Period Back with 2 Month Old Baby, Exclusively Breastfeeding

Updated on November 18, 2008
N.S. asks from Brooklyn, NY
29 answers

I have a 2-month old baby and have been exclusively breastfeeding him since day 1. He feeds every 3-4 hours for about 30-45 minutes. Today I think I have gotten my period back. Is this normal? I have heard that if you're exclusively breastfeeding, you don't get your period back at all until you have weaned the baby.

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much for all the responses!it's reassuring to know that this has happened to so many other women and that it's normal. But it is too bad! I was hoping my period would wait a little longer to make its reappearance!

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A.M.

answers from Bangor on

I see you have already heard from many people that this is normal. I got mine at 5 mo. while BFing. The good thing is that you know you can ovulate regularly, in case you want to have more kids.

On a less pragmatic note, I think it is totally unfair to have to be breastfeeding, menstruating, and all the other stuff we do, we women! How annoying!

Sorry! :-)

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D.M.

answers from Boston on

That happened to me too, around the same time. After that, though, it hasn't come back. My daughter is 7 months old and I'm only BF'ing at night (barely) and I still haven't gotten it.

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K.B.

answers from Boston on

Hi N., although it more common NOT to get it back it does happen. I fed on demand with my son but got my period back immediately six weeks after birth. The only thing was it didnt stay consistent, I had that one, then a few here and there over a couple months, but not on a regular cycle. Sorry! It sucks but it happens! I had friends who breastfed for two years and never got anything, they were just the lucky ones I guess!

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R.F.

answers from Boston on

I exclusively breast fed for the first 4 months then started suppliments with formula. I had my period back within the first month after birth.

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C.F.

answers from Providence on

I also was exclusively breastfeeding my baby for the first 6 months (he's now 9 months). Before I had him, I was told that my period wouldn't start up until I weaned him off...however, I also started my period up again after he was only about 3 months old! I was scared something was wrong so called my OBGYN, and she said that its perfectly normal. She said some mothers dont get their period until after they stop breastfeeding, while other mothers start their period after 2 months. If you are nervous, call your doc...but according to my doc, its normal...all mothers bodies are different.

Except for my first two periods, my cycle has been right back on track.

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R.R.

answers from Boston on

This happened to me as well. My Dr was very surprised and sent me for an ultrasound but everything was normal. I don't think this sort of thing happens often, but it does happen. Unfortunately. Sorry.

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D.S.

answers from Boston on

2nd thought after reading other moms' responses: cool, i wasn't aware that a lot of moms get their period so soon after. I, and all my mom-friends took at least 6 months. It's great if this is the simple and natural explanation! Sorry to have blown an unnessecary worried whistle... I just had this experience, and didn't get out of my shoes. Learnt something. Thanks all!

Dear N.,

this would be astonishing. There is another possible explanation: there might be some "leftovers" (e.g. pieces of placenta, ...) in your uterus, that the uterus is trying to get rid of, which will result in weak to strong bleeding. A quick ultrasound will be able to show if this is the case. I had this after my second child, around 2 months post-partum. The first step was then to encourage uterus contractions (there is medication for that), but if that does not get the "leftovers" out, a curettage will have to be made. In fact, that is what i had to undergo. The procedure was short, but under total anesthesia, however, i did take my newborn with me and continued breastfeedng with no problem. (i did pump for one feeding, which she actually ended up rejecting). I hated to have to go through this, but in the end it was less bad then expected.

I guess i am saying: see a gynacologyst and have it checked! I would be glad to know what happened, so let us know if you can/want to.

Good luck!

D.

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H.W.

answers from Providence on

Every woman's body reacts differently. Personally, I have never heard 'if you're exclusively breastfeeding, you don't get your period back at all until you have weaned the baby.' I breastfed my daughter for the first 12 weeks of her life - in week 3, I had gotten my period. I don't believe this is anything to worry about, but if you're unsure my advice to you is to talk to your OB/GYN's office and speak to either the OB/GYN, nurse, or nurse practioner.

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W.H.

answers from Bangor on

yes it is normal and be aware, breastfeeding is NOT birth control...A co worker of mine got pregnant when she was breastfeeding her 3 month old daughter, because she thought breastfeeding meant that she couldn't get pregnant until the new baby was weaned. So 2 of her children are quite close in age, and weren't planned to be that way.

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C.K.

answers from Boston on

Don't believe everything you hear! Yes it is true some woman do not get their periods back until after they stop breast feeding but it simply is not true for all woman!
I exclusively breast fed my son for 3 months for 45 mins to 1 1/2 hrs at a time! and every 2 hrs. I got my period when he was 1 month old. However a friend of mine with all 3 of her kids did not get a period at all until they were done with breast feeding at about 6 months old. So every woman is different. If you are truly worried call your OB. I thought it was abnormal because I stopped bleeding after having my baby when he was about 3 weeks old and 2 days later started again when he was about 1 1/2 months old. I did not have cramps or anything so I was worried that is was not a period and it was abnormal but I was fine!!!

