

Sara - posted on 01/14/2010

hi there, my name is Sara and i have 2 little girls, it was the exact same thing for me with both my girls while i was breastfeeding. more so with my second as i nursed her longer, almost a complete year, it was wonderful. but be careful to all moms who start weening and are not using some kind of birth control. funny story here, we always wanted our kids close together so never prevented anything, but once i stopped nursing my first daughter i only had stopped for 3 months and was pregnant again, she was only 9 months old at the time, so just watch that part

Laura - posted on 01/14/2010

You all are very lucky! I was looking forward to not having a period when my son was born. Even though I exclusively breastfed him I started my period 6 weeks after he was born! I went to the doc to find out what was wrong and he just said that happens sometimes! I was especially bummed because I bled for 4 weeks after his birth. So, I only had a 2 week break before starting my cycle again. But, hey, my son was worth it! :)

Elaine J - posted on 01/14/2010

Hi Jen... My daughter Mia Faith is 2yrs n 2 months n she is still breastfed.. i did nt hv my period fr at least 18months..so u hv gt nothin to worry abt..its v normal nt to hv ur period when u r exclusively breastfeeding...

Beth - posted on 01/13/2010

It is very normal. But you do need to be thinking about some form of birth control...although for the women a baby makes you so tired it is a form for us! LOL. You can get pregnant while breastfeeding and even if you don't have a period, you can ovulate. I did spot every once in a while but I didn't have one until several months after breastfeeding. The closer I got to weaning, the more spotting I did. With my four children, it was all different. One I weaned at 15 months (trust me, the boy wouldn't wean like my girls) and I had the period four months after weaning. It's all good with you and what a pretty baby!!!! I have been in the past a new mom/baby nurse out to the homes, and now a high risk infant and children nurse so a little of expertise. If you have any questions call your Dr. especially with the birth control, if it is the oral kind, I am not sure why you are on them instead of another form or two of birthcontrol (condom and foam or a diaphram other than the hormonal)

Jan - posted on 01/13/2010

I breast fed all 5 of my sons No periods from the first to the last but got pg anyway. My concern is that you are on birth control, is that safe for your baby?

Sara - posted on 01/13/2010

It is completely normal for a breastfeeding mom not to have a cycle. My daughter is 7 months and she only gets breast milk and i have yet is have a cycle. The hormones your body is producing to make your milk is telling your body that you don't need to menstruate. Don't worry too much about it.

Jolene - posted on 01/13/2010

My sister in law never had a period as long as she was breast feeding at all. (One year)
I, on the other hand had one 4 weeks after the 6 week check up. And continued regularly even though my kids were just on breast milk.

Martha - posted on 01/13/2010

Yes, it is normal. The breastfeeding does affect your monthly cycle; it will most likely become more normal when Mia Bella is weaned.

Linda - posted on 01/13/2010

You're taking birth control AND breastfeeding? I breastfed my 2 sons and 2 daughters and never took birthcontrol will doing so. Ck. with your doc on that - the baby is getting the hormones through your milk I'm sure and that isn't good. I breast fed our twins daughters only 6 wks. but our 2 sons 18 mos and 13 mos respectively. No period while exclusively breastfeeding is very NORMAL. No pacifier as you're doing is wise. Less confusion. My concern is the birthcontrol while breastfeeding. ck. with your doc immediately.

Alexandra - posted on 01/13/2010

I would not worry about it. It is normal for many women to not get their period until either a)they introduce solids or b)they wean baby off breast milk.

I have not gotten my period yet either and my son will be 5 months on the 23rd. He even gets some bottles at daycare or if my parents or husband watch him at home and some of the bottles are breast milk and some are formula. I would say he is 90% breastfed, though. He gets pacifiers as well (just for naps and sometimes car rides) and he has started rice cereal and one vegetable.

