Breastfeeding When Your Period Returns | MILK SUPPLY, PERIOD CRAMPS, BREAST TENDERNESS

Here’s what you need to know about BREASTFEEDING WHEN YOUR PERIOD RETURNS. After having a baby, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you’ll likely have a glorious break before your menstural cycle returns. When you get your period after baby and you’re asking yourself, “How long should I breastfeed my baby now that I’ve started my period?”, know that getting your period after birth doesn’t (and shouldn’t) need to be the reason you cut your breastfeeding journey short! While you might experience more intense period cramps, breast tenderness (especially on the nipple when nursing your baby), and, potentially, low milk supply once you get your first period after giving birth, using the breastfeeding tips I share with you in this video will help you continue on your breastfeeding journey.
As a first time mom (or any time mom), not knowing if you’re producing enough milk can be frustrating and discouraging. In this video, you’ll learn about how to increase milk supply when you’re on your period while breastfeeding using supplements for milk supply, pumping tips, and reassuring information.
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DISCLAIMER
All content and information in this video is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical, psychological or health advice of any kind and I do not warrant that the information presented herein is free of any errors or omissions. I am not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition.
Although I strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health related decisions. For your health related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified health care provider immediately.
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I am a Lamaze certified Childbirth Educator and a DONA certified Birth Doula in the San Francisco Bay Area! For more information and resources, come find me at builttobirth.com
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[@naisaetern9975]

It’s like you know what goes on in my life lmfao every time something happens you have a new video just the right timing

[@stephanierenee6934]

Almost 7 months postpartum and just got my period back. I came straight to your channel to see if you had a video on this😅 Thank you so much!! So helpful and informative. It feels scary to be entering a new stage of my postpartum journey and I fear I won’t be able to continue providing my baby with what he needs. But it helps to know that this is a totally normal part of the process.

[@emberedits1342]

I was so upset when my period returned at just two months postpartum 😅 They're worst than they used to be before pregnancy too which feels so unfair. My baby turns 5 months next week without needing to supplement & I've donated 1,200oz so far too. I honestly never thought I'd make it this far, as an exclusive pumper it's been the hardest thing I've taken on.

[@mykaelaorwig9646]

My period came back six weeks after I had my son. 🤦🏼‍♀️ SO annoying!!! I bled for 5 weeks (normal lochia) and then one week later, “HIIII, I’M BACK!!” 😑🤣

[@anakiyacreates]

SAME!

[@A1exBOfficial]

8 weeks here, but pretty much the same! Google is no help because most sites say 'period can return 6 - 8 weeks after birth, but longer for exclusively breastfeeding'. Well, looks like exclusively breastfeeding hasn't changed anything for me there! xD

[@mykaelaorwig9646]

@@A1exBOfficial Exactly! 🤣🤣

[@ramshaakbar2421]

Same 😑

[@kielamcalmond6169]

Mine just came back too! Did it affect the supply for you guys?

[@Supernova304]

Almost 10 weeks post partum and was shocked seeing my period this early on especially since I'm exclusively breastfeeding and pumping. I also recommend adding in a power pump early morning when milk supply is at its highest

[@sophiasmith5151]

Wow! This video came in the right time. My baby is 3months old and my period came while I'm exclusively breastfeeding.I'm running low on supply but thanks for the tips

[@celynahenry3758]

Just wanted to pop in and comment that I LOVE how informative you are in all of your videos! You get right to the point, make your points based off of studies and experience, and you have so many important topics. I'm trying to soak in everything as much as possible, before our little girl is due to make her appearance!

[@makaylahawk7906]

My period came back just this weekend and my son is 8months old… what a way to bring the new year in lol

[@kaylaberkley6490]

Thank you for this video! Baby just turned 6 months about 7 days ago and Lady Flo re-made her appearance. I am not seeing a drop in supply but Baby has been wanting to nurse more.

