During pregnancy and after childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes radical changes. Mom needs time to recover. This also applies to the menstrual cycle. Usually it is absent in the first months, and is restored later, and for each woman this happens at different times.
You may get your period despite breastfeeding. Mothers panic, tormenting themselves with the question of whether this is harmful for the child. Menstruation during breastfeeding is a natural process that does not pose any danger to the baby. It is worth noting that the restoration of the cycle is influenced by various factors, including lactation.
Lochia: what is it?
After childbirth, women experience spotting, which they confuse with the fact that their period has arrived. This is a mistake: after such a short period of time after the birth of a child, the cycle is not restored. These discharges are uterine and are called lochia. They last approximately 5-7 weeks after birth.
The appearance of lochia is caused by the healing of the mother's uterus after rejection of the placenta . The healing process is individual and depends on the following factors:
- the course of pregnancy and labor;
- general condition of the body.
Period of restoration of the menstrual cycle
Most often, when a baby is fed breast milk, periods do not begin. However, there is a possibility that the cycle will be restored ahead of schedule. There is no reason to panic in this situation - if you came, then there is a reason for it. Menstruation can occur under the influence of certain factors.
- When a woman regularly breastfeeds her baby on demand, menstruation may begin after lactation stops.
- If, when introducing complementary foods, the baby consumes a reduced amount of milk, then the restoration of the cycle will occur after a shorter period of time.
- With mixed feeding, the cycle is restored 2-3 months after birth.
- In the absence of lactation, menstruation begins 8-10 weeks after the baby is born. However, in some cases a delay is possible - it depends on the individual characteristics of the female body.
After the cycle is restored, a woman sometimes faces a problem such as irregular periods while breastfeeding. This is a normal phenomenon, because the body has not yet fully “come to its senses.”
Delayed menstruation during breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, your reproductive cycle may still differ from what you are used to: delays will occur periodically, or menstruation will begin earlier. But here you need to be especially careful: in case of unprotected sexual intercourse, an unwanted pregnancy may occur.
Before the advent of complementary foods and formula, women breastfed their children until they were 2 (sometimes 3) years old. And they considered this as a guaranteed method of contraception. Since the advent of complementary feeding, which is usually introduced at the age of 6 months, breastfeeding has ceased to protect mothers from unwanted pregnancy.
Even if your cycle has not yet fully recovered, there is a risk. Therefore, you should not replace contraceptives with breastfeeding - it protects a woman from pregnancy only until 4-6 months after birth. If your baby is formula-fed, pregnancy may occur earlier.
The birth of a child is a wonderful period in the life of every woman, but while focusing on the baby, do not forget about your health. Restoring the menstrual cycle is very important, so if you are confused by the irregularity of menstruation, its abundance (or, on the contrary, insufficiency), pain or delay, you should consult a doctor.
Do not be afraid that menstruation may negatively affect your baby - milk will not change its taste and smell, but the baby will feel your emotional state. Therefore, during these “critical” days, rest more and carry your baby in your arms more often.
A healthy pregnancy, which ends in the birth of a healthy baby at the appointed time, is a reason for a woman to be proud of herself and her health. After childbirth, periods do not become regular immediately, especially during breastfeeding. How to understand whether this period is proceeding normally or whether there are pathological deviations, you need to figure it out and prepare, preferably even before giving birth.
A woman's body, without exception, participates in the normal menstrual cycle. Its regularity, the nature of bleeding, the absence or presence of premenstrual syndrome are all characteristics of hormonal processes that regulate the activity of the female genital organs and glands.
Menstrual bleeding is nothing more than the rejection of the hypertrophied lining of the uterus as a result of the absence of a fertilized egg. In other words, pregnancy did not occur. It is known that the monthly cycle proceeds as follows: at the first stage, the uterine mucosa is prepared for the implantation of an egg fertilized by a sperm into its thickness. The endometrium intensively proliferates, that is, it thickens, becomes loose, and the area of the vascular network increases.
Next, the egg matures in the follicle, the ovarian follicle ruptures and the egg exits into the lumen of the fallopian tube. The epithelium of the tubes is villous; with the help of the movement of its villi, it propels the egg towards the exit into the uterine cavity. It is in the tube that the egg meets the sperm. Then the fertilized egg moves into the uterine cavity and attaches to the endometrium. Pregnancy begins. But this doesn't always happen.
Therefore, in the absence of pregnancy, the overgrown endometrium is expelled from the uterine cavity, and the entire surface of the uterus bleeds inside - this is menstruation. This is how a normal menstrual cycle proceeds. All these processes are regulated by hormonal mechanisms that activate or inhibit certain phases of the cycle.
Pregnancy stops regular bleeding and triggers mechanisms to regulate the preparation of all organs for childbirth and breastfeeding. This means the following changes in a woman’s body:
- increase in body weight due to the growth of the uterus, fetus, amniotic fluid, mammary glands;
- softening of the symphysis pubis to facilitate the release of the fetus;
- creation of a hormonal background to stimulate the birth process.
