- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
 |
Do all nursing women get hot flashes while breastfeeding? I'm 40 years old and have a 3-month-old son. I went to my 12-week check up today with my gynecologist, and he asked me if I had hot flashes. I hadn't realized that those hot, sweaty episodes were considered hot flashes. My appointment went by so fast that I didn't have a chance to ask him what he meant. Although, he did say my ovaries were suppressed. What does that mean in my condition, and are the hot flashes an early sign of menopause? I want to get pregnant again in two years."
No, it is not a common reaction to breastfeeding to have hot flashes during breastfeeding. However, every individual mother can have different reactions to the hormones of lactation. Some may feel a little nauseous as their milk lets down; some feel pressure or tingling. It is all individual. However, you have many concerns about the comments your health care provider made. I would encourage you to call or go back and get your questions answered.
While you are breastfeeding, you are most likely not ovulating, so your ovaries are suppressed. That's normal. To find out whether or not you are beginning to go into menopause, your physician would need to do some blood tests. It is impossible to know that without blood tests. Forty is on the early side to begin menopause, but some women experience it early, especially if their mother or other close relatives did. Not menstruating while breastfeeding is normal and is not a sign of menopause.
Why don't you dialogue a little more with your health care provider? Bring a list of your questions and be sure that you get all your questions answered. I'll bet you will feel much better afterward."
Related Expert Q&A
More Answers by this Expert
- My breasts are so large now, I am worried I will smother my baby if I try to breastfeed. Also, will my breasts return to their former size?
- Is it necessary to give multi-vitamin supplements to a breastfed baby? Doesn't Mother's milk provide all the nutrients a baby needs?
- Are there any laws in effect that hinder women from breastfeeding in public?
- What are an employer's legal responsibilities and duties for breastfeeding and/or pumping at work?
- I am pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?
