Femmze
Periods Post Birth
You have made the journey from maiden to mother, a truly amazing experience, you see life in a different light to what you once did. So much has changed in such a short time, your body included.
WORDS Katie Gregory
Femmze life
That first menstrual cycle after giving birth can be met with a mix of emotions from elation, fear, trepidation, excitement or joy. A new chapter is about to be cracked open, one which returns your fertility home to you. Your body, how you once knew it, has changed. Perhaps your cycle once upon a time came with rhythm and purpose – now it may be erratic with variations in the flow and heaviness.
Beginning to bleed again may come as your time breastfeeding nears to a close or it may come with no sign or warning, whilst still deep in your feeding journey (breast or formula). Although certain factors may influence the return of your cycle, this next passage cannot be exactly predicted. While the sign of your cycle resuming may indicate your fertility, it is worthy to note you may ovulate before that first menstrual bleed, making pregnancy at this time possible. If you wish to abstain from pregnancy, take precaution, as pregnancy is achievable.
Prolactin, as the name implies, is the hormone that promotes breast milk production (which naturally increases within the body post birth). This hormone will typically prevent ovulation, hence preventing pregnancy in the body during this time – perhaps this is Mother Nature’s way of saying, it seems you are a bit busy at the moment with your bub, let's take it slowly before another baby makes its way to you.
That first menstrual cycle after giving birth can be met with a mix of emotions from elation, fear, trepidation, excitement or joy. A new chapter is about to be cracked open, one which returns your fertility home to you. Your body, how you once knew it, has changed
For some their periods can return to much like they were before, for others the terrain can look much different than it once did. However, it is important to note there are some irregularities to keep an eye on, and when in doubt, speak to your preferred healthcare professional (G.P./gynaecologist/ obstetrician/naturopath/doula) for individualised care.
If you experience any of the following seek urgent medical attention:
- Extremely heavy bleeding
- Blood clots
- Deep pain
- Fever, breathing troubles or headaches
- No menstrual period after ceasing breastfeeding months prior
- Swelling or reddening of scar tissue near C-section incision
Postpartum bleeding is a natural occurrence, this is not to be confused with menstrual cycle bleeding. This first bleed happens following birth, (regardless if the birth was a vaginal or a C-section birth), and can last for a few days to weeks. This postpartum bleed is the body expelling the used uterine lining, blood, tissue and supporting the shrinking of the uterus (which can dramatically stretch during pregnancy). A menstrual cycle bleed is the endometrial lining shedding when an egg has not been fertilised in that month.
Period underwear is an ideal choice for postpartum bleeding or that first cycle. The body has gone through alot of changes, and chances are you may still be feeling sore and in a recovering state.
Using a floral sitz bath can be the perfect antidote to inflamed, swollen perineal tissues. I adore the recipe by Erin Lovell Verinder:
Method:
Make a medicinal tea of 3 tbsp dried yarrow, 3 tbsp dried lavender, 3 tbsp dried calendula flowers, 3 tbsp dried chamomile flowers, 3 tbsp dried comfrey leaves, 2 tbsp dried marshmallow root, 4 tbsp dried witch hazel leaves.
Run a warm bath, add the herbal tea along with 1 cup of Epsom salts
Immerse yourself into the water, allowing your body to soak and repair.
Using period underwear as opposed to tampons is preferred,(in fact, tampons are not even recommended within that first 6 weeks post birth as this may cause trauma to an already sensitive area. If considering tampon use- wait until you have had your 6 week check to discuss this with your G.P.) It is also worth noting, tampons can feel much different (they can be quite frankly just uncomfortable) post birth- so period underwear may be your best friend for some time to come!
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