Wondering when your period will make a comeback after childbirth? Every mum’s experience is unique, especially when breastfeeding enters the mix. Here’s a guide to what you might expect with your cycle while nursing, the changes that might surprise you, and how to handle common symptoms like cramps and heavy bleeding while breastfeeding.

No period whilst breastfeeding: is it normal?

It’s perfectly normal to have no period while breastfeeding, particularly in the early months. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, can suppress ovulation and therefore delay menstruation. This absence of periods is part of the body’s natural process to recover from pregnancy while supporting lactation.

It’s worth bearing in mind that it is actually possible to ovulate and conceive even before your first period returns, so speak with your healthcare provider about contraception options if you’re not ready for another pregnancy.

Irregular periods while breastfeeding

Irregular periods are common during breastfeeding, especially if you’re still nursing regularly. Breastfeeding has a significant effect on menstrual regularity, largely due to those higher prolactin levels mentioned earlier. Breastfeeding menstruation can really vary, with some mothers experiencing more irregular cycles than they were once used to.

Managing symptoms if your period returns while breastfeeding

If your periods return while breastfeeding and you are experiencing painful or heavy periods, treatment options are available.

For cramps or painful periods, using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or taking a warm bath can help soothe the pain. Light exercise such as swimming or walking, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and eating well can also relieve symptoms.

If you are experiencing painful periods when breastfeeding, you may be advised against certain common medications. Here’s some of our guidance on what you can take:

Ibuprofen: This over-the-counter pain reliever is considered suitable for breastfeeding mothers, as only small amounts pass into breast milk. It’s often recommended for pain management while breastfeeding as it’s considered unlikely to cause any effects in your baby.
Naproxen: Naproxen (sold over-the-counter as Ultravana®, among other brands) isn’t usually recommended for breastfeeding mothers, but may be suggested by a healthcare professional if other pain killers are not suitable. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking Ultravana® if you are breastfeeding.
Tranexamic acid: If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, tranexamic acid (the brand sold over-the-counter is Evana® ) may be a suitable option if you are breastfeeding. You should ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on whether Evana® may be suitable for you.

Remember to always discuss any new medication with a pharmacist or doctor.

When to expect your first period after breastfeeding

Since every mother’s body is different, some women may notice their periods return within a few months of childbirth, while others might go over a year before their menstrual cycle resumes. This can depend on the nature of your breastfeeding:

Exclusive breastfeeding: When you’re nursing exclusively—meaning no formula, solids, or other liquids—it’s likely that you won’t experience periods for several months postpartum. Some mothers might not see their period resume until they gradually reduce breastfeeding frequency or stop nursing altogether.
Mixed feeding: If you’re supplementing with formula or introducing solids, your period may return sooner, typically within a few months. Reduced nursing leads to a drop in prolactin, which often allows ovulation to resume.

Experiencing your first period after breastfeeding

Your first period after breastfeeding may feel quite different from what you remember pre-pregnancy. Often, this first cycle is heavier than usual, with a more intense flow due to hormonal fluctuation. You may also experience different amounts of cramping than you did previously, as well as more clotting in your periods than before. Speak to your GP if blood clots persist in your period for at least a week.

Some women find that their periods become easier after pregnancy, possibly due to the uterus stretching out and relaxing. Conversely, others may find their periods more challenging, which could be because the larger, stretched uterus has more tissue to shed during menstruation.

Changes in menstrual cycle postpartum

Your periods might be irregular as long as you’re still breastfeeding. For some, cycles become more predictable once they reduce nursing frequency. If you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe pain, or any other unusual symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.

Menstrual Health Products

Do you suffer with disruptive periods?

Our menstrual health products are designed to provide effective relief from heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and period pain, helping you to get on with your life.

Evana Heavy Period Relief Tablets and Ultravana Period Pain Relief Tablets are easily accessible both online and from a range of pharmacies without the need for a prescription.

Explore our website to find out more about our period medicines.

Find relief from HMB
Buy Evana
Find relief from painful periods
Buy Ultravana

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