One of the benefits that mothers get from breastfeeding is a delay in the return of menstruation. Mothers who do not breastfeed their babies may get their first postpartum period within weeks, but breastfeeding mothers can usually look forward to at least a few period-free months.
Effects
The hormone that causes your body to produce milk for your baby also suppresses reproductive hormones that lead to ovulation and menstruation, according to AskDrSears.com. As long as you are frequently nursing your baby, this hormone, called prolactin, will often stay at high enough levels to prevent menstruation.
Time Frame
Breastfeeding mothers typically begin menstruating between six months and two years after childbirth, according to the La Leche League International. If you do not follow this pattern, keep in mind that some women begin having periods much sooner or later. Frequency and duration of breastfeeding often play a role in the resumption of menstruation. As your baby gets older and begins to sleep through the night and eat solid foods, menstruation is more likely to return due to reduced hormone levels. Complete weaning almost always causes menstrual periods to resume, according to the La Leche League.
Pregnancy Prevention
Because breastfeeding affects the menstrual cycle and ovulation, it is possible to use frequent breastfeeding as a natural form of birth control, according to AskDrSears.com. This method, called the lactational amenorrhea method, is only reliable if your baby is less than six months old, your periods have not returned and you do not go longer than three hours during the day or six hours at night without breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you plan to rely on breastfeeding for birth control.
Considerations
After your periods resume, they may be irregular if you are still nursing. If you want to get pregnant while you are breastfeeding an older baby or toddler, know that breastfeeding may continue to affect your fertility even after your periods have resumed. You may have more luck as you begin weaning your child and he nurses less frequently, according to AskDrSears.com.
Warning
About 5 percent of women ovulate before they have their first menstrual period after having a baby, according to AskDrSears.com. If preventing pregnancy is important to you, talk to your doctor about birth control options while breastfeeding.
