Menstruation while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is known to delay the return of a woman’s ovulation. Breastfeeding mothers can experience varied degrees of menstrual suppression. Some could go for weeks to months and even years without even the slightest sign of menstrual periods. The return of these periods is often affected by several factors. It is said that the decrease of the stimulation of the mother’s breasts especially at night can prompt the start of the woman’s ovulation and thus the occurrence of menstruation.

Bleeding immediately after giving birth

All women will experience bleeding immediately after giving birth. Even those who have undergone through a caesarian section delivery instead of a normal one still experience this. Postpartum bleeding however is not considered as a menstrual period. Some mothers have to completely wean their babies before an actual sign of menstrual bleeding appears.

Shorter or longer duration of menstrual periods

When menstruation does return, it may still take some time before they become regular. It is quite normal to have shorter or longer duration of menstrual periods while you are breastfeeding. You will also be having occasional skipping of periods for several months. The duration of these occurrences may vary though. One can’t expect them to be the same for all women.

Fertile upon the return of her periods?

It is wise for a couple to consider the woman as fertile upon the return of her periods. They could take extra precautions to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy if they wanted to. Some women however, do get pregnant even before the resumption of their monthly period. It is safer then not to rely on breastfeeding as a form of contraception.

Continuing breastfeeding when your period returns?

You would not have to discontinue breastfeeding your baby upon the return of your monthly periods. Contrary to what other women believed, breast milk will not taste differently nor will its nutritional value change in any way when you are menstruating. There are reported cases that a slight decrease in the mother’s milk production and supply occur in days when she has her periods. Experts said that this is only due to the change of hormonal levels in a woman’s body. Once the period subsides, hormone levels will then return to normal and so will be the milk production and supply.

Decrease of milk supply

The sudden decrease of milk supply can be addressed by much frequent breastfeeding sessions with your baby to stimulate the production of breast milk. You may have to nurse your baby as often as at least every 2 hours each day and every 3 hours at night time. You have to be doing this even if it means you will have to disturb your baby’s sleep for a while.

Return of ovulation

Along with the return of ovulation comes a common problem most breastfeeding women complain about and that is nipple tenderness. These normally occur before, during, or after menstrual periods. Nipple tenderness makes it quite difficult for mothers to breastfeed their babies. Doing so brings so much uneasiness and discomfort that they would end up refusing to breastfeed their babies which often causes the child to be left hungry or unsatisfied.

Women could apply a hot compress on their breasts to relieve soreness before breastfeeding. Allowing the nipple to dry after every feeding may also help as soreness can worsen if it is left wet.