#AskDok: When will my period come back after birth?

One of the most asked questions of mommies must be this: “I just gave birth. When will my period come back after birth?”

Know about postpartum menstruation, what to expect, and issues that you may experience in this period of your life.

Given the amount of change we experienced in our bodies when we became pregnant, it is also exciting to know when our bodies will be “normal” again. But it’s not that simple. It takes enough time for our body to recover from childbirth, and for our hormones to return to normal.

Postpartum menstruation: When will my period come back after birth?

One of the common questions first-time moms ask after they give birth is “When will my period come back after birth?”

According to Dr. Maureen Laranang, an OB-Gynecologist at Makati Medical Center, the answer to the question of when menstruation will return after giving birth, is 

“It depends on whether she is breastfeeding or not. If she is not breastfeeding and is just bottle-feeding or sometimes a combination of both, menstruation will usually be back after 8 weeks or more.”

Moreover, according to Dr. Laranang, when you feed for six months in a row, your period will not return immediately. Due to the so-called lactation amenorrhea.

When do you get your period after birth while breastfeeding

If you exclusively breastfeed, your first period may not come back for several months, or for up to two years if you continue to nurse. Your periods may return as soon as 3 weeks after your kid is born if you bottle-feed or partially breastfeed your infant.

Your periods may become irregular once they return, especially if you are still producing milk (lactating). The length of your menstruation may also vary. It’s not uncommon to miss a period or have to wait a few months for your next one.

When you begin to reduce the amount of time you spend breastfeeding, your periods should begin to return to normal. At first, you may notice some spotting (light bleeding).

Irregular periods after birth

If you have irregular periods while nursing, such as continuous spotting, heavier-than-normal bleeding, or extended cycles, you should consult your doctor because there could be other factors at play. Your doctor will need to perform a thorough checkup and may request tests to rule out other possibilities.

Will my period affect the milk I produce

You may notice some changes in your milk production or your baby’s responsiveness to breast milk once your period returns. The hormonal changes that induce your period may also have an impact on your breast milk.

You might notice a drop in your milk production or a change in how frequently your baby wants to nurse, for example. The content of your breast milk and how it tastes to your infant may also be affected by hormonal fluctuations. However, these changes are usually mild and should not interfere with your ability to breastfeed your child.

Postpartum menstruation vs postpartum bleeding

After giving birth, Mommy experiences bleeding for a week or two that can be mistaken for menstruation.

This is called lochia, your body’s way of removing other blood and tissue in your uterus that helps your baby grow.

But how do you tell the difference between postpartum bleeding and menstruation? Explanation by Dr. Laranang,

“We call it physiologic vaginal bleeding or discharge after childbirth. It lasts up to 2 weeks but your flow is slow. What we call here is lochia which comes out as bleeding after giving birth. Lochia rubra comes in your first 3 days and is bright red in color.”

She added that on the 4th to 10th day, the bleeding decreases, and the color turns pink. After 10 days, a white discharge will be noticed. This is normal for women who give birth.

No period after giving birth can I get pregnant

If your period has returned, you are fertile once more and could become pregnant, even if you are breastfeeding. While nursing, talk to your doctor or nurse about contraception options.

According to one study, a woman usually ovulates 45 to 94 days after giving birth. Most also start ovulating again in the 6th week, but some even earlier.

According to Dr. Laranang, exclusively breastfeeding women take longer to ovulate.

“This is what we call lactation amenorrhea or where the baby is exclusively breastfed. The mechanism is that it suppresses the hormone released for ovulation. It is also a form of natural contraception, ” she explained.

However, a woman can ovulate even if her menstruation has not returned after giving birth. This means that it is possible for a woman to become pregnant even if she has no menstruation yet after giving birth.

Birth control after giving birth

Once the woman’s body has recovered, her wound has healed and she is ready, she can have sex again. But if you do not want to follow the baby immediately, it is better to use contraceptives during sex. According to Dr. Laranang, the use of contraceptives also depends on what type will be used.

“If mommy’s choice is progestin-only pills and they are breastfeeding, it can be done immediately after giving birth and it can also be done any time after birth.

And, if she wants a combined oral contraceptive or a combination of estrogen and progesterone, and if she is not breastfeeding. It can be given at least 3 to 4 weeks after giving birth.

If she is breastfeeding, it can be given after 6 months when her main food is no longer milk

And if you partially breastfeed (alternating breastfeeding and bottlefeed), it can be given 6 weeks after birth. “

Ask your OB-gynecologist what contraceptive method you should try and when you can start it. He or she can recommend your the best contraceptive method for your situation.

Dr. Laranang notes that “on the 6th week of giving birth, parents have to come back to talk about the family planning method they need.”

Tips to recover immediately after giving birth

• Proper cleaning of wounds and vagina

According to Dr. Laranang, whether you have a sore on the vagina or not, it still needs to be cleaned thoroughly after giving birth to prevent infections.

“Whether or not it was stitched, hygiene is still important in that area. So the vagina needs to be washed 2 times a day, morning and night with mild soap and lukewarm water.”

A feminine wash with povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine digluconate can also be used to reduce the possibility of infection.

• Take care of your C-section wound

Usually, before sending the patient home, the wound in the abdomen is cleaned and a waterproof dressing is applied to protect it from getting wet when mommy takes a bath. At the first checkup, it will be checked to see if it is dry and the dressing will be removed.

But even if it is dry, the wound must also be cared for while resting at home. Avoid scratching the wound to prevent infection. Also, don’t lift anything too heavy, and wear a binder to keep your eyes from opening.

• Help with bowel movements

To prevent your stitches from opening (whether your birth is normal or cesarean), avoid pushing too hard when having a bowel movement.

Eat lots of fiber-rich foods (grains, fruits, vegetables), drink plenty of water, exercise or use a mild stool softener to make bowel movements easier.

• Taking care of your breasts

For painful breasts due to frequent breastfeeding, try using a warm compress (if it feels stiff) or an ice pack (for sore nipples) to relieve the pain.

Wearing comfortable clothing while feeding and using nipple cream will also help.

• Don’t forget your follow-up checkup

To make sure your wound heals and there are no complications from your childbirth, it is important that you return to your OB-GYN for a follow-up checkup.

He or she may also ask how you are feeling emotionally, to find out if you are experiencing postpartum mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

If you also have strange feelings or questions about your body after you give birth, do not be ashamed to consult your doctor.

• Relax and take care of yourself

Aside from taking care of the baby, the first week after giving birth is also a time for mommy to rest. For wounds to heal quickly and your body to recover, make sure you eat right and get enough rest.

Advice from so many mothers: go to sleep when the baby is also asleep.

Also, if you want to start exercising again, make sure you get permission from your doctor first. Take it easy, mommy, and relive the first few days with your kid.

Dr.’s last advice. Laranang,

“For moms who just gave birth, you should embrace motherhood. It is a long journey but everything is all worth it. The important thing here is to always consult with your OB. Whatever you’re feeling, ask help from others. Everything will be alright.”

 If you want to read the Filipino version of this article, click here.

Translated by Margaux Dolores

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