The increase in the mass of reproductive organs and mammary glands is due to the fact that for normal gestation and subsequent breastfeeding, a supply of fat deposits is required for energy supply, muscle mass for the advancement of the fetus along the birth canal. The mammary glands enlarge due to the proliferation of lobules containing milk-producing lobules during the lactation period.
The pubic symphysis is motionless. The two hip bones are connected in the middle by hard cartilage. During the preparatory period for childbirth, this substance becomes more elastic and soft. The need for such a metamorphosis is caused by the passage of the child through the pelvic ring during childbirth. If the pelvic bones were not pliable during this period, it would be difficult for the fetus to pass through the birth canal without damage.
Hormonal prerequisites are created in the body long before the process of childbirth and subsequent breastfeeding. The entire system of hormonal regulation of processes is rebuilt to ensure the normal course of pregnancy, childbirth and feeding of the child - the lactation period. The corpus luteum, which forms at the site of a burst follicle in the ovaries, provides a signal with hormonal substances for the pituitary gland and all other glands to produce the necessary biologically active substances for this period in a woman’s life.
Pregnancy in women lasts 38-40 weeks. This period is considered optimal for normal, term childbirth. It takes a certain amount of time to normalize the menstrual cycle in the postpartum period.
Factors influencing cycle recovery
Many women wonder when they can get their periods after giving birth. Cycle restoration depends on many factors, and among the main ones are the following:
- the course of labor (naturally or cesarean);
- the mother has a hormonal imbalance;
- stressful situations.
When feeding a newborn with breast milk, a woman should be very attentive to herself. The baby is closely connected with his mother, so he senses the slightest deviations in her mood. It is necessary to get enough sleep and avoid stress so as not to disrupt lactation.
Is it possible to breastfeed during menstruation?
If your period has arrived, and a woman is feeding her baby with her milk, she begins to worry whether it is dangerous. There is an erroneous stereotype that when restoring the cycle, it is necessary to wean the child from breastfeeding.
It doesn’t matter whether your period has started or not - the baby must continue to be breastfed as long as possible. Breast milk plays a very important role in the formation of children's immunity and the development of other body systems. With it, the baby receives vitamins and useful microelements.
The only problem that a mother may face is that when menstruation begins, lactation decreases. However, this problem can be successfully solved. For a while, put your baby to your breast more often and drink lactation teas, which are sold in pharmacies.
Menstruation during breastfeeding does not negatively affect the development of the baby. This is a normal, natural phenomenon.
Breastfeeding and menstrual regularity
While breastfeeding a baby, regular menstruation is usually absent. This is normal because prolactin, necessary for milk production, suppresses the activity of hormones that ensure the menstrual cycle. The egg does not mature, and accordingly, preparatory processes do not occur in the uterus with subsequent rejection of the mucous membrane to the outside.
Many women think that breastfeeding can completely protect against another pregnancy. The absence of regular menstruation during lactation weakens attention to contraception.
The first period after childbirth, even if a woman is breastfeeding, can occur approximately two weeks to a month after reducing the number of feedings or completely stopping breastfeeding. The cycle does not immediately return to a regular state. Bleeding may take longer or, conversely, shorter compared to the usual schedule. The period without bleeding also varies from several weeks to two months.
The restoration of the regularity of menstruation occurs within three months. A longer period indicates a delay in regulatory function and requires specialist consultation. But during the recovery period there should be no concern if the bleeding is short-lived, does not exhaust the woman in terms of the amount of blood released, and ends without spotting.
You can influence the restoration of your cycle by refraining from using hormonal contraception. It is necessary to use mechanical means for this purpose: caps or condoms. The beginning of sexual activity after childbirth is recommended only if the birth canal is completely restored, there are no infections of the genital organs, and not earlier than two months after the birth of the child.
A woman who began breastfeeding after childbirth should also remember the rationality of physical activity. Excessive weight lifting, strenuous workouts or physical labor are not conducive to a regular cycle and postpartum recovery.
The arrival of a long-awaited baby always brings with it both joy and anxiety. This little bundle of joy needs an eye and an eye, but most of all the young mother also needs care. Various postpartum symptoms can affect the entire body. And the main signal about complications can be sent by menstruation during breastfeeding.
Many young mothers are concerned about whether their periods can resume while breastfeeding. and once they appear, is breastfeeding during this period good for the baby? How does menstruation affect breastfeeding? Will menstruation go away during lactation from taking hormonal medications? We will answer these and other questions in this article.
Lactation is the process of creating and releasing milk and breastfeeding. It is critical for maintaining the health of the child. Antibodies in breast milk help the baby fight infections during the first 6 months of life. Lactation and monthly ways to exist together. It should immediately be noted that the taste of the mother’s product does not change, although such a misconception exists.
Menstruation during lactation can only slightly reduce milk production. The reason lies in the appearance of the sex hormone progesterone, which dampens the effect of prolactin. But despite this fact, it is not worth restricting the baby out of fear that the milk will run out. Maintain regular feedings. Menstruation has little effect on the mother's lactation period, no matter how it goes.
Does the taste of milk change when the menstrual cycle returns?
Many women stop breastfeeding when their periods begin. This should not be done for the reason that these actions contribute to the cessation of lactation after a few days.