[@cassandrabreit5029]

Lol I'm 9 weeks postpartum and got my period back last week, the timing in this video is pretty good. I didn't notice any issues with feeding luckily-- little man had a cold and was comfort nursing as much as I would let him so that probably helped

[@lydiaswanson3240]

My period came back at 5 months postpartum and, though I’m excited that it’s back (come on baby number two!), I was concerned about my milk supply since my baby is still quite young. Thank you for this video! I found it very helpful and reassuring 😊

[@keesavedbygrace]

​@@Laura-kv7blkzbin.info/www/bejne/eKfGq6qehM2MiaM

[@MommyandMelanie]

@@Laura-kv7blyou can get clean and tested donated breast milk if needed. Are you making any milk?

[@manuelaconde7316]

I currently take the cal/mag supplement you recommended once I start ovulating and wow it has made all the difference. My first month with a period I had a big dip in my supply thank goodness I started the supplement. It’s been night and day. Xoxo love your channel Bridget. Thank you for so much.

[@ayeshakhalid709]

What is that cal/mag supplement name? Going through the dip part these days and really worried

[@manuelaconde7316]

@@ayeshakhalid709 she linked it in the video info. It’s from the brand Country Life 😊

[@asianeyes1006]

Love this. As I was exclusively breastfeeding and received my period when my baby was 3 months…. Now my baby is 7 months and I am 3 months pregnant. Do you mind making a video on breastfeeding while pregnant. Sometimes I don’t think that my baby is getting enough milk and I don’t want to supplement but increase my milk.

[@Babies0smell0funny]

Generally at around 20 weeks of pregnancy your lactation will be supressed to help the pregnancy grow. Some women can still make some milk, for some lactation in oregnancy stops completly. Do all the tips of encouraging lactation as in the video, make sure you take suplements, drink plently of fluids. Your baby is ready for food, so as long ss you can produce around 400ml of milk (3/4 feeds) rest you can fill up by solids.

[@MLEE-c4n]

You’re so lucky I hope to get pregnant when my little one is 7 months! What a blessing. Wish you the very best and a healthy baby!

[@asianeyes1006]

@@MLEE-c4n awww, thank you very much. So funny I’ve also had another baby since then lol. So now I have 3boys 3 yrs and under

[@nexxapoythress857]

My period came back almost 3m ago and I just now realized you made a video about it. Thank you!!

[@theingridaria]

Good timing! Got my monthly after 23 months( from getting pregnant) & still nursing. Noticed my babe wanting to nurse more. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@princesspastortelaine8689]

My period came back 3 hours ago. I just came from the E.R 30 minutes ago because I thought something horrible was happening to me because I have not had my period for 18 months (since losing my virginity on my wedding night/ getting pregnant the same night 😂). I was terrified 3 hours ago, but the Dr. Told me it’s my period 😂. I exclusively nurse my son. Today he turned 9 months… he refuses the bottle, won’t eat solid, so he depends on my milk supply…….. I came on your KZbin to get some help, and you have not failed….. thank you for this video and the resources. May God Bless you…

[@nessforbes7400]

Bless your little heart

[@time2restore778]

Unfortunately, it was not my period. But my real period came last month, when my son turned 16 months. So it made it exactly 2 years without having it. The woman's body is quite interesting.

[@AbiBloomUK]

The dip in supply makes total sense to me now! 😢

[@lesvlogsdanne-marielaurin4873]

What is the chance of you posting this video the same day I get my period back after two pregnancies ! Wow thank you !!! 🤍

[@heartfeltcolor]

I would LOVE a video or any tips for bringing a period back while breastfeeding!! With all my babies it's been later to come back each time (15 mth, 20mth, and now at 23mth and still no cycle). Makes it so hard if you want to TTC again and feel like you have to choose between weaning or continuing and spacing further apart.

