Are Periods Irregular If Breastfeeding?
Experiencing irregular periods during breastfeeding is not unusual, and occurs in almost all women who breastfeed their babies. The extent of your irregular or absent periods depends upon the length of time you breastfeed and the level of your postpartum hormones.
Time Frame
Since every woman's body reacts differently to breastfeeding, the time frame for the normal return of menses varies. Some women might get their periods after three or four months, and others might not get a menstrual period for six months or more, while breastfeeding. Sometimes, your period will not return until you have stopped breastfeeding altogether, though most women experience the return of their periods once their babies begin sleeping through the night.
Significance
Breastfeeding causes a disruption in ovulation, which causes your periods to become irregular. Milk production increases the hormone, prolactin, which suppress ovulation and contributes to irregular or absent periods.
Misconceptions
Many women have the common misconception that since their periods are irregular or absent during breastfeeding, they cannot become pregnant. Although fertility is decreased when you breastfeed, you are not rendered totally infertile. If the possibility of becoming pregnant while breastfeeding concerns you, discuss birth control options with your healthcare provider.
Tags: irregular absent, their periods, absent periods, during breastfeeding, irregular absent periods, Irregular Breastfeeding, Periods Irregular Breastfeeding