There is an opinion that during menstruation the taste of breast milk changes. Experts have proven that this is just a stereotype that is not reliable.
Tips for those mothers who started menstruation while breastfeeding.
- The taste of the milk produced does not change - continue to feed your baby the same way as before.
- Shower more often, as a woman's smell changes during her period, and children may refuse to feed for this reason.
- Try to be calm and avoid stress, as the child feels everything. If mom is nervous, he is worried too. This is accompanied by poor sleep and frequent crying.
It is impossible to stop feeding a child naturally, since this is the only way he strengthens his immunity and receives antibodies. The latter help him fight viruses coming from the environment. Do not listen to those who say that during menstruation the taste of milk changes. This is not so, although our grandmothers were sure of it.
If the baby refuses to breastfeed, you should resort to hygiene procedures more often, because sweat glands are located near the areola of the nipple. The taste may be specific due to the fact that it is mixed with the smell of sweat.
How to improve your menstrual cycle after childbirth
It will take a woman’s body a long time to restore her menstrual cycle after childbirth. The following will help restore the reproductive system:
- Maintaining a daily routine and good rest
- The diet should include vegetables and fruits, meat, dairy products
- Correct chronic diseases that were undertreated before pregnancy
A well-formulated, balanced supplement, which should be combined with plenty of fluid, will improve the functioning of a woman’s body. Light physical activity will have a beneficial effect on your psycho-emotional state. Do not take hormonal contraceptives under any circumstances - they increase the imbalance of hormones; it is better to protect yourself with condoms. Normal flow of the menstrual cycle will improve, and the body’s recovery will come only after the end of breastfeeding.
Traditional methods
In order for menstruation to occur regularly, it is necessary to restore the endocrine organ system. Hormonal failure is a change in ovarian function, even excluding pathological forms. Taking infusions and decoctions will help restore the broken cycle.
- Mix in equal quantities radiola rosea, wormwood, anise, viburnum (berries), mantle and thyme. 4 tbsp. l of the crushed mixture, pour into a thermos and pour 500 ml of boiling water. After six hours of infusion, consume 50 ml in the morning and evening. Therapy is carried out for six months.
- To get a decoction to normalize the cycle, use the peel from 1 kg of regular onion. Pour one liter of boiling water and boil until dark in color. Take 100 ml twice a day before meals, half an hour before meals.
Dates enriched with vitamins have a beneficial effect on hormonal levels. They replace sweets, but intake should be limited during lactation. Eating six fruits throughout the month will have a beneficial effect on the organs.
Doctors recommend white honey because it:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves the performance of the nervous system
- Balances digestion and hormones
Medicines
You need to understand that medications to cure illness during the lactation period are not 100% safe. Even vitamins that are prescribed during breastfeeding are taken after the doctor’s decision. To cure menstrual disorders, the doctor prescribes medications that contain hormones that are incompatible with breastfeeding. After conducting an appropriate examination, the doctor will prescribe treatment and, if seriously necessary, advise ending lactation.
The female body is unique, so there is no certainty about when the menstrual cycle returns to normal. You need to stop panicking, because you can visit a doctor at any time if you have any concerns.
Cycle changes
For women, a delay is a reason to panic, but periods after breastfeeding will no longer be the same as before childbirth. The body has undergone internal changes, and delay may be a sign of slight hormonal imbalance. If one month they last 5 days, and the next - 3, there is no need to worry.
The cervical canal expands after childbirth, so there is no need to panic when your periods come heavier than before. At first, the body will rebuild itself, and only after 9-11 months will the cycle be restored. For some, it may recover within a year. It all depends on the characteristics of the body and how long after birth the mother breastfed the baby.
Some people worry that their periods will only come after a year. The reason for their long-term absence may be lactation - this is a natural process. There is no specific recovery period for the cycle, since everything happens individually for each woman.
Breastfeeding is very important for a child, especially at first, when he is still very weak. Do not deprive your baby of your breast, even if your period comes earlier than you expected. Nothing can be healthier for a child than breast milk.
When do they start
Menstruation means you can get pregnant again. A young mother’s body recovers over several months, so menstruation during breastfeeding is a normal reaction. But everything has its own deadline, so it appears differently for everyone.
In 37% of women, the body can induce menstruation within up to six months. But when do the remaining 63% get their periods? Modern girls cannot stay near the child for too long, so they use various breast “substitutes”: nipples, bottles. This need is dictated by modern realities. Menstruation during lactation then occurs at the 3rd month and there is nothing wrong with that. When “those days” begin during breastfeeding, it is useful to remember the experience of one scientist.
The Dutch scientist Otto Schaffer studied the cycle in Canadian Eskimo women in the eighties of the 20th century. Living far from civilization, these ladies could again think about a new child only after 20-30 months, and before that they were constantly with their firstborn. By this time, the child can already eat other foods.
9-20 months is the general period for the resumption of the menstrual cycle in girls (~71%).
14 months is the average time for a woman to resume her cycle.
The conclusion from this work is clear: the sooner you stop breastfeeding, the sooner menstrual cycles will appear in the nursing mother. The frequency of feeding a baby does not affect the appearance of menstruation.