[@paleopreggers1356]

I am so jealous of you! I got mine back after 4 months with my first. It made me want to get pregnant again immediately just so I didn’t have to deal with my period again. 😂

[@erikanicole7909]

I’d love a video on this too!! It will make natural family planning something possible again. I’m completely in the dark at this point while I’m nursing.

[@michellejacobs2758]

What worked for me was drinking a glass of soy milk every day for two weeks straight, it increased my estrogen levels enough to ovulate, try it out!

[@heartfeltcolor]

@@erikanicole7909 I feel you Erika and the age gap is getting bigger and bigger but I hate to wean my little guy for TTC IF he is my last...

[@heartfeltcolor]

@@michellejacobs2758 Oh interesting!

[@ayandanxusani3336]

I love your video, thank you so much for it. I was just running around the mall looking for lactation cookies because my milk supply has dropped significantly since starting my periods. Thank you for the practical tips.

[@KianaandMommy]

Hello Bridget, my baby is my 4 months now, i had a c section and i am exclusively breastfeeding my baby Kiana. I bleeded till 8th week after delivery and after that i started having spotting so i visited gynaecologist and she has done an ultrasound to check any infections but every thing was well and so she has given me a vaginal shot medicine along with progesterone to regularise my periods so after 15 days my periods came..and now she said next month it may come aur may not come..so dont worry its fine..

[@alext8204]

Hi can you talk about taking prenatal vitamins after birth?

[@chii_nik]

Good to know that it’s okay my period isn’t here because I’m exclusively breastfeeding I was getting a little bit concerned as to why no period at 4 months pp

[@taraejangpi9112]

Yes, I am new here. My son is 5 months old now. Would you recommend what to eat to boost memory?

[@chii_nik]

Oh my goodness I thought it was just me that my memory was disappearing!! I’ll definitely love to see that video too

[@aleechamak24]

Me too!!

[@LanNguyenLoves]

this literally cannot come at a better time!! Got the paragard iud at 6 weeks and my period came back when baby turned 3 months.

[@mamabird129]

My period just came back on new years eve...just over 6 months pp. Honestly, it wasn't that bad, hardly any cramping. My baby was a little fussy but she fed a lot so I know she got what she needed. I was hoping for a little longer without it lol.

[@mother.vegan.runner937]

I really love your videos and advice, I only wish you would mention something vegan along side your non vegan recommendation. ❤ Again I love your videos! Your tips really helped me when I had my all natural birth. 🙂 I had a very healthy 10lb 7oz vegan boy ❤

[@sparkleeyes2427]

Thank you so very much for the education provided. I learned a few things I had no idea of and humbly am grateful for you doing this video.

[@Mrscreamcheeselover]

6 weeks pp exclusively nursing period returned yesterday same thing happened with my other 2 children I'm one of the unlucky ones

[@Amieandco]

Mamas our intuition is crazy!! Saw the video Bridget posted and I thought ooh interesting! I’ll save that to watch later so I know what to expect when my period returns.. a few days ago I felt lots of jelly like mucus in my underwear, didn’t know what the hell it was and immediately thought it could be ovulation? read about it online that if could have been or a sign that uterus had all healed? Then didn’t think much more of it. So then my friend wanted to a hike today with our kiddos and I was really hesitant and undecided for some reason?! Then this morning I’m breastfeeding at 3:40am 🤪 check my emails and see an important one that wakes me up a little, after I BF I need a wee and I’m too awake to fall back to sleep without going and what do I see? period has literally just started!! (Managed to save the sheets thank god) get back into bed and think perfect timing to watch bridgets video! Thank you!! I was experiencing very sore nipples this week, plenty of milk baths and nipple balm, also I think a dip in supply as he’s been feeding more frequently at night time and being fussy on the boob hence also the sore nips from all the suckling. I put it down to having his vaccinations this week and needing some comfort! I’m EB every 2-2 1/2 hours but he is doing a long stint of sleep in the night, around 6 hours which apparently can make your period come back quicker! He is also 13 weeks old! Can’t lie I would have loved to not have my period back so quickly but I am glad I can track my ovulation to use natural cycles as birth control again. Thank you again Bridget for all the education and support you give us mamas 😘😘😘

