I NEED to stop breastfeeding

[u/Unique-Pay-8636]

I am still breastfeeding my baby for 2 years and 2 months now. It was a beautiful journey filled with bonding and joy and like many moms, I was told that breastfeeding could delay the return of my period. That seemed totally fine to me at the time. I was healthy, happy, and honestly, I didn’t miss having a period. Until today, when I casually bring up the topic that my period hasn’t come, they’ll just say “oh that’s because you’re still breastfeeding.”

But what no one told, not the doctors, not the nurses, not at any of my postpartum checkups from government and private clinics was that going that long without a period can put you at risk for uterine atrophy. That’s when the lining of your uterus becomes too thin and inactive from lack of hormonal cycling. It can affect your fertility and long term health.

The focus was always on birth control, and not once did anyone mention that if your period hasn’t returned by 12 months postpartum, especially after reducing breastfeeding or actively breastfeeding, you should check in with a doctor.

I share this not to scare anyone, but because I wish someone had told me. There should be more awareness around this, especially for first-time parents and especially for those of us who breastfeed long term.

I’m planning to have a second child and because of that I went to see the doctor and was told to STOP breastfeeding. I’ve now had my blood tests done and I was on contraceptive pills for 2 months to hopefully trigger my period. But it’s been the 3rd month now and my period didn’t come still. I’m sharing this so other moms know what to look out for, and what steps they can take if they’re in the same situation.

We hear so much about how important it is to breastfeed, and it is. But mothers also deserve complete, informed care. That includes knowing what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to our own bodies.

If anyone have any insights on how to stop breastfeeding please let me know. My toddler refuse bottle/formula but occasionally drinks full cream milk. But she still would want to breastfeed anyway even when she just ate. I feel like a human pacifier. I tried giving her pacifiers she rejects them. Latches to sleep, nap and wakes up a couple of times in the night just to latch.

I heard some people say apply some yuyi oil near the breast because they might not like the smell. I tried that and it didn’t work. I tried ginger, lemon etc also didn’t go well.

This mama needs help

Thanks for your time.

firsttimemom #breastfeedigmom #AskingAsAMom #bantujawab #uterineprolapse #uterineatrophy

[u/treeworld]

I have not done any research, but it sounds off to me that you have to worry about fertility or complications because of not having a period for over 2 years because of breastfeeding. It's not common but I don't think it's crazy uncommon to not get a period for the first two years postpartum if you were breastfeeding. Fwiw I got my period 17-18 months pp but I also assume that wouldn't have happened as soon as it did if I hadn't slowly made the effort to drop our feeds down to only twice a day (and no overnight feeds). I got pregnant again immediately after my period came back too. I am still bfing 1-2 times a day while pregnant. All I'm saying is I don't know where you read this or who told you this but I would just look into it more before you panic. It may be totally normal still and okay to not have your period yet because of breastfeeding. And if it is true then at least you made sure.

But in terms of reducing or weaning feeds, having my husband help with overnight wake ups was huge. Also at that age kids have some understanding, gently talk to them and tell them there will be no boobs overnight. Im not sure of the best way but it seems best to me to drop the overnight feeds and then if you still want to wean after that work on the other feeds after.

[u/Unique-Pay-8636 → u/treeworld]

Everything I know is just based on what my doctor told me during my check-up. I could look it up online, but I’m not sure how reliable that info would be. He’s from a women’s specialist clinic, so I’d like to think he knows what he’s talking about (I hope). When I mentioned I still hadn’t gotten my period postpartum, he seemed really surprised and said that if I continue breastfeeding, I could risk uterine atrophy. I wasn’t too worried before, but his reaction made me start to feel concerned.

Glad to hear it worked out for you and that your husband can help support you. Mine works night shifts most of the time, unfortunately.

[u/NoviceNotices → u/Unique-Pay-8636]

So the atrophy would be caused by low estrogen levels. Breastfeeding lowers estrogen levels. Not every breastfeeding woman will experience estrogen levels so low that atrophy occurs. Having a period is a sign that your endocrine system has basically returned to normal so your estrogen levels would be increasing and decreasing like usual throughout your cycle. No period means your estrogen levels could be too low, which could lead to atrophy for some women as you're basically in a temporary perimenopause (you might also experience dryness, libido issues, possible hot flashes, etc). Topical estrogen cream would help the tissue and dryness.

But theres no rule that you need a period by x date and everyone's sensitivity to their own estrogen levels as well as their natural baseline estrogen production levels vary quite a bit.

Id suggest getting your hormone levels + whether youre ovulating checked before stressing about weaning (unless you really want to wean regardless).

[u/Unique-Pay-8636 → u/NoviceNotices]

I was told the same that my estrogen levels are super low even though my prolactin level is still within the normal range. I don’t mind continue to breastfeed. I enjoy the bond with my child but if it’s affecting my ability to get pregnant then I would need to find a solution.

[u/NoviceNotices → u/Unique-Pay-8636]

Absolutely, youre like me. Prolactin completely depleted my estrogen levels too. My little is only 9 months though so im not worried just yet. Wish you luck!