Yes, spotting while breastfeeding is usually normal. You might notice bright red spotting or even light brown spotting. When it comes to periods and breastfeeding, there really isn’t one “normal.”
In the first weeks after birth, your body clears out blood and tissue through vaginal bleeding. This is called lochia. At first it’s heavier, but as time goes on it may turn into lighter bleeding or spotting. Hormone changes also play a big role here, and they can cause unexpected spotting while breastfeeding.
What is Lochia?
Lochia is the bleeding and discharge you see after giving birth. It’s not the same as a regular period. Instead, it’s your body’s way of clearing out blood and tissue from the uterus.
In the first few days, lochia is usually bright red and heavy, much like a period. As time goes on, the flow gets lighter and the color changes. It often shifts from red to brown, then to a yellow or white discharge.
This process is completely normal in the postpartum period. Most moms notice lochia for about 4 to 6 weeks, though for some it can last a little longer.
In the first couple of weeks after birth, many moms notice spotting along with other symptoms like nausea. This often happens because of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that helps your milk flow (also called let-down). When it’s released, it can sometimes make you feel crampy, thirsty, or even give you a headache.
Oxytocin also causes the uterus to contract. These contractions are important because they help your uterus shrink back to its normal size. But those same contractions can also lead to light spotting in the early weeks after childbirth.
Spotting and irregular periods are quite common while you’re breastfeeding. Many moms don’t get a full period for the first six months to a year after giving birth.
When your baby breastfeeds on demand, hormones like prolactin help keep your fertility on pause. This means you might not have a period at all—a natural process called lactational amenorrhea.
However, not every woman’s hormones are the same. Some moms may notice their period returning sooner, even while breastfeeding, and spotting can happen as a result.
What is Lactational Amenorrhea
Lactational amenorrhea is when breastfeeding naturally delays the return of your period. It can also act as a natural form of contraception, called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).
LAM works best if three conditions are met:
When these rules are followed, LAM is very effective, with a success rate of about 98–99%. But it’s important to remember that if any of these conditions change, LAM may not fully protect against pregnancy.
When your period comes back while breastfeeding, it might be longer or shorter than what you’re used to. Skipping a few periods here and there is also very common.
Even during months without a period, you may still notice symptoms like irritability, breast tenderness, or nipple sensitivity. These changes are all part of how your body adjusts while breastfeeding.
It varies from person to person, depending on your breastfeeding frequency and your personal hormone levels.
Just over 40 percent of exclusively breastfeeding mothers have their periods return within one year. Of that 40 percent, about 10 percent get their periods within six months after childbirth.
Those mothers who decide to formula feed will have their periods returning as soon as two months postpartum.
Hormones play a big role in how breastfeeding affects your menstrual cycle. Two important hormones are prolactin and oxytocin.
Prolactin helps your body make milk. It’s higher when you breastfeed often, and it also helps keep your periods from returning too soon. The more your baby nurses, the higher your prolactin levels, which can delay ovulation and menstruation.
Oxytocin is released during breastfeeding too. It triggers the milk let-down reflex and can also signal your body to slow down ovulation. Together, these hormones help explain why your period may be irregular or delayed while breastfeeding.
Your period may come back sooner in certain situations, including:
All of these changes can reduce how often your breasts are stimulated, which can lower hormone levels that normally delay ovulation and menstruation.
A Drop in Milk Supply
Many moms worry that the return of their period will lower their milk supply. Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle can cause a temporary dip in milk, but it doesn’t mean breastfeeding has to stop.
It’s common to notice a slight drop in milk from mid-cycle until your period starts. Some experts suggest taking a daily calcium and magnesium supplement during this time to help support milk production.
Remember, changes in milk supply can also happen for other reasons, like when your baby starts eating solid foods. So a small dip is usually normal and temporary.
If your periods are irregular, it can be tricky to know when you’re fertile. The short answer is yes—you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Even before your first period returns, many moms notice PMS-like symptoms, such as cramping or breast tenderness. These are signs that your body is getting ready to ovulate and that fertility is returning.
