First menstruation after childbirth

The return of a woman's fertility depends on the restoration of hormones and the frequency of breastfeeding.

Usually, in women who breastfeed, menstruation returns after weaning. However, there are also cases of women who, while breastfeeding, their period begins after the first two to three months after childbirth. The return of menstruation depends on the production of various hormones. The hormone required for the production of breast milk can suppress the function of reproductive hormones, resulting in ovulation not occurring and therefore, no period.

The first period after childbirth is usually different from the periods before pregnancy. When the period starts again, the body tries to adapt to the new data. The cycle is not stable at first, due to hormonal disorders. Also, the amount of menstrual blood during the first cycles varies and you may experience some of the following symptoms such as cramps and the appearance of small blood clots. However, the cycle is soon restored.

It is also important to remember that you will ovulate before your period even returns, or you may still ovulate without a period. Women using natural methods of contraception should be aware that it is very possible to ovulate 21 days after giving birth and have their first period 5 weeks after giving birth. Breastfeeding is a safe method of contraception, only when the following conditions apply:
- not having a period
- give the baby exclusively breast milk
- breastfeed regularly and systematically from both breasts - at least six times a day.