Your First Postpartum Period – What to Expect

Congrats! You made it home with your bundle of joy and are now experiencing all kinds of first with a new life. After nine months period free you may be wondering when you can expect your first menstrual period post-baby. Everyone's postpartum menstrual cycle is different, but most women begin postpartum menstruation following the six week healing period after giving birth (during this time we recommend using our postpartum cooling pads). However, if you are breastfeeding your first menstruation after birth will be delayed. The hormones that your body produces for breast milk suppresses your reproductive hormones. For some this means they will not have a period the entire time they are breastfeeding. If you do get your period while breastfeeding, you may notice a slight decrease in the amount of milk you produce or how often your child wants to nurse. These are only minor hormonal changes and shouldn’t affect your ability to breastfeed your child.

Menstruation after giving birth may be irregular for a few months up to one year postpartum and they may be lighter or heavier than usual, as well as fluctuating in length. It’s recommended that you stay in touch with your doctor during this time and let them know immediately if you have heavy bleeding with pain, bigger than usual blood clots, pain during urination or any other painful and sudden ailments like a severe headache or fever. As a new mom, it’s just as important to focus on your own health and well-being as your child’s, as well as listen to your body.