Because ovulation can happen before your period comes back, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions if you’re not planning another pregnancy right away.
Ovulation Before Your Period Returns
It’s important to know that ovulation can happen before your first period returns after childbirth. This means it’s possible to get pregnant even if you haven’t started bleeding yet.
After birth, there are a few phases of fertility:
In the first weeks after birth, spotting is common—especially if you start birth control pills or get the Depo-Provera shot.
Breastfeeding can act as a natural form of birth control, but only if certain conditions are met:
If all these are true, the chance of getting pregnant is very low—around 2%, similar to using a diaphragm or condom. But once your period returns, it’s safest to assume you are fertile again.
For continued protection while breastfeeding, non-hormonal methods are best. These include diaphragms, condoms, spermicides, or an IUD, which is considered safe during breastfeeding.
If you prefer hormonal birth control, avoid progestin-only options if possible, as they can sometimes lower milk supply.
Natural family planning is also an option. This involves tracking your cervical fluid, body temperature, and other fertility signs. It can work well if you’re committed to keeping close records, but it takes careful attention.
Some women want their periods to come back for reasons like tracking fertility or planning another pregnancy.
Good nutrition is also important while breastfeeding. Cutting too many calories can affect hormone balance and may delay the return of your period. Eating enough and staying nourished supports both milk production and your body’s natural cycles.
Yes. Many moms notice spotting or irregular periods while breastfeeding. This often happens because breastfeeding frequency and hormone levels can change.
Sometimes, your nursing routine may decrease if your baby is sick, teething, having a growth spurt, or if you’re apart for a few hours. These changes can affect your cycle and cause spotting.
Yes. It’s normal for your period to come back a few months after delivery and then pause again if you increase breastfeeding. Your body’s hormones adjust as your baby’s needs change.
Occasional heavier periods can happen as your body balances hormones postpartum. However, if bleeding is very heavy, prolonged, or concerning, talk to your doctor or OB-GYN to be safe.
It’s normal for postpartum cycles to be irregular. Some women may even experience spotting while breastfeeding more than once a month. If you notice constant spotting or more than one period per cycle, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.
Some moms notice extra breast and nipple tenderness during their period while breastfeeding. Early postpartum spotting and nausea are often linked to oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk let-down. Oxytocin also causes uterine contractions, which help the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size, sometimes causing mild cramping and spotting in the first weeks after birth. These symptoms usually ease once your periods normalize.
Your milk supply may dip slightly during your period, but breastfeeding doesn’t have to stop. You might notice your baby is fussier at this time. Hormonal changes can raise sodium levels in your milk, which may make it taste a little saltier. Some babies notice and drink less, while others may nurse more to make up for any small dip in supply.
Don’t worry—your supply typically rebounds as hormone levels return to normal. Your milk hasn’t lost its nutrients or become “sour.” Some babies adjust by drinking more during the period, while others catch up afterward.
There’s a wide range of what’s normal when it comes to periods while breastfeeding. Every woman’s body responds differently, and your cycle may change depending on breastfeeding habits, hormones, and other factors.
If you ever feel unsure or notice unusual bleeding, heavy spotting while breastfeeding, or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your OB-GYN. It’s always better to get peace of mind and make sure everything is healthy.
1. Using complete breastfeeding and lactational amenorrhoea as birth spacing methods
2. Webmd – What you need to know about your periods while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding twins is totally possible—and rewarding—with the right tips, tools, and mindset. This guide offers…
Discover the top 10 breastfeeding superfoods that nourish both you and your baby. From leafy…
Learn how to recognize and prevent dehydration in breastfed babies. Discover early warning signs, simple…
Breastfeeding triplets may seem impossible, but many moms have proven it can be done. This…
Thinking about whitening your teeth while breastfeeding? Here’s a friendly, evidence-based guide to what’s safe,…
Feeling queasy while breastfeeding? You’re not alone. Brief waves of nausea often arrive with letdown…
This website uses cookies.