Postpartum Periods - Can they be delayed for more reasons than just breastfeeding?
This is one of the most common questions that I get from clients and followers. And one that I’ve actually been quite interested in myself. I’m in my second postpartum currently and I’m interested to see when my first period shows up this time. With my first, I didn’t get my period back until almost 15 months postpartum. I pumped and nursed throughout my first postpartum period and co-slept through 15 months.
The return of the postpartum period, also known as menstruation after childbirth, can be influenced by various factors, including nutritional status. However, it's important to note that nutritional deficiencies are just one of several factors that can affect the return of menstruation. Other factors include hormonal changes, breastfeeding practices, stress levels, and individual variations.
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate, can potentially play a role in delaying the return of menstruation. These nutrients are important for overall health and hormone regulation. Severe deficiencies can disrupt the normal functioning of the reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle.
For example, iron deficiency anemia can affect the production of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Similarly, vitamin B12 and folate are essential for proper cell division and growth, which can influence the development of the uterine lining and overall reproductive health.
It’s also worth noting that having adequate caloric intake is also important. The body should feel well nourished and adequately supported. Many new moms are under-eating and not consuming enough protein. I generally recommend that clients consume roughly 2600 calories a day when breastfeeding and are taking in 100-120+ grams of protein. This is obviously fairly bioindividual - so it may look different for everyone! I just find that a lot of new moms feel pressure to lose weight in early postpartum and therefore, aren’t eating enough.
I have been curious if postpartum hair loss could also be associated with postnatal / postpartum depletion, and while there are limited studies on it, there seems like there could be a link there as well. Postpartum hair loss typically takes place around 4 months postpartum and can last anywhere from 6-20 weeks.
However, while nutrition is important, many other factors can also influence the return of the postpartum period. Breastfeeding, for instance, can have a significant impact on hormone levels and can delay the return of menstruation for some women. The frequency and intensity of breastfeeding, as well as the introduction of solid foods, can affect this.
I’ve talked to many clients and friends about the theory of postpartum periods returning once moms no longer co-sleep and nurse their baby through the night. There’s one thought that sleep disruption could cause the postpartum period to be delayed, but this study doesn’t quite support that.
“Formula feeding may be related to the mother’s sleep loss, while breastfeeding (especially direct breastfeeding) may be related to increased maternal sleep duration.”
While there aren’t any specific studies to support this, I have seen most clients and friends that I have do get their periods back once they either night wean or stop co-sleeping.
In conclusion, data supports the return of menstruation in the postpartum period to be normal for breastfeeding women anywhere from 6 weeks onward when actively breastfeeding. There is data to support that genetic factors could also likely play a role in this as well.
It's recommended that women who have given birth pay attention to their overall health and nutritional status, especially if they are breastfeeding. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients is important for both the mother's well-being and the development of the infant. If you have concerns about the return of your postpartum period or nutritional deficiencies, feel free to apply to work with me here for a free discovery call!