(What? You don’t bleed sprinkles?!)

Getting your period after giving birth is going to be like a surprise 35th birthday party. You don’t expect it, it makes no sense, and it’s exciting but also awkward and terrible and probably unwanted. It’s also going to be pretty unique to you and your body. 

Some people don’t get their period until months and months after giving birth. The first few weeks after giving birth (between 2 and 6 weeks) your body will be bleeding, but that isn’t a period. It is called lochia and it is a “special” kind of bleeding reserved for the healing of the uterus after your baby is born.

Breastfeeding can delay the onset of getting your period after giving birth, this is because of hormones and acts as the body’s natural way of spacing out pregnancies. 10, 12 or even 18 months can go by without a sign of your old friend. It can be pretty glorious for some and for others who want to get pregnant again it can be frustrating. 

Others might get their period a few weeks after the postpartum bleeding stops, which is a whole other beast. Only 8 weeks of period free life?! It doesn’t seem fair. 

The first bleed after having a baby can be pretty intense. Heavy flow, intense cramps and tons of fatigue isn’t unheard of. Now of course you have a baby to care for so it’s not like you can just crawl into bed, pop a Midol and watch Gilmore Girls all day. UGH. 

Eat well (iron rich foods are king), drink lots of water, and of course take something for the pain. If the bleeding is really heavy, don’t worry except if you start to bleed filling your pad/tampon/cup every hour more than once. Then definitely give your Dr or 811 a call.  Your milk supply, if you’re still breastfeeding *may* drop, but continue to eat and drink well and it shouldn’t be a problem. 

Don’t forget- your first period will come AFTER your first post baby ovulation. This means you can get pregnant before you think you’re fertile. Breastfeeding is not a fool proof method of birth control! It can take a few months to regulate back to a regular cycle. Go with the flow and be open to your body doing things differently after having a baby.

Our favourite products for after the postpartum bleeding is done and you’ve started getting your period back after giving birth are these ones:

Period panties by Knix– size and sex inclusive Canadian made brand

Saalt cup is a great soft menstrual cup made in different size. To find the cup that’s right for you try this test!