Ambrosia - posted on 01/13/2010

Totally normal. I'm at six months and still no monthly visitor. I got a bit paranoid around 3 months and took a pregnancy test too, but since then I've talked to many of my other mom friends who have breast fed and they all tell me that they got theirs back anywhere between 2 months after they had their babies at the earliest and 13 months later at the latest.

Sharon - posted on 01/12/2010

Yes it is very normal. Breastfeeding can delay menstruation and ovulation for around 20 weeks or more, however it is not uncommon to find your period returning sooner or much longer than 20 weeks.

Every woman and her hormone levels are very unique, so it's difficult to say when a period will recommence after childbirth. Some women find their period will return the very next month following birth and at the other end of the scale, some women won't have menstruated until well after twelve months. I breastfed all of my babies for 2 years and my cycle began at different times with each. No two are alilke. So don't fret, and if you have any questions I would recommend you contact your local nursing mothers association. I found them so helpful with questions relating to breastfeeding and in so many other ways.

Deb - posted on 01/12/2010

I have heard of this happening....my Mum was breastfeeding when she fell pregnant with me she was 3months pregnant before she realised!

Laura - posted on 01/12/2010

Absolutely normal! Most women don't have a period while nursing. However this doesn't mean that you aren't ovulating so you can still get pregnant, even though the chances are slim. I nurse also, my daughter is 8 months and I haven't started my period again. On the flip side, I nursed my oldest for a full year and had my period when she was 6 weeks old. Don't worry about it, you are completely normal!

Anne - posted on 01/12/2010

I have 3 boys and breast fed them all only had one period in a 5 year span. Although, getting pregnant while breast feeding is rare, I managed to get pregnant as soon as my milk dried up twice. Women tend to be very fertile when they wean the baby.

Jennifer - posted on 01/12/2010

Yes I am on depo and before I got preg w my son I ddnt have my period for a whole year while I was on it! So I think that has alot to do with it also!!

April - posted on 01/12/2010

I didn't have one the entire time I breast fed ... the doctor said it's because you don't ovulate while breast feeding so you don't have a period. Nothing to worry about!

Kry - posted on 01/12/2010

Breastfeeding has been view as a form of birth control in the past. I personally don't rely on it but if you are regularly breastfeeding it should be telling your body not to release an egg because of all the hormones it releases. You can be period free as long as you breastfeed regularly if you are one of the lucky ones. It all depends on your body. Enjoy it! :) It's competel normal.

Ashley - posted on 01/12/2010

It also depends on the birth control you use, i use the depo shot and i don't get periods at all on that.

Corie - posted on 01/12/2010

It's totally normal for me! I have three kids and I never have my period until after I'm done nursing (at one year). And I'm never on any kind of birth control.

I say...ENJOY IT while it lasts!!! :)

Melanie - posted on 01/12/2010

I breastfeed my daughter until she was one and i didnt get my period that whole time it only started back up about a month after my milk dried up

Carolee - posted on 01/12/2010

I didn't get my period until my son was almost completely weaned. It's absolutely normal. Just keep taking your birth control as usual, and you should have nothing to worry about.

Robin - posted on 01/12/2010

normal

Geethu - posted on 01/12/2010

Hi Jennifer,
It is quite normal to not get periods while you are breastfeeding your child. My son has just turned one i have also breast feeding infact still doing so want to wean him off.I got my period two months ago so don't worry.

Sandy - posted on 01/12/2010

I also breastfed my daughter and only started supplimenting food gradually starting at 5 months. I didn't get my period until she was 10 months old even though she was eating 2 meals a day by then and breastfeeding 3-4 times a day. I loved it! There's nothing wrong with you. Enjoy the freedom of no period while it lasts!

Kai - posted on 01/12/2010

Yes, this is normal. People used to nurse their babies for 2 years in some countries as a form of birth control. not 100% but it helps.

