First period after stopping breastfeeding
Menstruation - La Leche League International
Menstruation and BreastfeedingHuman beings have known for centuries that breastfeeding affects fertility, and this has been borne out in recent studies. The effects of breastfeeding on fertility vary greatly between individuals. In general though, the more often a baby is breastfed, the younger the baby is, and the less nutrition the baby gets from other sources, the later a person’s periods will resume.
The range of “normal”, is enormous. Some women resume their menstrual cycles soon after giving birth, while other people do not resume menstruating until the baby is weaned (which can be months or years later, depending on how long the baby is nursed). Individual hormonal and physiological differences can play a part as can how frequently the baby nurses. Also, some people have a non-ovulatory period before 6 months postpartum, but do not menstruate again for many months.
According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer. This is called lactational amenorrhea. Fully breastfeeding means the baby relies completely on breastfeeding for nourishment and for all sucking needs. Frequent nursing inhibits the release of hormones that cause your body to begin the monthly preparations for a new pregnancy.
Experiencing a menstrual period does not mean that your menstrual cycle has returned permanently and without an accurate clinical test, you won’t know whether or not you ovulated (released an egg and could potentially become pregnant). You are more likely to ovulate and resume regular periods if your baby is going for more than a few hours without breastfeeding (for instance, at night) and your baby is more than 6 months old.
Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth. Weaning your baby will almost certainly cause your menstrual cycle to return, but most people find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to gradually resume.
If you want to use this knowledge for purposes of regulating your fertility you may find it helpful to read more about the “Lactational Amenorrhea Method.” The book Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing by Sheila Kippley also offers factual information and support on coming to terms with the effect of delayed return of your periods on the timing of growing your family.
More information on this topic can be found at our resource page for Breastfeeding and Fertility.
Once your baby is not nursing for several hours at a time during daytime or at night, it is possible that you will ovulate. Therefore, you could become pregnant. If you suspect you are pregnant, you will want to check with your health care provider. Also, this would be a good time to consider a method of birth control that is compatible with breastfeeding (unless another pregnancy is desired). More information can be found at our resource page for Breastfeeding and Contraception.
DOES YOUR PERIOD DECREASE YOUR MILK SUPPLY?It is common to have a drop in supply at certain points in your cycle, often from mid-cycle to around the time of your period.
It can also be less comfortable to nurse at this time. This is due to the hormonal changes and is only temporary. Our book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding states that:
“A daily dose of 500 to 1,000 mg of a calcium and magnesium supplement from the middle of your cycle through the first three days of your period may help minimize any drop in supply”.
Birth Control
Breastfeeding and Fertility
Updated January 2021.
No Period After Stopping Breastfeeding? Here’s What You Need to Know.
No period after stopping breastfeeding? When a woman stops breastfeeding, she may find that she does not have a period for months. This is completely normal and there is usually no need to worry about it. However, if you are not getting your period at all after stopping breastfeeding, there are some things you should know. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of no period after stopping breastfeeding and what you can do about it.
One of the main reasons why a woman may not have her period after stopping breastfeeding is because she is not ovulating. This can be caused by many different things, including stress, weight loss, and illness. If you are not ovulating, your body will not produce the hormones necessary for a period. Another reason why you may not be getting your period is that you are not producing enough progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that helps to prepare the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. If you are not producing enough progesterone, your body will not be able to have a period.
(We always recommend contacting your practicing doctor for a more definitive action plan for you. This post is an informative guide and not to be taken as medical advice.)
No Period After Pregnancy, When to Worry About It
If you are concerned about not getting your period after stopping breastfeeding, there are some things you can do. First, make sure that you are taking a multivitamin that contains folic acid.
Folic acid is important for women who are trying to conceive because it helps to prevent birth defects.
If you are not getting your period, you may also want to talk to your doctor about taking a supplement called chasteberry. Chasteberry has been shown to help regulate the menstrual cycle and may help you get your period back. Finally, make sure that you are getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet. These things will help to improve your overall health and may also help you get your period back.
It’s important to note if you are not getting your period after stopping breastfeeding and you are starting to worry, talk to your preferred doctor. They will be able to help you determine the cause of your problem and recommend a treatment plan. Remember, it is important to get your period back so that you can protect your fertility. If you are having trouble getting your period after stopping breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Does Stopping Breastfeeding Affect Your Period?
For some women, stopping breastfeeding can cause their period to return within a few weeks.
However, for other women, it may take several months or longer for their period to return. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to how long it takes for your period to return after stopping breastfeeding.
While some women may experience no side effects from stopping breastfeeding, others may find that their menstrual cycle is irregular for a few months before returning to normal.
What Exactly Happens To Your Hormones After You’ve Stopped Breastfeeding?
When you breastfeed, your body produces a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin helps with milk production and also suppresses ovulation. That’s why some women don’t get their period back until they stop breastfeeding.
