Everything you need to know about menstruation as a breastfeeding mum.
Breastfeeding can affect your menstrual cycle, but did you know your periods can have an effect on breastfeeding, too?
Read on for answers to the most commonly asked questions about periods and breastfeeding.
Return of periods
Most breastfeeding women find they don’t have their period for many months after the birth of their baby. This is because breastfeeding hormones can stop you from ovulating (releasing an egg) each month.
The time it takes for a woman’s periods to return when she is breastfeeding can vary widely - from as early as 3 months after the birth to over 2 years. In Australia, the average is around 9 to 10 months.1
Your period may be more likely to return if:
- your baby starts to breastfeed less or for shorter times, especially if this is sudden
- you start offering formula top-ups
- your baby starts sleeping for longer or sleeping through the night
- your baby starts solids.
Changes to your cycle
When your periods do return, they may not be the same as before you were pregnant. Some women have longer, more painful or heavier periods after having a baby, while others find their periods improve. It is common for the first few periods to seem different (lighter, heavier, shorter, longer or irregular).
Many women find their period settles into a more normal pattern after a few months. However, some women find these changes persist after many cycles. Menstrual cycle changes are also common as a woman gets older. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about changes to your period.
Your period questions answered
It’s possible, but very unlikely if your baby is exclusively breastfed and under 6 months old.2
The return of your period is a sign of fertility. However, an egg can be released about two weeks before your first period. So even if your period hasn’t yet returned, there is a very small chance you could have started ovulating again and could become pregnant.
You can find out more about the contraceptive effect of breastfeeding on our page about Getting pregnant (or not!) while breastfeeding.
Many women continue to breastfeed long after the return of their period and experience no problems. But if your nipples feel sore after many months or years of comfortable breastfeeds, it could be due to hormone changes.
Some women find their nipples feel more sensitive at certain times during their menstrual cycle. This can make breastfeeding less comfortable for a few days each month. The discomfort is usually mild and short-lasting, so most women are able to continue breastfeeding through it.
If your nipples are sore, take extra care to ensure your baby is attached well. Some mums find that doing something else while feeding (reading a book, watching videos or listening to a podcast) helps to distract them from any discomfort. Our first aid tips for sore nipples may also help you find relief each month.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options if sensitive nipples, tender breasts or other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are affecting breastfeeding.
Some women notice changes in the way their baby breastfeeds around the time of their period or when they ovulate. A baby may seem fussy when they feed, want to breastfeed more often, or even refuse the breast at times. It is thought that this is due to differences in the flow and taste of breastmilk.3
The good news is these changes are usually only temporary. Trying offering shorter, more frequent feeds for a few days. If your baby refuses the breast, try some of our tips for encouraging your baby to feed.
It’s unlikely. You may worry your supply is low if your baby behaves differently at the breast. But there is no reason to think your period will directly impact your supply if your baby continues to breastfeed often. If they fuss, it could just be due to a difference in the taste or flow of your milk.
If your baby refuses the breast or feeds less often over several days, this could cause your supply to reduce. But it will soon increase when they return to their usual feeding pattern.
In the meantime, you can check your baby is getting enough breastmilk and make some small changes to boost your supply if needed.
Still feeling unsure?
A chat with a breastfeeding counsellor can help you to work out if any breastfeeding challenges are related to your period.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association June 2024
- Gross, B. A., & Burger, H. (2002). Breastfeeding patterns and return to fertility in Australian women. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 42(2), 148–154.
- Pérez, A., Labbok, M. H., & Queenan, J. T. (1992). Clinical study of the lactational amenorrhoea method for family planning. Lancet, 339(8799), 968–970.
- Hartmann, P. E., & Prosser, C. G. (1982). Acute changes in the composition of milk during the ovulatory menstrual cycle in lactating women. The Journal of Physiology, 324, 21–30.
