Hi Ladies. So I am bumped that after six weeks of postpartum bleeding I got my period back. I am exclusively pumping breastmilk for my little one. I know that some women don't get their period while they are breastfeeding. I am just a little surprised I got my period back so quick even though I am pumping. Has this happen to anyone ? When I had my first child, I didn't get my period back until I was done with pumping.
Thanks.
I exclusively breastfed my son, and I got my period back when he was 5 weeks old. I thought there was something wrong with me, so I had my doctor confirm it. With my daughter, I didn't get my period back for 4 mos after I stopped breastfeeding. It sucks, but happens.
Your experience is not unusual. Some women who breastfeed exclusively and don't pump will get their period in 6-8 weeks after delivery. Please make sure you are using reliable contraception so you can prevent another pregnancy. I know a lot of moms who have babies 10 months apart and it's really h*** o* everyone involved. I'm proud of you for making the effort to pump breastmilk. It's no easy task--I still remember. Nurse Midwife Mom
I had mine come back for one round after 6 weeks. and then gone for about 5 months then got one, and then 4 mo later another! That was with my last, my third, only one I breastfed with.
I got my period around that time also with all four. I was a breastfeeder too. What i noticed was my milk supply slowed badly. My sister and girlfriend noticed the same thing.
Yep... I was in the same boat. Pumping exclusively and a period for short cycles (or so they seemed). You just know to be careful that's for sure. :0) congrats on your lo.
I exclusively BF and also got mine back that fast.
I have 3 children. All 100% breastfed. No bottles, pumps, pacifiers, always on demand and everything.
With my first 2 I didn't get a period until they were 6-7 months old. With my first, I had a full and proper period at 6 weeks and had spotted on and off the 6 weeks. I know it was my period as I started it the day of my 6 week checkup and she confirmed.
They were pretty much regular from that time on. Rarely I'd have them go a little late and I skipped a month or so once or twice when she got sick and picked up her nursing a ton.
It all depends on the person and can be different for each child.
With my oldest, my period was exactly every 28 days, starting 28 days after he was born. It ain't right! But it happens, you're not alone.
Baby #1 had lochia for 6 weeks. Got 3 weeks off and then my period every 28 days like clockwork - exclusively breastfed him til 8 months, then we added some solids and breastfed him for 16 months.
Baby #2 had lochia for 2 weeks. Got 3 weeks off, period like clockwork, but started him on solids at 4.5 months, since he already had teeth. Breastfed for 16 months.
Baby #3 had minor spotting for 1 week. Got a year off. Exclusively breastfed her for 18 months. (my only daughter)
Baby #4 had lochia for a few days. Got 6 months off. Still exclusively breastfeeding at almost 8 months. Cycle was 40 days, lasting 10 days. Good times.
It's completely normal, and happened to me both times I breastfed. It also happened to all relatives and friends I know in real life who exclusively breastfed as well. The whole "not getting your period while EBF" thing only seems common online. :-)
Me too! Such a bummer to deal with nursing hormones and period hormones. I don't lose weight while BR-ing either (I just *love* it when people talk about nursing as the "best diet ever"!! not for me). I nursed exclusively with my first until 6.5 months when we started solids, but even then, we did no formula, all breastmilk. My second is 7.5 months old and I've BF exclusively as well. Started solids last week, but still, all breastmilk. With my first, I got my period at about 12 weeks, with my second at about 6 weeks.
So...yep, it's a bummer, but you aren't alone! :)
Yep! Two weeks after the post partum bleeding finally stopped my period started and it was even WORSE than before-- which I didn't think was possible. I finally got a Mirena to control the bleeding (which actually seemed to INCREASE my milk supply for a while!)
ETA: Those first 6 weeks not only was Isaac nursing exclusively (1 bottle every 2 or 3 days of pumped milk after 2 weeks so he wouldn't be too clueless when I went back to work) but I was ALSO pumping quite a bit to get a freezer stash before going back to work. I didn't have an under supply problem until I hit a pumping slump around 6 months! (and I finally got the Mirena in August when he was 8 months old)
Just depends, on three of my four it came back after a few weeks, with one it didn't until I was done breast feeding.
Breastfeeding exclusively alone doesn't ensure child spacing. There are 7 "conditions" or practices you need to be doing to suspend fertility while breastfeeding.
See my response to a similar question two days ago for more information on this:
