Our bodies are amazing. You have spent nine months creating a tiny person made up of little bits of you and your partner. The transition you have gone through is beyond magical, and you are your baby’s comfort. If you have decided like many moms to breastfeed then your body is still providing everything that your little one needs. But if you are experiencing cramps while breastfeeding but no period has appeared keep reading to find out all you need to know.
Cramps While Breastfeeding But No Period – What is it?
Having cramps while breastfeeding but no period arriving is normal especially if you have not gotten back to your normal cycle after labor. Many moms report that they have consistent cramping yet no bleeding but why? There are a few different reasons for cramping from afterpains, pregnancy, or even ovulation.
Breastfeeding and Periods
Once your baby is born you expect your body to return to normal, however, for many breastfeeding moms this isn’t always the case. Now I am not talking about snapping back into your size zero jeans but directing your attention to the normal visit from aunt Flo. Yes, your period. Nine blissful months of not worrying about the dreaded ‘time of the month.’
It takes a while for your menstrual cycle to return to normal and this is more prominent for moms who choose to breastfeed. Usually, new moms can expect their period to return 6-8 weeks postpartum however this may not be the case for those moms who are breastfeeding.
According to Healthline, periods can differ if you breastfeed. Some moms may not have a period until much later in their parenting journey and others may not have one until they begin the weaning process and slow down on feeding their baby themselves. Either way, it is a completely normal process.
Why do I have cramps but no period while breastfeeding?
If you are a mom who has no period while breastfeeding but cramping has started then please do not worry. You will not be the first nor the last mom to experience cramps while breastfeeding.
If the pain is stopping you from completing your daily routine then please contact your doctor. There are a few possible causes for these cramps and they are causes that you do not need to worry about.
Is no period while breastfeeding but cramping normal?
As previously explained, yes experiencing mild cramping pain while breastfeeding is normal even if your visit from aunt Flo is yet to return. This turns our thinking to why? Why does this happen? What can you do to help rid yourself of these awful pains?
Causes For Your Cramps While Breastfeeding
‣ Afterpain
if you are experiencing pain close to the birth of your baby then you could be experiencing afterpains. As a mom who experienced this on both my postpartum journeys, I can promise you are not falling apart.
It can sometimes feel like your insides are falling out but you must remember that your uterus has expanded to house something the size of a watermelon. Afterpain is your body’s way of contracting it back so it can shrink to its original size. I can vouch that these pains for me were considerably harsher when I was pumping compared to when I bottle-fed.
When your nipples are stimulated the hormone that helps contract your uterus is released hence why I found it more painful when expressing.
‣ Phantom periods
Ever heard of muscle memory? Well after a nine-month holiday your body is gearing up for the first return to reality and that is your period.
Cramping may occur because your body is preparing for your first period. Breastfeeding can delay bleeding as we now know but this doesn’t mean that your body won’t prepare itself.
‣ Pregnancy
Believe it or not but you can still fall pregnant even when you haven’t had a period. Ovulation can still occur which is why many moms report falling pregnant while they are still breastfeeding.
Just because your cycle has still not returned doesn’t mean you have 100% birth control.
‣ Ovulation
Ovulation can begin even though a mom is yet to see their period. You are still fertile even though you are breastfeeding and cramping can be a result of your body releasing an egg.
How Long Will The Cramps Last?
As with anything regarding pregnancy and childbirth the duration of these cramps can vary from person to person.
Talking from experience I had intense cramping when feeding but it died off after around a month. The cramps were still there but more bearable. I put this down to my body transitioning back to its original state.
You may experience mild cramping or excruciating pain either way if you have concerns at all then you must consult your doctor.
What Can I Do to Help Relieve The Pain
The obvious suggestion to make here would be painkillers but if you are concerned about taking medication while breastfeeding then you could try some of the following to ease the cramps:
- Hot water bottle – ease tense muscles.
- Hot bath – become weightless and have a bit of self-pampering.
- Rest – A cliché but rest is medicine in itself, your body has undergone a traumatic transition, be kind and rest up!
- Gentle exercise – I say this with a sour face! I for one would have laughed if this was recommended to me during my postpartum days but many people find sitting still can cause cramping to be worse rather than moving around.
Of course, taking pain meds is always an option and there are safe medications that you can take whilst breastfeeding. Consult your doctor and find out the best solution for you.
Don’t be alarmed if your doctor suggests a pregnancy test. If you are indeed pregnant then, congratulations!
Is Breastfeeding a Good Form of Birth Control?
If you are exclusively breastfeeding around every four hours during the day and at least six hours throughout the night then you could consider using the Lactational Amenorrhea Method or LAM for birth control.
Providing you haven’t had the return of your period then you can use the Lactational amenorrhea method. It is considered an effective form of birth control but only if all criteria are met!
Breastfeeding can interfere with your normal hormones that trigger ovulation so the more often you breastfeed the less likely your body will release an egg.
Doctors will always advise you to take extra precautions if having another baby so soon is not going to be a welcomed surprise. Using this method also wont protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
Menstrual Cramps But No Period While Breastfeeding – FAQs
Can you still have period symptoms while breastfeeding?
Yes, period symptoms are common during breastfeeding. It has also been known that when your period does return you can expect a change to your nipples, they can become more tender, and your milk supply may dip and also change its taste.
What is the likelihood of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?
The LAM method lays out rules for breastfeeding moms to ensure that they have a less than 5% chance of getting pregnant whilst breastfeeding. Many moms have been known to use it as a form of birth control although it is not advised if having another child so soon is not on your agenda.
If you follow the rules laid out in the LAM method — exclusive breastfeeding of an infant younger than 6 months old before your period comes back — you have less than a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant.
Can breastfeeding throw off a pregnancy test?
Breastfeeding alters your normal hormone balance and if you fall pregnant whilst still nursing you may have a false-negative test. If you suspect that you are pregnant while still nursing consult your healthcare provider for further tests.
Conclusion
It is perfectly normal for you to have cramps while breastfeeding but no period. In fact, it is a very normal and a frequent occurrence for new moms.
Many moms have different variations of pain and when coupled with a missing period there is no wonder that worry may set in.
I hope the information we have found on this topic has helped you gain a better understanding of why you may be hurting and when to consult your doctor.
The most important thing is that you are well-rested and fighting fit for your brand new little bub!
Good luck on your breastfeeding journey and your life as a top-class mom!
More to read:
- How to Combine Breastfeeding and Pumping – 7 Tips to Balance Schedule!
- Can You Microwave Breast Milk? | Safe Heating Guide from a Mother
- Can You Put Breast Milk Back In Fridge After Warming?
- How Long Is Reheated Breast milk Good For? Reheating Guide and Alternative Uses
- Does cold milk cause gas in babies?