Not always expected and often surprising, postpartum menstruation signals the return of a young mom’s periods after childbirth. But when does it happen exactly? How can you recognize it? Is it painful? Does breastfeeding make a difference, and most importantly, can you get pregnant before your periods have returned?
CONTENTS:
- Postpartum menstruation: shedding light on post-birth bleeding
- When does postpartum menstruation occur? Understanding the menstrual calendar after childbirth
- Symptoms of postpartum menstruation: a non-exhaustive list to keep in mind
- 6 tips for a gentle recovery
Postpartum menstruation: shedding light on post-birth bleeding
Postpartum menstruation marks the resumption of the menstrual cycle for a new mom after pregnancy. After 9 months of amenorrhea, the body and uterus gradually regain normal function, once again with ovulation, menstruation, and the ability to conceive. However, postpartum menstruation can be more painful, heavier, shorter, or longer depending on the individual woman.
Postpartum menstruation vs lochia: What's the difference?
Postpartum menstruation is often confused with lochia, which are post-delivery blood loss generally accompanied by debris (cervical mucus) and clots, related to the healing of the uterus. Lochia are heavier than periods (after giving birth, a woman loses about 17 oz of blood), and they decrease gradually over the days and weeks following delivery.
💡 Good to know: If you were advised to pack XXL sanitary pads, mesh underwear, or adult diapers in your hospital bag, it’s to manage lochia.
When does postpartum menstruation occur? Understanding the menstrual calendar after childbirth
It differs for every woman. On average, postpartum menstruation happens about 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth. For some mothers it will be sooner, for others, later.
This is especially true for breastfeeding moms, for whom the return of the menstrual cycle can wait until their milk supply drops, the baby starts solid foods, or even breastfeeding ends. Why? Because prolactin, the hormone that controls breast milk production, also blocks ovulation and prevents the release of estrogen (the main reproductive hormones produced by the ovaries).
👉 Also read: natural birth control and the MAMA method (Lactational Amenorrhea Method): does it really work?
👀 Between lochia and postpartum menstruation, you may experience the “mini period.” Usually lighter, this bleeding after childbirth lasts about a week and is recognized by its darker color, reddish brown to brownish. Lochia, the mini period, and postpartum menstruation are all normal physiological processes and are nothing to worry about.
Symptoms of postpartum menstruation: a non-exhaustive list to keep in mind
As with the timing, the symptoms associated with postpartum menstruation can vary from one mother to the next. In fact, if you have had more than one child, you may have noticed this yourself. However, here are some of the usual signs that your menstrual cycle is returning after giving birth.
- The return of bleeding that may be longer or heavier or lighter.
- Abdominal cramps and pain due to uterine contractions as the uterus returns to normal size.
- Mood swings, extreme fatigue, or changes in sex drive if you’ve already resumed sexual activity, can also signal the approach of postpartum menstruation.
Overall, you may feel and recognize signs of premenstrual syndrome: pain, abdominal cramps, fatigue, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, hot flashes, tender breasts, lower back pain, changes in appetite, and more.
📌 If your bleeding seems excessively heavy, if you need to change your pad every hour, if it smells unpleasant or if you’ve been bleeding for too long, make an appointment with your doctor without waiting for your next postnatal checkup.
And the postpartum menstruation baby, is it real?
Yes! To be clear, after pregnancy, you can get pregnant before your periods have returned. That’s why contraception is discussed even before you leave the hospital. Adventurous and sometimes tricky, it’s absolutely possible to be expecting a new child before getting your period again, even if you’re breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding only works as birth control if it is exclusive and your baby is nursing very frequently, day and night. But since nature doesn’t always follow the rules, start thinking about your next birth control method before your baby arrives.
6 tips for a gentle recovery
The postpartum menstruation period can be very uncomfortable, sensitive, and difficult to get through. Even if you’re blissfully happy with your baby, you might not feel your best, the fatigue is real, and new responsibilities are ahead.
Your C-section scar may still hurt, those “afterpains”—typical uterine contractions—are uncomfortable, the baby blues might be appearing, and now your periods are back with a vengeance, overwhelming you. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to take great care of yourself.
- Skip the tampons and use period underwear or sanitary pads instead, which are more comfortable and gentler for your intimate area.
- Start using an intimate gel to avoid developing yeast infections.
- Explore herbal remedies. Roman chamomile (antispasmodic, calming, anti-inflammatory) to fight baby blues and postpartum pain, eleuthero, ginger, and ginseng for fatigue and reducing the risk of depression, or witch hazel (decongestant and hemostatic) to help with afterpains and postpartum bleeding.
- As soon as possible, take a hot shower—it will help you feel more like yourself again.
- In bed, go for the combo: period underwear, sanitary pad, towel on the bed, and heating pad for extra comfort and peace of mind.
- According to your doctor or pharmacist’s advice, take painkillers to ease the discomfort.
Lastly, to gradually regain your shape and well-being, ask someone to cook delicious meals for you, treat yourself to takeout like sushi or spring rolls, and drink plenty of mineral water to help your body recover. Rewatch your favorite movies and shows, get yourself an ultra-comfy chair to enjoy them, and remember—the physical and emotional rollercoaster of the postpartum period will eventually pass!
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