First Period After Birth: What to Expect

24 July 2024

Becoming a mother is the start of a new chapter in life. Your body undergoes huge changes during this period, some surprising or even a bit alarming. New mothers anticipate the return of their menstrual cycle after childbirth - will it be the same as before or have heavier blood loss? Will it hurt more?

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Understanding when to expect your first postpartum period and what it might look like can ease some of this uncertainty. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about your first period after birth, from timing to management tips and when to consult your doctor.

When will my period start after birth?

What to expect when your period returns

Managing postpartum periods

When to see a Doctor

When Will My Period Start After Birth?

After giving birth, your body is in a period of recovery, known as the postpartum period, the uterus shrinks back to its normal size and hormone levels gradually stabilise in the weeks after delivery.

The bleeding you have following delivery is different from your period. Lochia is the postpartum vaginal discharge that occurs for several weeks after birth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine lining, but this is NOT your period.

Factors That Influence Your First Period After Birth

When your periods start after birth depends on several factors:

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding: Breastfeeding affects the return of your period. The hormone prolactin can suppress ovulation. As a result, breastfeeding mothers may see a delay in the return of their periods for several months or even a year. In contrast, if you’re formula-feeding, your period may return sooner, typically within 6-8 weeks postpartum.
Frequency and Duration of Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding on demand may lead to longer delays compared to those who supplement with formula.
Individual Variations: Every woman's body is different, and factors such as hormonal balance, genetics, and overall health can influence when menstruation resumes. Some may find their periods return quite quickly - whether they are breastfeeding or not, while others may experience a longer delay.
Birth Control pills: If you start using hormonal birth control soon after childbirth, it may influence when your period returns and its regularity.

Understanding these factors can help you know what to expect and ease anxiety about the timing of your postpartum period.

What to Expect When Your Period Returns

When your period does return after childbirth, it may not be the same as it was before pregnancy. Here's what to expect when your period returns:

Heavier or Lighter Bleeding

You might notice that your period has heavier blood flow than pre-pregnancy. Increased bleeding and blood clotting is common during the first few postpartum periods as your body adjusts. However, some women experience lighter periods initially.

Irregular Cycles

Irregular cycles are common during the postpartum period as your hormones stabilise. It might take a few cycles for your body to find its rhythm.

Changes in Period Length

The length of your period might be different. It could be shorter or longer than before.

Increased Cramping

Some women report more painful periods and intense cramping during their postpartum periods, while others find that their cramps are milder than before.

Changes in Flow

You may notice changes in the flow of your period, with some women experiencing more clots or a different consistency in the blood.

Remember, these changes are usually temporary, and your body may take several cycles to return to its pre-pregnancy norm. However, it’s essential to track these changes and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns to be medically reviewed.

Managing Postpartum Periods

Avoid Tampons & Menstrual Cups

During the initial postpartum period, it’s important to avoid using tampons or menstrual cups. Your body is still healing, and inserting anything into the vagina can increase the risk of infection. Instead, opt for pads or period pants during this time, especially in the first six weeks or until your doctor gives you the go-ahead to use other menstrual products.

Postpartum Underwear

Postpartum underwear can be a game-changer for new mothers. These specially designed reusable period pants provide extra support and protection during the heavy flow of your initial postpartum period.

They are comfortable, absorbent, and kinder to the skin and environment than the disposable underwear available - and are definitely more stylish with under bump or over bump styles for heavy menstrual bleeding. They can be worn before the birth if baby is bouncing on your bladder, for sweeps and checks and even when your waters break!

"Great service, helpful team and postpartum underwear is amazing. I found that the online chat service was extremely helpful in attempting to find the correct size.

The staff are all very friendly and helpful and the service is accurate and fast. I ended up with an emergency section and I cannot give the postpartum underwear enough credit for how great they have been. I began wearing them as soon as I was able to get out of the bed and the difference they made was unbelievable.

I went from feeling fragile and like every movement was a risk to feeling comfortable to move around (obviously still within my limited ability at the time). The support from the band helped with confidence that I could get up and down without injury, it allowed me to get dressed and undressed without worrying about disturbing the scar as it caused a smooth barrier between clothes and the skin, so I was able to wear my own clothes right away too.

I would also note that after approximately 16 days of use, I believe they provided the correct support to allow my body to become stronger than it may have without the extra support." See full review on Trustpilot

Maternity Pads

Maternity pads are thicker and more absorbent than regular sanitary pads, making them ideal for postpartum bleeding. Stock up on these for the first few weeks after childbirth. They offer comfort and security, especially when dealing with lochia and the return of your period.

Reusable maternity pads are comfortable, absorbent, kind to sensitive skin and can be used for the return of your normal menstrual cycle.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for managing postpartum periods. You will probably still be getting used to having a small baby and less sleep when they return. Eating a balanced diet rich in iron - green leafy vegetables, lean red meat - can help combat the fatigue and exhaustion that often accompany menstrual bleeding. Keeping your water intake up also helps reduce bloating and cramps.

Heat Therapy

Using a hot water bottle, wheat bag or a warm bath, can be beneficial for alleviating menstrual cramps. Applying heat to the lower abdomen can offer relief and relaxation during your period.

Rest and Relaxation

Rest is crucial during the postpartum period - but can be tricky with a newborn. Try to find time to relax and rejuvenate, as physical and mental well-being significantly impact menstrual health. The old saying "sleep when the baby sleeps" is tricky to manage but true (easier said than done!)

When to See a Doctor

While it’s normal for your period to change after childbirth, there are certain signs that indicate you should see a Dr about your periods after childbirth:

Excessively Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: If you need to change your pad every hour or pass large clots, seek medical advice immediately.
Severe Pain: Intense cramping that doesn’t ease with over-the-counter pain medication may require medical attention.
Periods Lasting Longer than 7 Days: Extended periods can lead to anaemia and other health issues.
Foul-Smelling Discharge: Any unusual odour could indicate an infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Symptoms of Infection: Fever, chills, or unusual discharge warrant a doctor's visit.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about heavy periods. Your health and well-being should always come first.

Remember that every woman's experience is unique, and it may take time for your body to fully adjust after childbirth.

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Contact the team if you want to more information about switching to reusable pee and period products. You can drop them a email or use the online chat. The team all use the products themselves and nothing is TMI. We all happily overshare our own experiences.

About the Author: Kirstin loves sea swimming and lives with her three children by the seaside. On the Cheeky Wipes customer service team she spends most days talking about periods, poo, and pee.