Let's find out about your first menstrual period after having a baby? (Postpartum Period)

Your life must have changed a lot after having a baby , right? Along with this newfound happiness, new questions about your body must have come to mind. Among them, the biggest question you have as a new mother is, "When will I start getting my period again?" This is a problem that many people have. So today, let's talk about this, that is, the first period after giving birth (Postpartum Period), in a clear way.

When will menstruation start again?

There's no single answer to this. It depends a lot on whether you're breastfeeding or not. Simply put, there's a strong connection between breastfeeding and menstruation.

Imagine, if you are a person who exclusively breastfeeds your baby, your body produces a lot of a hormone called prolactin . The main function of this hormone is to produce milk for your baby. But in addition to that, this hormone has temporarily stopped your ovulation and monthly menstruation. It is a natural process in the body.

But if you are bottle-feeding, or if you are breastfeeding while also bottle-feeding, your period may start relatively soon, perhaps as soon as five weeks after having your baby.

Is this menstruation or lochia?

This is something that confuses many new mothers. After you have your baby, whether you have a C-section or a vaginal birth, you will experience vaginal bleeding for about 6 to 8 weeks. But this is not your monthly period. In medical terms, we call this lochia .

Lokiya is the tissue and blood that is removed when the uterus is cleansed after childbirth.

• In the early days: It is dark red. You may even pass blood clots as big as a plum . This is normal.
• After a few days: The amount of discharge decreases, becomes more watery, and turns pink or brown.
• After a few weeks: This turns white or yellow, and gradually stops completely.

Very important: During your period, you should only use menstrual pads or maternity pads . Do not use tampons for any reason. You should avoid inserting anything into your vagina for 6 weeks after giving birth. This will help prevent the risk of infection.

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Will my period change when I start again?

Yes, your menstrual cycle may often be different than it was before you had the baby. So don't worry. You may experience changes like these:

• Excessive bleeding: You may bleed for more days or in greater amounts than before.
• Pain: You may experience more or less cramping than before. For some people, the pain may be less because the uterus has become slightly larger and more stretched after delivery. For others, the pain may be more because there is more tissue to be removed from the uterus.
• Irregular cycles: Especially if you're still breastfeeding your baby, your menstrual cycle may be irregular. You may have a period one month and then miss it the next, or your periods may be irregular. This is normal.
• More blood clots: You may have more blood clots in the first few months.

However, if you have large blood clots that last for more than a week or if you are bleeding so heavily that you have to change your pad every hour, definitely see your doctor .

What happens to people with endometriosis?

Many women who have had painful periods due to endometriosis find that their period pain subsides for a while after having a baby. Unfortunately, this relief is often temporary. The pain can return to its original form after a few months.

Can I get pregnant again even if I don't have my period?

Yes, you can. This is a big mistake that many people make. Even though you may not have your period because you are breastfeeding, you can still ovulate before your first period. This means you can get pregnant again. The risk is said to be between 1% and 5%.

Therefore, if you are not expecting another baby, it is very important to talk to your doctor about a suitable family planning method. Don't be ashamed of this, it is essential for your health.

Does menstruation affect breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you may notice two small changes when your period starts.

1. Decreased milk supply: Before your period starts (between ovulation and menstruation), your milk supply may decrease slightly. To solve this, experts advise adding foods rich in calcium and magnesium to your daily diet.

2. Changes in the taste of your milk: During this time, the taste of your milk may change slightly due to hormonal changes. So don't be surprised if your baby shows a little reluctance and cries when feeding. This will return to normal in a few days.