So, here you have survived all 9 months of inconvenience, nausea and almost continuous jerks under the ribs. Childbirth has passed, and the baby is already quietly snoozing in his crib to the joy of newly made parents. But not all issues have been resolved, since the female body has experienced tremendous stress and hormonal changes. When should menstruation be restored after childbirth and will something change in the cycle after a natural, but so complex process? There are many questions, but what about the answers?
Menstruation after childbirth and its features during breastfeeding
To begin with, everything is purely individual, therefore it is impossible to precisely determine any specific dates. Usually, if a woman adheres to natural feeding, then the menstruation is restored after the baby is weaned. What is the reason for this?
The production of a special hormone called prolactin is responsible for the onset of lactation. It blocks another female secretion (progesterone), which regulates the onset of the menstrual cycle and the return of the body to its natural state. Therefore, when the periods after childbirth are in no hurry to return, then this is quite normal if you fully and according to every requirement feed the baby with breast milk.
However, this has long ceased to be the main rule, since quite often menstruation is restored within 6 or 7 weeks after childbirth. This can be due both to the mixed nutrition of the child (when, with a lack of milk, the baby is also fed with artificial mixtures), and in general if the baby refuses to breastfeed. Although sometimes menstruation begins 1-2 months after the birth, despite breastfeeding - and this is also a normal option.
It is worth noting that conception during lactation is also possible, therefore contraception should not be neglected. For nursing mothers, there are a number of special non-hormonal drugs that can be taken without consequences for the baby. But doctors recommend that you refrain from sexual contact for the first two months after giving birth.
Menstruation after childbirth. The nature of the discharge
Immediately after birth, bloody discharge (lochia) begins, which a woman can take for menstruation. This is actually not the case. During separation of the placenta from the walls of the uterus, a bleeding wound remains at the place of its attachment. Discharge of this nature usually lasts for two months, then gradually disappears.
When menstruation appears after childbirth, the nature of its abundance, duration, and also the cycle can vary greatly at first. Usually everything returns to its usual course after about 3 months. Pay attention to the fact that any deviation from the norm is an occasion to appear to the gynecologist. If they last more than a week or less than 3 days, then this is not entirely normal. Also monitor the abundance of secretions. If they are scarlet in color and are accompanied by weakness, dizziness and a general deterioration in well-being, then there is a risk of uterine bleeding.
Menstruation after childbirth. Personal hygiene
The first time after the birth of a child, a woman should pay particular attention to hygiene. After delivery, when it is not recommended to use tampons or more comfortable pads with a mesh, they can cause some inconvenience (usual hygiene products can be used only when the menstrual cycle is fully adjusted ). In order to avoid unpleasant irritations on the skin, give preference to intimate hygiene products with a softer cotton surface that will not impede the free flow of blood and clots. Discard the usual soap and special products. Gentle cleansing will give a simple baby soap, the gentle composition of which will not irritate damaged tissue after childbirth. This is especially important when sutures were applied to the perineum (if menstruation began at a speed after childbirth).
Remember that all these are just general rules. A good sleep, stress, and woman's fatigue will also have a strong influence on the menstrual cycle. Take care of yourself and your baby, do not forget to visit the gynecologist on time.