The return of Aunt Flo

You had a break from Aunt Flo’s visits for about nine months and now that you’ve delivered, you might be wondering when you will start having your menstrual period again.

The answer is: it depends.

Not so soon?

If you’re breastfeeding your child exclusively, it could delay the return of your menstrual period for up to a year. The more often you breastfeed your child, the longer it may be before you get your periods again.

Your period will return eventually – even when you’re still breastfeeding. When that happens, you might experience a temporary drop in milk supply and due to hormonal changes, the taste of your milk might change slightly (and your child may fuss at this!).

But, it might be sooner than you think

However, if you are not breastfeeding, you may expect Aunt Flo to visit again from as soon as three to ten weeks after labour.

The deception of the contraception

Some women use breastfeeding as a method of contraception, which is also known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). This method may be 98% effective as a method of contraception if used properly. But it also heavily depends on how often and how long your child suckles at each feed.

Also, your body will release an egg about two weeks before your period resumes. So, unless you are feeling very confident to use LAM as a method of contraception, it is safer to use contraception as soon as you start having sex after childbirth. You may get pregnant again even when you’re still breastfeeding.

References:

What to expect the first year, page 684

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x553493/when-will-my-periods-start-after-ive-had-my-baby

http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/week-16/period.aspx