Do I get my period while breastfeeding? | Breastfeeding – All you need to know

Do I get my period while breastfeeding?

Regular breastfeeding causes prolactin to be released by sucking on the breast. This is responsible for milk production on the one hand and inhibits the hormones FSH and LH on the other. These are essential for ovulation.

If they are suppressed, there is no ovulation and thus no menstruation. Breastfeeding can therefore suspend the period. If a mother exclusively breast-feeds her baby, ovulation and thus menstruation will most likely not occur for several months.

However, this requires a very regular application to the breast. If you breastfeed your baby fully during the day and at night, it can take up to a year before your period starts again. For example, if your baby is sleeping through his or her period early and the intervals between breastfeeding are longer, you will probably start having your period earlier – on average between three and eight months.

If the baby is bottle-fed, the period can return as early as six weeks after birth. Sometimes it takes two to three months. The first period after birth can be very strong and painful, or sometimes it is barely distinguishable from the still existing menstrual flow. Thus, the strength and regularity after birth is very variable and it takes time for the body to get back to its old rhythm.

Is it allowed to tint the hair while breastfeeding?

When dyeing your hair, the body can absorb minute amounts of the dye through the scalp. However, the manufacturers of the coloring products take into account already during the product development that all ingredients can be used without hesitation by pregnant and nursing women. Only products that are approved by the Scientific Committee for Cosmetics of the European Union may be used. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) says that there are no indications of health risks from hair dye products during pregnancy and lactation.

Is it allowed to apply nail polish while breast feeding?

Nail polish and nail polish remover contain solvents and plasticizers. However, these have a very low concentration and the area to be applied to the nails is comparatively very small. If possible, a formaldehyde-free product should be used. In principle, nail polish may also be used during the nursing period. Make sure that the child is not in the room when the nail polish is applied and air the room extensively because of the smell afterwards.