It depends on so many factors. You can get pregnant as little as 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, even if you're breastfeeding and your periods haven't started again. So, do be aware of it.

When will my period start again after having a baby?

The initial bleeding called Lochia is not a period. It is just the uterus cleaning itself.The return of the period will be different for everyone, but most women will start having periods again about 5-6 weeks after birth. 

How does breastfeeding affect my periods and fertility?

If you are breastfeeding exclusively, your periods may not start again until you stop breastfeeding or until you stop night-time breastfeeding. This is because the hormone that causes your body to make breastmilk can stop your body from making the hormone that controls your periods. 

If you combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, your first period could start again after about 5-6 weeks after having your baby.

When your baby starts breastfeeding less often (around 3 feeds a day), you may start ‘spotting’. Spotting is a light and irregular period that usually appears as spots of blood. 

Can I use breastfeeding as a form of contraception?

Often older women advice the younger ones that breastfeeding is a safe and reliable form of contraception. But, that is not a guarantee.

Because breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, some women use it as a form of natural contraception. This is known as the Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM). It's important to start using another form of contraception if:

• your baby is more than 6 months old
• you give them anything else apart from breast milk, such as a dummy, formula or solid foods
• your periods start again (even light spotting counts)
• you stop night feeding
• you start to breastfeed less often
• there are longer intervals between feeds, both during the day and at night.

Things That Affect When a Breastfeeding Mum Gets Her Period After Pregnancy

1. Her baby’s sleep schedule

The more baby wakes up at night to eat, the more milk mum continues to produce, and that milk-producing hormone, prolactin, works to suppress menstruation. When baby starts to sleep through the night, mum’s body slowly produces less prolactin and milk, which in turn can trigger mum’s period to return.

2. When solids are introduced 

Introducing solid food can also affect periods if the baby eats a lot of solid food and reduces nursing at the breast. In this situation, the mum’s body gets a signal to produce less milk.

3. The mum’s hormonal makeup

All bodies are different. Some moms may be nursing all through the night, but still get a period two or three months postpartum. Other moms may wean their child and not see a period for months. If you have concerns about your hormones, speak with your doctor or midwife.

Don’t be surprised if your period comes and goes.

Yes, an erratic return is not unusual.

To make things more confusing: A breastfeeding mum’s period may come and go. If your baby starts sleeping through the night at three months, mom may get her period back. But, if baby’s sleep pattern changes (4 month sleep regression, anyone?!), mom’s milk production and hormones will change and her period can stop again. It will return once baby starts sleeping longer stretches at night.

A change in flow: You may experience a scant or heavy first period after pregnancy

Longer than normal cycles: Your first cycle maybe 45 days, then 40, then 35, and so on until eventually your cycle returns to normal.

Changes in the number of days you bleed: You may bleed for 4 days now instead of 6, or vice versa

Do I need to use contraception while breastfeeding?

Once you start ovulating, you can get pregnant. This can happen before you have your first period after giving birth. So, if you want to avoid pregnancy while breastfeeding, you should use contraception.

There are several safe contraception options you can consider while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor for advice before resuming sexual activity.

Will a period affect the taste of my breastmilk?

Ovulation and menstruation mean hormonal changes are occurring in your body.

If you notice that your baby fusses at your breast when you have your period, it might be a sign that it tastes different temporarily. If you are concerned about anything related to breastfeeding, you can speak with a lactation consultant

When to worry about post-childbirth period?

• Any period that requires you to change your tampon, pad, or cup every hour
• Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
• Clots larger than a quarter
• Missing a period after you’ve already had a few
• Mid-cycle spotting
• If you are formula feeding and haven’t had a period three months after birth or if you are breastfeeding and haven’t had a period three months after weaning, it’s time to see your doctor.

You might have post-birth menstrual irregularities because of - 

Vitamin D Deficiency

Studies suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and menstrual cycle problems. A recent research article showed that about 40% of women with low vitamin D levels also had a menstrual disorder. 

Endometrial Damage

Asherman syndrome occurs when scar tissue forms in your uterus or cervix. The causes of the condition are:

• Retained placenta after giving birth.
• Elective abortion
• Missed or incomplete miscarriage
• Uterine fibroid surgery

Doctors often miss Asherman syndrome since many don’t experience any symptoms. But others missed their period after childbirth.

You may need surgery to treat your condition at some point since you’re at risk for miscarriage, preterm labor, and infertility. 

Research suggests a direct link between stress and your menstrual cycle. One study showed that 39% of women experiencing missed periods also felt high stress. Other menstrual problems like worsening premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and abnormal bleeding also occur. 

What kind of birth control should women use post childbirth?

It's best to talk to your doctor to get advice with your specific body needs in mind.

• Birth control pills
• Injectable contraceptives
• Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Skin hormone patches
• Vaginal rings

Fears of an unexpected pregnancy after a recent childbirth is real and being aware of all factors would help you plan. A mum’s body needs a good 2-year recovery for getting all the strength back.