Nursing and menstrual cycle
Laura Schneider
2026-03-18
3 min. read
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Nursing and menstrual cycle are a dependence that develops individually. The wait time for the first menstrual period after birth is dependent on both the body of the woman who is nursing as well as the length and frequency of nursing. It is not possible to definitively determine when the menstrual cycle will return, but certain time frames can be indicated.
Is there any connection between lactation and menstrual cycle?
What exactly is the connection between the menstrual cycle and lactation? Initiating lactation is equivalent to a high level of prolactin in a woman's body. It is the hormone responsible for the appearance of milk in the breasts and also for the suppression of ovulation, as a result of which menstruation is stopped. However, this does not mean that the cycle during breastfeeding is impossible, it can occur at any time. A new mother can expect her cycle after the postpartum period, which is 6-8 weeks after childbirth, as well as only after the end of breastfeeding, which is 14 months. It is assumed that women who breastfeed their babies and also give them modified milk or only choose the latter may start menstruating earlier, between the 5th and 8th week after delivery. This is because, when the baby does not suckle from the mother's breast, the prolactin level drops and, in accordance with the connection between breastfeeding and menstrual cycle, the latter appears faster. It is also important to know that the appearance of menstrual cycle and breastfeeding are in no way dependent on whether the delivery was natural or a cesarean section.
Is that really breastfeeding during menstruation – what does it look like?
Menstruation and breastfeeding – does menstruation affect lactation? During breastfeeding, it is important to know that menstruation does not affect the quantity or quality of the milk. Although babies may be less willing to drink milk at first, this condition goes away after a few days. It is caused by hormonal changes that affect the taste of milk. In addition, menstruation during breastfeeding can be irregular and go differently than before pregnancy. There may be symptoms characteristic of PMS, such as irritability, restlessness, and headaches, as well as sore nipples, which can make breastfeeding during menstruation slightly less comfortable.
Menstruation and breastfeeding from a professional's perspective
So, menstruation and breastfeeding – what an expert should know: avoid using tampons (if the birth was natural) – the better choice for cleanliness and safety are pads, especially at the beginning, when tampons can lead to irritation, do not worry about the dryness of the vagina – it will disappear with time, the return of the menstrual cycle, even during breastfeeding, is equivalent to a return of fertility – specialists advise against taking hormonal contraception.. They usually recommend the micro-pill, containing only progestin – it can be started 6 weeks after birth.. Tablets containing estrogen are introduced after 6 months.
Sensible advice for mom
Regarding menstruation and breastfeeding, remember to: not provide your child with other beverages and that the baby should become accustomed to suckling your breast and will be eager to do so, breastfeeding should take place at least 6 times a day, with a maximum of 4 hours a day and 6 hours at night, remember that the total, optimal feeding time during the day is 100 minutes. This way, you can help delay the onset of the period – regular feeding helps maintain a high level of prolactin. However, note that this is not a certainty, and the functioning of each body is an individual matter.
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