Breastfeeding and Menstruation

I don't know about you but I LOVED not having to deal with my period while I was pregnant.

Breastfeeding does have an impact on menstruation. After delivery, expect VERY HEAVY bleeding with clots for a few days. Every time you nurse your uterus will contract (thank you mother nature) and you may feel a gush during this process. You will have bleeding like a normal period for about a week, then you will spot for another couple weeks.(up to 6 weeks but an average of 3 weeks). Your uterus is healing and needs to cleanse all the debris from pregnancy.

With exclusive breastfeeding, you can go without a period for up to a year or more. I never did experience this. My first daughter was not exclusive, I pumped at work and supplemented with formula, I am ashamed to admit. With my second daughter she was exclusive, never had a single bottle and I did not introduce foods until she was 10 months old. My period came back at month 5 with her. Every womans body is different.

One other item to note is that when you do get your period, it is likely to cause your milk supply to go down a bit. This is due to hormone fluctuations. It will rebound quickly as your hormone levels readjust.

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