Spotting and Missed periods while breastfeeding: Is it normal?

If you’re a new mom, it’s a known fact that you will not get your periods while breastfeeding for some time. This happens because the hormones that facilitate breastmilk production are also responsible for obstructing menstruation and ovulation, which is why you don’t get your periods. It is also the reason why women who are breastfeeding are less likely to conceive, although there is a possibility.

It is a known and expected fact to not have periods while breastfeeding. But what if you start menstruating and then have missed periods while you’re still breastfeeding? Know that it is okay and normal in both instances.

Each woman’s body is different and there are many factors at play. Irregularities in menstrual cycle, spotting and missed periods while breastfeeding are all common issues that many women face after giving birth and they’re all completely okay. Let’s explore

• Why do you get irregular periods while breastfeeding?
• Will my period be different if I’m breastfeeding?
• Your First Period After Pregnancy
• Irregular periods during breastfeeding: When to be concerned?

The hormones that benefited you during your pregnancy also help in your breastfeeding journey. Prolactin is the key hormone responsible for the production of breastmilk. It is produced by the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain.

Breastfeeding keeps these hormone levels high, so the longer you nurse, the more likely it is that you will experience a light period, or no period at all. On the flip side, as you wean your baby off of breast milk, your periods will likely return relatively quickly.

Your baby will drink the most breast milk during the first few months of their life. However, as your baby starts eating solid foods and needs less milk, the pituitary gland will sense this feeding change and produce less prolactin. As prolactin levels reduce, you might find that your cycle is returning to normalcy, despite the fact that you’re technically still breastfeeding.

If you’ve begun menstruating while you’re breastfeeding, it’s likely that your periods will be a bit different compared to your periods before you had your baby. It may not be as regular or consistent.

Another important thing to note is that regardless of whether your periods were consistent or not before you had your baby, when you menstruate while breastfeeding, your periods could be longer, shorter, with heavier flow, lesser flow, or you may even miss it at times. Having said that, each woman is different and will have varied experiences.

You may notice certain symptoms such as irritability or moodiness when your period approaches. During ovulation or in the days before your periods you may experience nipple tenderness. All of the symptoms associated with your periods as well as its consistency and flow will be affected by how frequently you breastfeed and the effect it has on your hormones.

Does your period affect the supply of your breastmilk? Yes, to an extent, you will experience a decrease in your milk supply typically 2-4 days before your period and maybe the first couple of days after your period starts. Another less common possibility is that some may notice a slight decrease in their milk production from the time they ovulate till their period arrives. This fluctuation in supply is due to the changes in hormone levels.

If you’re wondering when to expect your first period after childbirth, it all depends on your breastfeeding. Even then, different women have different experiences since no two women have the same menstrual cycles, symptoms etc. You may get your first proper period as early as six weeks after giving birth.

Typically, if you don't breastfeed, for whatever reason, you can expect your periods to begin within three months. However, the time frame can vary largely from one woman to another. You could hold off your period longer by breastfeeding. However, it is still possible to get your period back right away even though you breastfeed.

The following are situations wherein you are more likely to get your period back sooner:

• If you choose not to breastfeed
• If you breastfeed, but not exclusively
• If you use a breast pump for some feedings
• If your baby starts sleeping through the night. Once that happens, they won’t need to feed as often during the night. This will reduce the number of feedings.
• If you’ve begun weaning your child and feeding solid foods.

Irrespective of when you get your periods, it is better to stay prepared at all times. Keep a pack of Always sanitary pads with you. Since you won’t know what to expect, it is best to go for the Always Maxi Thick Pads that are designed with an innovative extra-absorbent core. This enables you to stay protected for hours at a stretch. The comfortable flexi pillow and dry top sheet provide extra comfort so that you stay protected and fresh all day long.

For those who prefer using tampons, it is recommended that you consult your doctor and discuss when is the best time to start using tampons again.

Typically, an irregular cycle is when your menstrual cycle is either shorter or longer than the usual 28 days. And having irregular periods during breastfeeding makes it very likely that the two are connected.

However, it is important to note, that there are many other factors that could affect your menstrual cycle, even when you’re nursing. So, if you experience spotting or missed periods while breastfeeding and draw a conclusion that nursing your baby is why you’re having delayed or irregular periods, you may want to take a closer look at other symptoms such as spotting, heavier than normal bleeding or lengthy cycles. And if these symptoms are accompanied by missed periods, then we suggest you consult a doctor.

If you notice anything that seems odd or feels out of place, it is best to consult a doctor. This is just a precautionary step so that your doctor can exempt other causes or conditions, such as:

• Ovarian cysts or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Extreme weight loss
• Uterine fibroids (noncancerous cells on the uterus)

If you experience severe pain or if you have heavy spotting between periods, you must call a doctor right away.

Takeaway
Getting your periods back right away, or experiencing spotting, irregular periods, or missed period while breastfeeding – all of these are normal and fine. What you should be mindful about is if you notice any alarming signs such as extreme pain, bleeding or any symptom that seems off. Trust your instincts and see a doctor if you notice anything amiss. More often than not, it may be harmless but it’s always better to take precautions.

Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator.

Curious about the signs ovulation is over? Our guide offers clear insights to help you understand your cycle better.

FAQs

Prolactin is the key hormone responsible for the production of breastmilk. It’s produced by the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. Breastfeeding keeps these hormone levels high, so the longer you nurse, the more likely you will experience a light period, spotting or no period at all. In case you begin menstruating, it’s possible to even have missed periods while breastfeeding.

If you begin menstruating again after you’ve had a baby, you may experience spotting or irregular periods during breastfeeding and wonder what's going on. It's completely normal to have inconsistent cycles when you're breastfeeding your baby.

Yes, it’s true. There is a connection between breastfeeding and periods. You will experience a decrease in your milk supply typically 2-4 days before your period and maybe the first couple of days after your period starts. Another common possibility is that some may notice a slight decrease in the milk production from the time you ovulate till your period arrives. This fluctuation in supply is due to the changes in hormone levels.

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