So, if you’re not ovulating, you can’t get pregnant. But that doesn’t mean you’re 100% protected from pregnancy. If you stop breastfeeding and start having sex again, there’s always a chance you could get pregnant, even if you don’t have a period.
The best way to prevent pregnancy is to use birth control.
If you’re not sure which method is right for you, talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what will work best for you.
So, if you’re wondering why you don’t have your period after stopping breastfeeding, now you know! And if you’re worried about getting pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about birth control options. They can help you figure out what’s best for you.
Cramps But no Period after Weaning
If you are experiencing cramps but no period after weaning, it is possible that your body is still adjusting to the change. It can take some time for your hormones to return to pre-pregnancy levels. In the meantime, you may experience irregular periods or no period at all. If irregular periods persist for more than a few months, it is advisable to consult with your doctor. There are also over-the-counter treatments that can help to regulate your menstrual cycle.
Why We Think You Are a Great Moms
It all started with a pregnancy test then before you knew it you were giving birth.
You were a great mom when you decided to start breastfeeding, whether it was breastfeeding exclusively or now. Breast milk will always have more nutritional substance than solid foods for baby. Being a mother that provided her child with milk supply will always be the best thing for baby.
So we wanted to tell you that although you may be concerned about when your period returns, just remember as a general rule, your menstrual period will return. You will have your first ovulation and first period before you know it and maintain your normal cycle again.
Rest assured that many women go through the exact train of thought as you. These normal symptoms of no menstruation for the first six months are typically going to happen. I know it may sound redundant at this point, but never forget to get the advice and support from a doctor about the late period. Sometimes the biggest pain at this point is the mental struggle of waiting for your next period.
Noodle Soup’s Cute Little Book on Breastfeeding
Before we give our final thoughts on this sensitive topic, we wanted to provide you with a cute book that is a best seller for mom’s out there.
Below is our Little Book called, “My Mom is Breastfeeding”. Be sure to give it a look.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to worry if you don’t have a period after stopping breastfeeding. It can take some time for your body to adjust and start ovulating again. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They can help you track your cycle and make sure everything is normal. Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful.
We always recommend contacting your practicing doctor for a more definitive action plan for you. This post is an informative guide and not to be taken as medical advice.
Cessation of breastfeeding for medical reasons
Cessation of breastfeeding is the process of transferring a child from mother's milk to other sources of nutrition. In rare cases, abrupt cessation of breastfeeding may be required due to illness of the mother, medication, or prolonged separation from the child. Unlike gradual weaning by the mother or refusal to breastfeed by the baby over several months, abrupt cessation of breastfeeding can be psychologically difficult for both mother and baby.
In addition, it can cause significant chest discomfort and put the mother at risk of mastitis. If possible, abrupt cessation of breastfeeding should be avoided and the baby should be weaned gradually so that he himself refuses it.
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Physiological changes during the abrupt cessation of breastfeeding
In the process of cessation of breastfeeding, the composition of milk changes greatly, especially if it happens at the same time. Despite the fact that the secretory capacity of the mammary glands decreases, in the process of involution, the breast tissue partially retains its functions for quite a long time (about 45 days). Between days 1 and 45, the concentration of lactose and potassium decreases, while the concentration of sodium, fat and total protein increases. In addition, milk becomes more salty due to an increase in the content of proteins (lactoferrin, immunoglobulins A, G and M, albumin, lactalbumin and casein).
Abrupt cessation of breastfeeding can cause dramatic hormonal changes, especially in the first month after birth when prolactin levels are extremely high.
General guidelines for stopping breastfeeding for medical reasons
- If you need to stop breastfeeding for medical reasons, it is recommended that you seek support from a qualified lactation specialist. He should help determine if there are other options (for example, if other medications for the mother can be used).
- Mothers should express milk manually or with electric breast pumps to relieve the feeling of fullness and feel comfortable, but the amount of expressed milk should be minimal so as not to stimulate further production.
- Other methods may be helpful, including wearing a comfortable supportive bra and monitoring for signs of blocked milk ducts or breast infection.
- Some mothers, especially those prone to depression, may need emotional and social support during the transition from breastfeeding.
- Do not neglect the instructions for stopping breastfeeding for physiological reasons.
Literature
Lawrence, R. A. and Lawrence, R. M. Breastfeeding: a guide for the medical profession (Elsevier Mosby, Maryland Heights, MO, 2011). - Lawrence R.A., Lawrence R.M., "Breastfeeding: A guide for healthcare professionals." (Maryland Heights, Missouri, USA: Elsevier Mosby; 2011.)
