Mama 2 Mama Tips

Many women who practice exclusive breastfeeding find that menstruation after birth comes at a delayed time. For some women, it may take months before it returns. And then, there can be an abnormal cycle including skipped months.

After postpartum bleeding, a true menstrual cycle can return at any time. One of the most common connections is when your baby begins sleeping through the night or eating solid foods in their diet. When the frequency and amount of breastfeeding decreases, often your body will take that cue that it is time to renew the cycle. While you are still breastfeeding you may experience an abnormal cycle, with shorter or longer times between periods and some skipped months. This is perfectly normal for breastfeeding women.

Some women use breastfeeding as a type of birth control. This process, called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method, is not entirely fool proof though it can decrease the chances of pregnancy occurring. Women who are exclusively breastfeeding their child and still frequently night nursing who have not yet had a return of their menstrual cycle have a very low chance of pregnancy happening. However, there are still risks.

Related Reading:

The Art of Natural Family® Postpartum Student Guide

Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding

Eat Well, Lose Weight, While Breastfeeding: The Complete Nutrition Book for Nursing Mothers