Starting your period and breastfeeding

[WillnGabbie]

I have been breastfeeding my daughter for 10 mnths now and started my period today. I was under the understanding that you dont start your period until you are weaning your child or right after. Im not ready to start weaning. My daughter was 8 weeks early and she needs the nutrients. I plan on nursing until she is atleast a year and a half. Now that I have started my period does that mean I have to stop nursing? I really hope not...........

[tiredbuthappy]

some nursing moms get their periods early on, others don't get it until weeks after stopping. it's different for everyone. it does not mean you have to stop nursing at all! i have heard though that some people see a slight drop in supply while they have their period. it bounces right back afterwards though.

[Rtarbox]

Not as far as I know. Breastfeeding just makes your period irregular. My partner still breastfed after her period made a return, at least on the two who weren't hospitalized. And I think I've read plenty of people here who continue to breastfeed after their period returns. I think your period stopping is just a perk of breastfeeding, not a physiological must. :)

[chigirl29]

You can have your period return.  Mine returned after twelve months of breastfeeding.  It does not affect your nutrient supply.  If you are worried about that then take some prenatal vitamins to help ease your mind.  

Breastfeeding suppresses menstruation for however long a woman's body will be suppressed.  I know a mother who had her period the entire time she nursed.

You may not even have a period next month as they can be irregular.


I breastfed for another year after mine returned at the twelve month mark.  My daughter actually just weaned this year and she is 2.5.

It will be fine.