So, you’ve had a baby, your body’s doing a million things at once, and just when you think you're starting to get the hang of this whole parenting thing… bam. Your period shows up. Or maybe it doesn’t. Or it kind of shows up, but it's super light. Or weirdly heavy. Basically, your post-baby period feels nothing like what you remember.

If you’re breastfeeding and wondering what’s going on with your cycle, you’re not alone. The relationship between nursing and your period is complicated, and honestly, a little confusing. Let’s talk about what’s normal, what’s not, and what to expect when your cycle decides to return after giving birth.

First Things First: Where Did Your Period Go?

After giving birth, your hormones shift dramatically. Oestrogen and progesterone, which were super high during pregnancy, drop fast. At the same time, your body starts producing more prolactin, the hormone that helps you make milk. Prolactin also happens to suppress ovulation, which is why many people don’t get their period for a while after delivery, especially if they’re exclusively breastfeeding.

In short: if you’re nursing around the clock and haven’t seen your period in months, that’s pretty typical.

So, When Does It Come Back?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some people get their first postpartum period within a couple of months, even while breastfeeding. Others might not see anything until their baby starts eating solids or sleeps longer at night. And a few lucky folks don’t have a period until they’re done nursing altogether.

Timing can depend on a few things:

• How often you’re breastfeeding (especially at night)
• Whether you're supplementing with formula
• Your body's individual hormone response

It’s all normal. Your body’s just doing its own thing at its own pace.

What’s That First Period Like?

When your cycle finally returns, don’t be surprised if it feels… different. For some, it’s super light. For others, it’s heavy and unpredictable. You might have spotting one month, then a full period the next. Cramps may come back stronger or not at all.

This is totally normal. Your uterus is still adjusting, and your hormones haven’t completely leveled out yet. It can take a few months (or more) for your cycle to settle into a rhythm.

And if you’re wondering whether you can get pregnant before your period returns, the answer is yes, you totally can. Ovulation happens before bleeding, so if you're not ready for baby number two just yet, talk to your doctor about contraception options that work with nursing.

Can You Get a Period While Breastfeeding?

Yes. 100% yes. A period while breastfeeding is completely possible and common, especially if your baby starts nursing less often or sleeps longer stretches.

It can feel a little weird, though. You might notice your milk supply drops slightly during your period (blame hormone shifts), or your baby might get fussier at the breast. The taste and texture of milk can change a bit during that time, but it's still safe and fine to continue nursing.

If your supply dips, it usually bounces back within a couple of days. Staying hydrated, eating well, and nursing or pumping regularly can help things stay steady.

Cramping, Clotting, and All That Fun Stuff

The first period after baby can come with some surprises. More clots, heavier bleeding, or a longer cycle than usual? All normal. Your body is still healing and rebalancing.

Here’s what’s worth keeping an eye on:

• Bleeding that soaks through a pad every hour for several hours
• Periods that stop and then start again days later (sometimes confused with postpartum bleeding)
• Severe pain, especially if paired with fever or a bad odour

If anything feels extreme or just off, it is worth calling your doctor. Your instincts matter.

When to Check In with a Doctor

Most changes are totally fine and part of your body’s adjustment process, but it’s good to get checked out if:

• You haven’t had a period in over a year and aren’t exclusively breastfeeding
• Your cycle is super irregular for more than six months after it returns
• Your bleeding feels too intense or painful to manage

Even if you're just unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal, it never hurts to ask. You deserve to feel supported, period.

Bottom Line

There’s no “right” timeline when it comes to your cycle after pregnancy. Whether you get a period while breastfeeding or don’t see one for months, it’s all part of your body’s individual rhythm.

Give yourself some grace. You’ve just gone through one of the biggest physical transformations a body can experience, and your hormones are still recalibrating. Whether your period is light, heavy, early, or late, your body is still finding its new normal.

Take care of yourself, stay curious (not panicked!), and remember: your body is doing an incredible job, even when it feels unpredictable.

Love, Libra x 

Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice