Just like pregnancy that comes with lots of changes in the woman’s body, also expect some changes after delivery and that includes your menses
As much as we have many moms who are happier with the absence of their periods after delivery, there are still moms who feel worried about it and when the periods start returning, the unexpected changes can make you feel more worried
When it comes to how early you will see your period after delivery, it’s different for every woman. Menses can return as early as 5-6weeks or within 3months after delivery and in some women, it may take as long as two years while in some other women, it may not return until they are done with breastfeeding
Vaginal delivery or caesarean section does not determine when you will get your menses back as many do assume
A major factor that determines how soon you will get your menses is breastfeeding. Moms who breastfeed often and on demand (exclusive breastfeeding) tend not to get their periods until they stop nursing. Parents whose babies are on formula or who combine breastfeeding and formula tend to get their menses earlier. The reason for this is because the hormone called prolactin which is responsible for producing breastmilk prevents you from getting your menses. The more you breastfeed, the more of this hormone your body produces which will prevent you from getting your menses back
Moms whose babies are on exclusive breastfeeding usually have their periods return when they reduce the frequency of breastfeeding especially night feeding or when they completely stop breastfeeding
It’s important to mention that you can get pregnant even when you haven’t seen your periods because you can ovulate while you are yet to see your menses
Irrespective of the mode of your delivery, whether vaginal birth or Caesarean section, every woman will have lochia. Lochia is the bleeding from the vagina after delivery and it will usually last for six to eight weeks after delivery , this is not your menses.
When your periods return after delivery, it may be irregular, bleeding may be scanty but can also be heavier in some women and it can be associated with lots of cramps. All of these are common and are usually normal
