As we all know, Aunt Rosa goes on vacation during her pregnancy. Well deserved, of course, after all she makes sure that everything runs (more or less) every month. But when the baby is there, as a new mom, you can definitely ask yourself: When will the first period actually come back after the birth?
First things first: The first period after the birth of a child can sometimes be a long time coming. But why is it like that? When does the bleeding start again - and how do you actually notice the difference to the weekly bleeding?
Summary
It varies from woman to woman as to how long after childbirth there is no menstrual bleeding.
What follows directly after childbirth is called “menstrual bleeding” and has nothing to do with menstrual bleeding.
Breastfeeding mothers produce the hormone prolactin, which suppresses ovulation and thus the first period after childbirth. So it's possible that you won't get a period while you're breastfeeding.
Table of contents
Contents
1. The first period: when is it?
First off, if you've been waiting in vain for your period to return for weeks, it doesn't mean anything bad. After the birth, the uterus has to recede again. Not to mention the hormonal chaos that needs to be sorted out again.
When it starts running again down below also depends to a large extent on how you feed your child.
In breastfeeding mothers, the hormone prolactin is produced, which suppresses ovulation and thus also the first period after childbirth. So it's possible that you won't get a period while you're breastfeeding.
But ATTENTION: Breastfeeding is still not a reliable contraceptive! Sometimes ovulation starts unnoticed during the suckling phase - then you are fertile again and you may not even know it. So safety first...
2. Tampons yes or no?
When she comes back, the next question comes straight away: Can you use tampons for the first period after giving birth? We say yes - if the routine examination at the gynecologist was normal! Please have it checked. If you are still a bit uncomfortable, you can simply switch to organic pads or organic panty liners.
Our tip: Make sure your period products are organic. This is because the vaginal mucosa is extremely absorbent and, in our opinion, pesticides and chemicals have no place there.
3. Weekly flow or menstrual bleeding?
Menstrual bleeding, also known as menstruation or menstrual bleeding, occurs in people who are menstruating when they are not pregnant. It is a monthly bleeding caused by the shedding of the uterine lining when a fertilized egg has not implanted.
The weekly flow, on the other hand, occurs after the birth of a child and is a type of wound discharge from the uterus . It is caused by the healing process and the regression of the uterus after childbirth.
The weekly flow usually lasts about 4 to 6 weeks after the birth of a child. It is usually stronger in the first few days after birth and can then gradually decrease.
The weekly discharge is usually dark red for the first few days after birth, and then may turn to a lighter, reddish-brown or yellowish color. It is usually less heavy compared to menstrual bleeding.
It is important to recognize the difference between menstrual bleeding and weekly flow in order to identify possible health problems or complications after childbirth in good time. If you are unsure or have questions, you should always consult a doctor.
4. Very heavy bleeding?
By the way, if your period starts again after giving birth, you may experience very heavy (or maybe even very light) bleeding. The altered hormone level can have a lasting effect on the intensity .
But don't worry, we've got you covered!
In our subscription box, you can always determine the size of the tampons you receive and adapt them to the strength of your mum's period.
That was quite a lot of information, so summarize the most important things again:
- The first period after your baby is born is at least 6 weeks after delivery - breastfeeding can further suppress ovulation and periods.
- Period bleeding or weekly flow can be distinguished by color and intensity.
- Towards the end of the period, the weekly flow becomes lighter, almost white, whereas the period is usually red.
- The strength of your period can change permanently after childbirth.
- We deliver organic tampons, organic pads or organic panty liners to your home. Super flexible and adaptable at any time, whenever you want it - one less mom to-do. 😉
