Started Period While Still Breastfeeding

It certainly CAN happen. Everyon'e cycle is different and it depends also on the frequency and amount that you're breastfeeding. Some moms, even when they exclusively bf on demand, get their period back early. And some of us go 15-16 months without it. It's highly variable. You'll want to make sure you're using some birth control if you don't want to get pregnant again. Once your cycles start up that potential exists.

Hi A.,

I bf'd my 2nd daughter & got a "weird" period around 7 months and was on the mini pill. So imagine the surprise when I found out I was pregnant with #3!! Beware of the mini pill, you aren't entirely safe on it.

C.

It depends on how often you are breastfeeding. If you have recently started supplementing or introduced solids, that is probably enoigh to reduce your hormones enough for your cycle to return.

If none of that is true then you may just be one of the few who returns to cycles quickly. Remember that while your period may be irregular (and probably will be for awhile), you are fertile so be careful, or not, as you desire;)

Yes, very normal. There really is no set rule. I too started my period after about 4 months. And although he is on solid food, I am still breastfeeding.

yes i started a reg periods when my dd was about 6-8 weeks old and she was only breastfed NO formula i was disappointed that i didn't get a longer break

Yup, I started my period when my son was about 8 months old! I was hoping for a little while longer without it, but oh well! My friend didn't get hers until about 5-6 months after she was done nursing! I guess it just all depends, another one of the unknowns I guess :)

While breastfeeding exclusively I got my period a month after giving birth and regularly thereafter.

Hi A.,
Its a nasty trick mother nature plays on us, isn't it?? I BFed both of my children and with my first, I got my period within 3 or 4 months and with my 2nd, it was just about a year.

Everyone is different.

I hope its not too bad for you.
B.

I am so sorry I was the same way and sometimes it just is..sad for us.. I got back on BC (continous low dose) so i can space my children out giggle and have not had one since..

I started my period only 7 weeks postpartum and was exclusively breastfeeding on demand.

There's one breastfeeding myth you've found to be false.

Here's another one that you shouldn't buy into completely - "You can't get pregnant while breastfeeding". While the chances of this are very, very low it still can happen. Don't depend on breastfeeding to be a 100% birth control guarantee, either.

A.,
I exclusively breastfeed my son and at 8 weeks post-partum I got my first period. I thought it might be an anovulatory fluke, but sure enough, 30 days later I got another one. I was really hoping for no periods for a while, but everybody's body is different and your cycle can return at any time. My son is almost 5 months old and I have had regular periods for 3 cycles now, with some spotting in between. It sure sucks!! But oh well, without periods there would be no babies!!! Hope this helps,
T.

I started my period after 8 months while bf my 1st and got preg. with #2. We were happy about it and now have 4 beautiful children but if you aren't ready for #3 be careful!
Beth

A.:

as has been said, this is normal.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solitions

It is normal. I had this happen to me after 4-5 months. Typically if you are nursing (no supplementing at all) you will not have your period - but this isn't always the case. Also, just because you don't get your period doesn't mean you can't get pregnant either. Good luck and congrats!

That's funny, because noone had ever told me that I wouldn't have a period while I breastfed, and when I found out I was so mad because I DID have a period the whole time!!! It wasn't regular, maybe a week earlier one month, a week later another month, but I definitely had it!