[@MyLady22]

I woke up this morning and I needed to pee and I realized I forgot to put on my contacts! I was completely out of contact solution so I had to add that to my grocery list. I put my contacts on and my baby was fussier than normal but I needed to pee. I couldn’t decide if I should pee first or if I should go grab my baby. I was dancing and bouncing around at this point. I called my bf because he had went to the gym to see if he could pick up some contact solution after his exercise workout. He wants to be a fitness trainer. He told me he wanted to take training classes and I said he definitely can if he put his mind to it. I think he will be a great fitness trainer. I told him not to go buy it at Walmart because they never have contact solution on sale but instead go to Walgreens because it is on sale and he can use rewards to pay for it. To make my very long pointless story short, I finally went to the bathroom to pee.

[@LolaBug99]

Love watching your videos sometimes for some of us the health care providers we have leave out important info like this out .

[@DEFW21]

Love your channel sooo much, watched you all through pregnancy and recommended you to every mama I know

[@elisebeasley481]

Bridget, your videos have been so helpful to me in having my first baby! 🤍 I did notice recently that your newer videos feel a bit scripted, whereas your older videos felt more conversational. I miss the feeling of those older videos - maybe you could try leaning into that off-script, slower pace style videos again? Much love, I appreciate what you do so much!

[@lindsaygross2554]

7 months postpartum here. Still haven't gotten my period back but have had all of the symptoms for months (not pregnant) and it's so hard to be careful to not get pregnant again when I don't know if my cycle is trying to start. Any suggestions? I test for ovulation but it's hard to know when I should be testing.

[@stephanier1336]

Great info! I am having my 4th baby in October and do find that when my period comes back my milk does dip. So I am happy to know these tips:)!

[@pharmclare]

Well explained insights. Thank you

[@aimeejenner3371]

Has anyone had spotting while breastfeeding but no period? X

[@itsLizJaramillo]

I just started my period for the first time 9mo pp and I feel like I'm barely making milk. My son is very large and he just seems constantly hungry. It's not normal cluster feeding. It is making him eat more foods though. This baby loves his milk and barely eats food yet

[@kittawa]

YES YES YES! I needed a video like this so bad. And now I can link to it on the forums when so many other people have the same questions! Excellent timing as I just had a child in the last few months and am EBF.

[@JuliaLewis-o7g]

Sorry, very off-topic - has anyone noticed if tanning beds affect breastmilk supply? 🙏

[@taniabraganca]

My baby 13 months and I still without period. How long I can be without period?

[@YanaNova]

For as long as you're breastfeeding or at least for as long as you don't need to supplement baby.

[@ttwitch123]

It varies for each person. One on my greetings for hers back at 18 months (EBF). Personally I got mine back at 2 months (EBF).

[@LABsMama]

My cycle returned 14 months into breastfeeding but it didn’t return the next month. I’m guessing my hormones are still trying to get back on track🤷🏽‍♀️

[@dicla9370]

my period decided to come just after child birth and is very2 consistant..and my milk supply drop drastically and makes my baby fussy and cries a lot and i feel so helpless and guilty..i hate it..my period could have waited for some months atleast😠..

[@LCSDarkAngel2006]

My period came at 8 months but my supply wasn’t affected…not that I noticed. My supply did go away at about 4 months pregnant, so my son’s weaning from the breast was induced. -.-

[@macolga100]

Looking gorgeous, Bridget!

[@healingkatlyn99]

I've heard raw dairy helps cus of all the calcium & magnesium bicarbonate

[@cassandrabreit5029]

I drink a glass of raw milk every couple of days and didn't notice any issues feeding when my period returned so maybe that's accurate

[@healingkatlyn99]

@@cassandrabreit5029 yeah I haven't noticed either since I stopped being vegan

[@sadsong3547]

I started periods one month after delivery. And it is regularly coming now .I still have cramps and I still bleed for 6 days . Is this even normal. I am exclusively breast feeding. Right now I am 4 months post partum.

