After giving birth, every mother has one question in her mind: “When will my first period after childbirth start?”, “How will it come?”, “Will it be very painful?”, and most importantly, “Will everything be, okay?” It is quite natural for these thoughts to come to mind. After childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes so many changes that it takes time to recover from them.
In today’s blog, we will find answers to all these questions from a scientific, empirical, and mother’s perspective. By reading this guide, it will be easier for you to adapt to your body and make the right decisions.
🌸 Why do periods stop after childbirth?
During pregnancy, two major hormones, estrogen and progesterone, increase greatly in a woman’s body. But after giving birth, both these hormones suddenly decrease. At the same time, the hormone prolactin increases to make milk for the baby—and this is why your period stops for a while.
All this is a beautiful and complex plan of nature. The mother's body takes time to nourish the baby and rebuild itself—and therefore the period is a little longer.
🤱 The relationship between breastfeeding and menstruation
During breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin increases in the body, which is responsible for milk formation. And this hormone suppresses the 'gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This further prevents the production of the hormones that trigger ovulation—FSH and LH. Ovulation does not occur; therefore, there is no period.
📝 Note – Every woman’s body is different. Some women get their period even while breastfeeding, while others get it very late. There is nothing to worry about.
🌸 First period after childbirth—normal or abnormal?
The woman's body goes through many changes after childbirth. Some feel “normal,” while others feel different, sometimes a little scary. Especially the first period! Some moms find it very light, some bleed heavily, some have an irregular schedule… and some wonder, “Is this really normal?”
Let’s understand the answers to all these questions directly from a mother’s perspective.
✅ Some common things/signs:
1. Light bleeding—but nothing to worry about.
Some women find their first period very light. There is a little bleeding, and it stops within 2-3 days.
If you are breastfeeding, this is completely normal. Hormones are still stabilizing.
2. Longer periods
Some moms say, “Our period lasted 8-9 days!”
Yes, this sometimes happens because the body is still shedding the uterine lining that was formed after pregnancy.
3. Irregular schedule—sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn’t!
Hormonal changes are still going on after childbirth. So, it’s normal to have irregular periods or to have them come suddenly.
4. Stomachache, fatigue, irritability—all of these are possible.
The period is already a bit annoying, but since postpartum hormones have not yet settled, this period can feel a bit more tiring.
Read More: What is Postpartum? And postpartum care: what no one tells you!
❗ But when do you need to be careful?
Being a mother means that our suspicions immediately lean towards ‘Is something wrong?’—and’ sometimes those suspicions are right. If you see the symptoms given below, don’t wait—talk to a doctor.
🩸 1. Do you constantly have to change a pad that gets completely wet in an hour?
If you constantly have to change a pad every hour, meaning that the bleeding is very heavy, it could be a sign of menorrhagia.
In this condition, iron deficiency (anemia), weakness, and dizziness can occur in the body.
🗓️ 2. Does your period last more than 7 days?
If bleeding lasts more than a week, consult a doctor.
Sometimes there may be some retained placenta in the uterus, which prolongs your period.
🧊 3. Are there large clots?
If you see a clot the size of an egg or grape, be a little cautious. This can happen if the uterus is not contracting properly.
A few clots are normal, but very large, frequent clots are not.
👃 4. Does the blood smell strange?
Normal periods have a slight odor, but if the smell is very foul or rotten, then there is a possibility of infection.
Endometritis is inflammation inside the uterus.
🤒 5. Do you have a fever during your period?
If you have a fever, body aches, fatigue, or chills, then this is a sign that something is wrong.
Don't ignore this—postpartum infections can sometimes be a problem.
🩺 When is it time to see a doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
Periods too early or too late
No period after 6 weeks despite not breastfeeding
Heavy bleeding and dizziness
Periods are very painful.
Foul-smelling blood
Fever and chills accompany periods.
❤️ Finally, as a mother, I say...
After giving birth to a baby, our body is still going through a lot of changes. Some days, periods feel a little different—and that's normal. But sometimes it's a signal—that the body is in a bit of trouble.
📝 We take care of our baby, but listening to our body, observing it, and getting the right advice on time are also equally important.
🛡️ What can you do to avoid getting pregnant again?
Many mothers think that not having a period means that pregnancy will not occur. But the truth is ovulation occurs before menstruation. That is, a woman can get pregnant even before menstruation.
Safe contraceptive methods:
IUCD (Copper-T)
Mini pills (progestin-only)
Condoms (barrier method)
Natural method based on breastfeeding (LAM)—but not 100% reliable
📝 Advice: Choose the option that suits your body after consulting a doctor.
🧠 Consider mental and physical health too.
After childbirth, the body is tired, sleep is not complete, and the hormonal changes that occur in it—all these affects mental health.
Some useful tips:
Get as much sleep as possible.
Drink plenty of water.
Eat a diet rich in iron, calcium, and protein.
Take some time for yourself—yoga, meditation, or a favorite activity.
Get emotional support—talk to your husband, parents, or friends.
📝 Tip – As a mother, you are responsible not only for your baby but also for yourself.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. My first period feels very different. Why is this?
Answer: Hormonal changes after pregnancy can change the pattern of your period. It can be light, heavy, irregular—anything.
2. Does having a period while breastfeeding affect your milk?
Answer: The nutritional value of milk does not change. But some babies taste a little different and can be a little irritating. This is also normal for a few days.
3. Does ovulation start when your period comes?
Answer: Yes, most of the time ovulation happens first, and then your period comes. So,
when your period comes, remember that your fertility cycle has started again.
✨ Conclusion
The first period after childbirth is a part of your body's rebuilding process. Every woman's experience is different. Some people get back to normal right away, and some take a while—but both situations are natural.
The important thing is to understand your body without rushing, consult a doctor if necessary, and take care of your body. Proper information, a balanced diet, and a little confidence—this is the starting point of a new journey.