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R.K.

answers from Springfield on

Hi. This is perfectly normal. Mine returned right when it was due to return.

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A.F.

answers from Providence on

everyone says it, but i haven't met one person who hasn't gotten their period back within months of having their baby. i breastfed both my lil ones for almost a year and a half after they were born, but had my period within 6 to 8 weeks after birth, both times. they're 4 and 2, both had aggressive appetites, but still there it was. i think it's more common to get it now then to not get it. don't worry one bit, it's the new norm and we don't get that pleasureable break from it like our moms and grandmom's did. lol

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A.D.

answers from Boston on

Some people don't get their periods back until they are weaned. For me, I breastfed all of my children exclusively for 6 mos except for 1 bottle a day. I got my period 6 weeks after giving birth. It all depends on the person

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C.H.

answers from Boston on

i got mine back within 2-3 months of birth with both my girls, and I exclusively nursed.... it just wasnt fair! Sorry!

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M.H.

answers from Boston on

Both my friend and I got our periods after 4 months, we were both exclusively b/f our babies also. I don't think this is a problem but if you're worried you could call your ob/gyn office and ask their advice, they may wish to see you if they think there's a problem.

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S.W.

answers from Burlington on

I got mine at 4 months! and my stepmom got it right away. And I know someone who didn't get it for 2 years, still nursing, and her doctors were very worried.

Bummer no? I was really looking forward to a long break!

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L.K.

answers from Springfield on

I had my first at 25 and similarly started my period 2 months after birth while exclusively breastfeeding. My OB said this was normal. Just be aware that it most likely means that you are now ovulating so be careful!

Congratulations and keep up the good work with nursing!

~Liza

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A.H.

answers from Hartford on

it can vary. one of my friends got her period back right away as well! i think you'll be fine!

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M.B.

answers from Hartford on

Everyone is different and it sounds like you were one of the unfortunate ones to get your period back right away. Most don't get their period back right away, but there are a lot of women who do get it back while still breastfeeding. You are just one of the unlucky ones to get it back right away. But look at it this way at least you know you're not pregnant again ;).

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C.R.

answers from Boston on

Yes, this is normal and don't worry about it. Keep breastfeeding and enjoy your son!! If you are worried about supply issues for any reason, try nursing at more frequent intervals (unless he doesn't want to) or consider pumping so that your body knows it needs to keep supply up. If not an issue, no worries!
Take care,
C.

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P.M.

answers from Boston on

It is normal some womes get it back monthly after the baby is born some go a month or two without it and then get it back. A friend of mine got hers right away with one child and the next one was almost a year and her third one was 4 months.

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L.P.

answers from Barnstable on

Hey N.,
I too got mine 2 months after giving birth. I nursed my son and I hoped it wouldn't comeback for a while but, just like clock work every month, there it was. I guess we weren't one of the lucky ones. Anyway don't worry, unless it stops again. I have quite a few friends who became pregnant again quickly and now have children very close in age.

L.

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J.S.

answers from Boston on

I got my period when my son was 3 months old and I too was exclusively breast feeding. And from then on I was very regular. Maybe not the norm, but normal for us.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

It really depends on you and your body. I know some that got their peroids as early as you and some that took two years to get back. Either way, its safe.

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L.L.

answers from Portland on

Return of monthlies varies hon. I had seven children , all breastfed, and the period reappearance was from several months to a year and longer.
Important thing to remember here is that even tho you may not be having your period, you can still get preggers.
I learned that the (LOL )obvious way and have two one year two weeks apart in age. Did not have a period ( except right after birth of the second child for over three years. That was a dubious bonus.
Take care of you and God bless
Grandmother Lowell

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R.B.

answers from Boston on

Astonishing? No. I think everyone is different. I got it back at about 2.5 months too, and my daughter was also exclusively breastfed, and I pumped also. I was bummed to get it back so early, but my doctors were not worried at all. It's normal in some women I guess!

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R.J.

answers from Boston on

I got mine back after 8 months with my first and 6 months with my second. But, I am still breastfeeding my son who is 7.5 months, and I bf'd my daughter until a year, and nights until 15 months. Your misconception is unfortunatly how lots of woman get pregnant unintentionally while bfing. (No pun intended.)

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M.L.

answers from Boston on

Hi, I am sorry to say you are one of the unlucky ones. It happened to me too. With my first daughter I got it back at four months but with my second I got it back at six weeks! My Dr. said that the majority of women don't get it but that some do and there is no specific reason. Make sure you drink extra water and get extra rest when you do get your period while nursing. Your more likely to get run down and you will of course need your strength to care for a new born baby! Good luck.

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S.P.

answers from Portland on

Some women, very few however, don't get their periods again until after they wean their babies. Most get their period back between 3-6 months after they have the baby. I breastfed both of mine and got my period back right around 3 months after giving birth. It's pretty normal but if you're still concerned, call your doc. Good luck.

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