Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 2 days ago
Breastfeeding can delay the return of periods after childbirth
After childbirth, hormone levels change and the menstrual cycle may take months to return.
Breastfeeding can keep the cycle suppressed, though it may return sooner if feeds become less frequent.
Bleeding in the first 45 to 60 days can be part of the body's recovery, not a period.
It is possible to become pregnant before the first period comes back.
Gynecologist Agustina Larrea explained that menstruation may take months to return after childbirth because pregnancy-related hormones fall sharply and breastfeeding can suppress the hormonal axis that regulates the menstrual cycle.
Larrea said prolactin, produced during breastfeeding, generally keeps that axis inhibited for at least the first six months, though changes in feeding frequency can allow the cycle to return sooner.
Postpartum bleeding called lochia can last 45 to 60 days as the uterus returns to its original size, and it is not the same as menstruation.
Bleeding can also occur without ovulation, so an irregular or heavy bleed does not necessarily mean that menstruation has returned.
Larrea warned that ovulation and pregnancy can occur before the first postpartum period.
- Who
- Gynecologist Agustina Larrea
- What
- She explained postpartum bleeding and why menstruation may take months to return.
- When
- Published October 10, 2026; the return of menstruation varies after childbirth.
- Where
- Infobae's interview series El Puente
- Why
- Hormonal changes after childbirth and breastfeeding can suppress the cycle.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Por lo general, ese eje se mantiene inhibido al menos los primeros seis meses
Es cuando se cae como la famosa cascarita donde estaba alojada la placenta
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Postpartum bleeding duration
- Lochia can last 45 to 60 days.
- Breastfeeding and cycle suppression
- Prolactin generally keeps the hormonal axis inhibited for at least the first six months.
- Possible return after weaning
- Menstruation may return within three to six months after complete weaning.
- Interview subject
- Gynecologist Agustina Larrea.
Sources
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