Li, R., Fein, S.B., Chen, J., Grummer-Strawn, L.M. Why mothers stop breastfeeding: mothers' self-reported reasons for stopping during the first year. — Lee R, Fane S.B., Chen J., Grummer-Stroane L.M., "9
Hartmann, P.E., Kulski, J.K. Changes in the composition of the mammary secretion of women after abrupt termination of breast feeding. J Physiol 1978 Feb ;275:1–11 - "Changes in the composition of the breast secretion in women after the end of breastfeeding" Zh Physiol 1 Opinions abound: the time to wean a baby varies from a few months to an infinity in terms of self-weaning advocates. What is lactation involution? Involution of lactation (from lat. involutio - coagulation) is a physiological process that completes the period of breastfeeding. This biological mechanism starts on the 40th day from the moment the baby was last attached to the breast. Since the onset of involution, the mammary glands decrease in size and stop producing breast milk. Usually, the process of involution is recommended to be carried out gradually so that the child can adapt to a new way of getting food, and also learn to calm down without being attached to the mother's breast. Under normal conditions, each mammary gland will continue to lactate as long as milk is removed from it - and this phenomenon, the same for animals and humans, is used in agriculture. The process starts when the pituitary gland stops producing enough of the hormone prolactin. Milk production continues for some time after the cessation of its suction. As they write in the materials of the WHO, “if in most mammals “drying” occurs on the 5th day after the last feeding, then the period of involution in women lasts an average of 40 days. During this period, it is relatively easy to restore full lactation if the child resumes frequent sucking. Thus, as soon as attachments to the breast become rare and short, the process of involution begins. This can happen at any time - it is known that sometimes children themselves refuse breastfeeding for a variety of reasons that need to be discussed separately. Signs of lactation involution If involution occurs naturally, it usually starts when the child is two years old. At this time, the frequency of attachment naturally decreases: the child has other interests, including interest in "adult" food. How can a nursing mother understand that involution has begun? The breasts shrink slightly and do not fill with milk even if you do not feed for more than 12-24 hours. That is why if at this time the child stops breastfeeding, this does not cause any frustration and suffering from excess milk in the mother. Milk, in terms of composition, properties and appearance, is increasingly reminiscent of colostrum. The baby's sucking activity is markedly increased. This is due to the fact that milk production is reduced, and the child is still trying to suck out the same amount of portion. Mother's psychological readiness for weaning. This is a very important sign that should not be ignored. As soon as a nursing mother is tired of breastfeeding, this is a sign that the process is either incorrectly regulated, or, if there have been no problems with lactation so far, it is coming to an end. Psychological readiness of the child for weaning. Usually, by the age of two, the child is socialized, ceases to experience an urgent need for tactile contact with the mother, and begins to receive the necessary nutrients from other sources. The psychological need for the child gradually disappears Forced involution If there is a need to wean the child prematurely, then you need to be prepared for the following consequences: If the need to interrupt lactation is associated with medical indications, then involution must be carried out under the supervision of a physician. What needs to be done first? Reduce the number of feedings by offering the baby a different food source. In addition, strict control of fluid intake with its restriction is necessary, and additional pumping may be required in order to avoid stagnation of milk. If you are tired of breastfeeding The psychological state of a breastfeeding mother is a very important criterion that must be paid close attention to. Lactation is a very energy- and resource-intensive project for the female body, and it is not surprising that exhaustion sets in sooner or later. Some nursing mothers can wait for natural involution without any problems, but for many there comes a point when, due to fatigue, continuing to feed is impossible. Unfortunately, this objective situation (the amount of forces and resources is strictly individual) often causes a feeling of guilt in a nursing mother, since the advertising of the need for breastfeeding before self-weaning has reached its maximum in recent years. Many will choose the comfort of their mother in such a situation, and they will be right. How long breastfeeding will continue is up to her to decide, since only she can assess the degree of her exhaustion. After all, there are now excellent breast milk substitutes, and a calm and rested mother is an irreplaceable resource that cannot be replaced by anything. Many experts say that breastfeeding up to a year and a half may be optimal. Thus, the well-known pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky recommends starting breastfeeding correction starting at the age of one: at this age it is already time to introduce calming rituals that replace breastfeeding, and also gradually reduce the number of daily feedings. WHO recommendations to breastfeed children for more than two years, according to Komarovsky, are due to high infant mortality rates in Asia and Africa, where a child's life often directly depends on how long his mother breastfeeds.
But this issue has always been considered from the point of view of benefit to the baby. And what does medicine say about what terms of involution will be useful not for a child, but for a woman? 
As the volume of milk production decreases, its composition changes: the content of fat, immunoglobulins increases, and the level of lactose decreases. If lactation is not stopped forcibly, it can continue until the baby is weaned from the breast; under natural conditions, this usually occurs in 2 - 2.5 years. 
There is an inhibition of protein synthesis and structural changes in the mammary gland - the reverse replacement of the glandular tissue with adipose tissue begins, which allows the breasts to return to their previous size and shape. 
A child for one feeding can be applied to one breast, then to the other - and so on several times. The period of such sucking activity can last up to several months.
What needs to be assessed at this moment? On one side of the scale, there is a benefit for the child, and on the other, the psychological and physical comfort of the mother. 
