If your period hasn’t come back yet after having a baby, or if it’s shown up only to vanish again for a while, you’re not alone. Irregular periods while breastfeeding are super common, and in most cases, totally normal. But how do you know what’s part of the process and what’s a red flag?
Why Women Have Irregular Periods When Breastfeeding
Here’s the quick version: breastfeeding affects your hormones, and those hormones control your cycle. When you nurse, your body releases prolactin—a hormone that helps you make milk. But prolactin also keeps ovulation on pause, which is why your period might not show up for months.
This process is called lactational amenorrhea. It’s your body’s natural way of delaying the return of your cycle while you’re producing milk. Any time your baby nurses—especially often or for comfort—it signals your body to keep prolactin levels high, which delays ovulation and keeps your period away.
Even once your period does come back, don’t be surprised if it’s all over the place for a while. Some moms get one period and then nothing for a few months. Others get spotting, longer cycles, or a heavier-than-usual flow. All of that can still fall under the “normal” umbrella.
Your feeding routine matters too. If you’re nursing around the clock—especially at night—it might take longer for your period to return. But if your baby starts sleeping more or you introduce bottles or solids, your cycle might kick back in sooner.
What’s Normal When It Comes Back
Let’s talk about what you can expect when your period finally returns:
- It may take months (even 6–12) if you’re exclusively breastfeeding
- Your first few cycles could be longer, shorter, or unpredictable
- Flow might be lighter or heavier than you’re used to
- You might skip a period and get the next one weeks later
- PMS could feel different—or hit harder—thanks to hormone shifts
You might also notice brown spotting while breastfeeding before your full period returns. That’s usually old blood leaving the body, and it can be one of the first signs that your fertility is waking up again. Some moms have spotting for several months before a full cycle kicks in.
It’s also common to experience menstrual symptoms—like cramps or tender breasts—without actual bleeding. This means your hormones are shifting and ovulation might be on the horizon.
When To Keep an Eye on Things
Even though irregular periods are normal while breastfeeding, there are a few signs that mean it’s worth checking in with your doctor:
- Heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad every hour for several hours
- Clots larger than a quarter (or golf ball, to be safe)
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- No period for 3+ months after you’ve stopped exclusive breastfeeding
- Periods that are extremely painful
None of these automatically mean something’s wrong, but they’re worth flagging. Your body’s recovery should feel like a slow return to balance, not a rollercoaster that doesn’t let up.
Can You Get Pregnant If Your Period’s Irregular?
Short answer? Yes. Longer answer: you can ovulate before your first period, which means you could get pregnant even if your cycle hasn’t come back yet.
If you’re not ready for another pregnancy, don’t wait for your period to return before thinking about birth control. Talk to your doctor about options that are safe while breastfeeding.
How Periods Affect Breastfeeding
Your period might come with a few changes to your breastfeeding experience:
- Slight drop in milk supply, especially in the days just before your period
- Tender nipples (thanks again, hormones)
- Baby might nurse more—or less—if the taste of your milk changes a bit
- Some moms get mild uterine cramps while nursing during their period
These changes are usually temporary and not a cause for concern.
What Helps Your Cycle Settle Down
Time is the biggest factor. As your baby starts eating more solids or nursing less frequently, your hormone levels start to shift, and your cycle begins to level out. For some women, that’s a few months in. For others, it takes a year or more.
Tips to Support Your Body
- Get as much rest as you can (yes, easier said than done)
- Eat enough food and stay hydrated
- Track your cycle so you can spot patterns or changes
- Consider calcium (1500 mg) and magnesium (400 mg) if you’re dealing with tender breasts or cramps
- Evening primrose may also help with nipple discomfort around your period
What Makes Your Period Return Sooner
Certain habits or changes can encourage your cycle to return earlier:
- Introducing bottles or formula
- Starting solids before six months
- Letting your baby sleep through the night without feeding
- Using a pacifier instead of nursing for comfort
- Taking hormonal medications or starting birth control pills
The more frequently and consistently you breastfeed—especially at night—the more likely your period is to stay away a little longer.
Final Word
Your body is doing something incredible—feeding a human while slowly finding its way back to a new normal. Having irregular periods while breastfeeding doesn’t mean your system is broken—it’s usually just part of your body’s natural recovery. In most cases, they’re just part of how your body works things out.
If something feels off or you’re just not sure, don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- Periods While Breastfeeding — Healthdirect (2023‑09). Provides clear guidance on the timing of return of periods when breastfeeding, what affects it, and what to watch for.
- Menstruation – Your Period While Breastfeeding — La Leche League International. Explains lactational amenorrhea, the typical absence of periods for 3‑6 months or longer with full breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding and Your Period — Australian Breastfeeding Association (2024). Offers detail on how feeding patterns, baby’s sleep, solids introduction correlate with irregular/returning periods. Australian Breastfeeding Association
- Spotting While Breast‑Feeding: Is This Normal? — Healthline (2016). Addresses “brown spotting” or irregular bleeding while breastfeeding, what is normal and when fertility might return. Healthline
