Periods and Breastfeeding

This is a topic that is always a source of confusion for new moms and we rarely hear it spoken about in public. So, how can breastfeeding impact your period or visa versa...

👀 After delivery, you can bleed for up to 6 weeks which is normal. However, this is not considered a period but called post partum bleeding or lochia.

😏 Some breastfeeding mothers can get their period back after 6 weeks, some after a few months and others not until they stop breastfeeding for good.

💜 Remember breastfeeding does not give you 100% protection against conception. Just because your not having a period does not mean you are not fertile.... Take care 😉

👶 If you are exclusively breastfeeding with no long gaps between feeds, no bottle introduced and baby is under 6 months and lots of contact with baby, Baby wearing / bed sharing then it's unlikely you will conceive but not guaranteed!

🩸When your period does return it may be different from before. Women who use to have terrible period pains before may have none now. Others may have bad pains after and never have experienced this before. Some have a lighter flow after whereas others experience heavier. In essence, it may not be the same as before you had the baby!!

💜 It can take time to regulate again. It may take a few cycles before it does.

👉 Some women may experience a dip in #breastmilk supply mid cycle to the time of their period. It’s not hugely significant drop in #breastmilk supply and it’s only temporary . Nevertheless it will bounce back within the first few days of your period.

👉 Keep breastfeeding with oodles of skin to skin

👉 Taking a daily dose of magnesium/ calcium supplement from mid cycle to the first 2/3 days may help minimise the dip.

👉 It’s not uncommon to experience some nipple tenderness few days before your period starts due to hormonal changes This tenderness may cause breastfeeding to be uncomfortable .Applying warm compresses and changing nursing positions may be helpful.

👉 The hormonal changes may cause #breastmilk to change in flavour.Less sweet and more salty. This make cause some baby fussing.

Have you found any of these applied to you? If you have not been in this position and you are reading ahead for future you, I hope you learned something new! Drop me a comment, I would love to hear from you!

I am here to support you on this journey, you can reach out to me for a consultation at any time by clicking below.