Christine - posted on 01/12/2010

Hi Jennifer, My dau is 1 yr old and I breast fed for the first 7 months. I did not get my period until 2 months after I stopped breast feeding so I think it's completely normal.
You still can get pg while breastfeeding, but if you are on birth control like micronor you should be fine. If you are worried I would call your doctor but it does sound normal

Brigitte - posted on 01/12/2010

Hi!
Don't worry, that's normal. My son was 9 months by the time I got my period again.
Enjoy while it lasts ;-)

Melissa - posted on 01/12/2010

I breastfed my son until he was 15 months old and I did not get my period until a month after I stopped nursing him. It is normal so no worries. Also, when you breastfeed, you burn 500 calories a day just from that!!!

Tiffany - posted on 01/12/2010

Also when breastfeeding the contraction of your uterus will help you to loose your pregnant weight. I was 25lbs heiver than normal when i went into labor, and 4 1/2 weeks after the birth of my son i was back to my normal size if not a little smaller. Also it helps reduce the chance of stretch marks since you gain weight rapidly in the last month, if you drop it sort of as quick as you gained it your skin hasn't the time to stretch.

Tiffany - posted on 01/12/2010

My son is now 2, he was breastfed exclusive until he was 8 1/2 months old, then he decided to wien him self. But I still havent had a cycle. I to have not shown any signs of pregnancy. Took numerous test as well. I would talk to your doctor, but mine said that as long as i was breast feeding that was normal. however u should still excersise precautionary birth control measures if you dont want another child right away.My doctor said an egg could be released at anytime since i hadnt had a cycle theirfore u could get pregnant and not know u were about to have a cycle.

Renae - posted on 01/12/2010

Quoting jessica :

Quoting Jennifer:

Yes thanks! I do not miss it One bit..but would certainly like to be in the know of what's going on with my body! In that case I'll breastfeed til I hit menopause! Haha if only huh?

oh yea i forgot to mention in my post my doc told me that the reason the period stops is because the stimulation of the breast feeding causes your uteres to contract

Yes while your uterus is shrinking back down to size it does contract while you are feeding. But yours will be back to normal size now.

Like the other mums have said, most people do not ovulate (and therefore do not have a period)while they are breastfeeding due to the hormones that the body produces when making milk. This is also the reason why most people have a low sex drive when breast feeding. Some women do get a period sometime after 6 months even if they are still breastfeeding but most do not get a period until they stop or reduce the feeding.

Emma - posted on 01/12/2010

it is normal when breastfeeding to not get a period..... as soon as you stop breastfeeding your period will come back i have 2 boys and breastfed both and missed all my periods until i stopped and then they came back like clockwork so there is no need to worry it is normal

Kristen - posted on 01/12/2010

This is pretty normal ... although not guaranteed, usually while you are exclusively breast feeding, you get a break :) I enjoyed the benefit for almost 7 months!

Claire - posted on 01/12/2010

My son is 16 months old and I didnt get a period until he was 12 months. I have only had two since then and Im not pregnant so Id say it was normal. He's only on two feeds a day:)

Laura - posted on 01/12/2010

my daughter is 11 months old and still breast feeding. i haven't gotten my period at all but through out this past year i took a pregnancy test every month just to keep our minds at ease. its completely normal. my daughter eats other foods but still eats breast milk about the same as when she was new born, no more or less. so enjoy it while it last!!! we are weening next month and i am going to miss not having mine!!

Jessica - posted on 01/11/2010

Quoting Jennifer:

Yes thanks! I do not miss it One bit..but would certainly like to be in the know of what's going on with my body! In that case I'll breastfeed til I hit menopause! Haha if only huh?

oh yea i forgot to mention in my post my doc told me that the reason the period stops is because the stimulation of the breast feeding causes your uteres to contract

Jennifer - posted on 01/11/2010

Yes thanks! I do not miss it One bit..but would certainly like to be in the know of what's going on with my body! In that case I'll breastfeed til I hit menopause! Haha if only huh?