[@mzsharboneau]

Any recommendations for weaning? Or breastfeeding while pregnant? My toddler is still feeding twice a day and my husband and I are waiting to find out if I'm pregnant again. I'm worried about cause early labor if I can't wean her.

[@dicla9370]

my breast feels completely empty and flacid before and during period..it depressess me

[@asiajade2704]

I bled for 2 months straight after giving birth with period Iike cramps. A week if no bleeding. Then I started my period. The bam another period. I'm so sick and tired of telling me you don't get a period while your Breastfeeding :///

[@Naomismom2023]

I breast feed I do supplements with formula but I’ve been on my period for a week I have no cramps

[@mrsphilo5242]

Hi Bridget, I am a mama of a 2months old baby. I am struggling with breastfeeding because my baby sleeps at the time of feeding. I am only breastfeeding her no formula. I don't know how much she's taking in. She's 2 month and 3.4kilograms weight. I don't know what to do. What to do so that she can gain weight

[@johanaramirez5421]

Hi, I have a question! How do I know if I am on my period while breastfeeding if there is no bleeding?

[@GelicaMarie4018]

Because you'll bleed

[@saranyaraju627]

My baby is falling so much and hitting his head .can you please suggest some tips

[@lucyhuppert6694]

My daughter isn't even 3 months yet, and just found out that my period returned while in a changing room! Ughhh

[@ubaxhussein6390]

I have the period but it’s not coming well what can I do

[@cutiecupcake4150]

Not had a period in 600 days!! My son is almost 1.

[@camillegauthier3575]

My period came back 8 weeks postpartum, but I had an IUD placed at 6 weeks.. i was (and still am) breastfeeding full time.. my doctor said it couldn’t have anything to do with the IUD (that has hormones) but I doubt it…. Does anyone have similar experience or an explanation? Why my period would come back so early and super regular while I’m breastfeeding full time?

[@YanaNova]

Is your milk volume the same as before menstruation begun or is it more?

[@catherineh2252]

Hello! I’m currently in the same position with the Kyleena IUD and my doctor said the same thing. She also assured me that my milk supply would be unaffected but I had a major drop in supply that is now getting better after having the IUD removed. I had no idea it was even possible to have a period this early when exclusively breastfeeding. I do feel that the IUD somehow caused the early period after reading about levonorgestrel and how it can mimic progesterone.

[@camillegauthier3575]

@@catherineh2252 ohhh so interesting! Thanks!!! I’m actually debating on getting mine removed too…

[@camillegauthier3575]

@@YanaNova fortunately, i did not really notice any difference in my milk!

[@YanaNova]

@@camillegauthier3575 well... you should notice an increase actually as baby gets older Xx

[@shelbiee-97]

I supplement baby once or twice a day but only like 1-2 oz and breast feed the rest and I’ve had some nasty cramps but literally no period !? I mean I don’t mind because she’s 4 months at the end of this week but still lol

[@mathewsomotola6957]

Dr and midwife says pump the milk out to see what baby is taking.

[@judymensch]

My baby is 8 months old but I still not get my period what can I do to get my period but I am still breastfeeding 😢😢😢

[@retired-internet-troll]

Got mine at 28 days and 33 days 😭

[@sendye.9695]

My baby is almost 11 months old. My period just came in.

[@charitykamande5948]

What did you use ?

[@bexl5255]

Ladies here are some homeopathic remedies for some of the issues addressed in this video. Breast pain is well-met with Bryonia 30, twice daily until very much better. As for help to increase my milk supply, I had great success with Cinchona officinalis 200 (China 200) twice a day. Once the remedy has shown improvement, halt its use and resume only if/when needed.