Your body undergoes many changes when you are pregnant, after childbirth and while breastfeeding. One of these changes has to do with the menstrual cycle. The loss of the period is one of the main reasons that give rise to being pregnant. Also, if you decide to breastfeed during the first months, it will take a few weeks or even months for the period to return.
When does the rule appear after childbirth
- The menstrual bleeding that you can have after childbirth is similar to the period, but in reality it is not. This staining is called ‘lochia’. It is a mixture of blood, secretions and tissues from the lining of the uterus. At first it will be a deep red bleed, but gradually it will change to a pinkish color or a paler shade. As the days go by it will be more brown and then it will turn yellow or white. All this can last up to six weeks.
- The first period after giving birth should appear after approximately six weeks. If you do not plan to breastfeed, the rule may drop before that time. Otherwise, if you decide to breastfeed your baby it will take longer. It is likely that your period will come sooner if you do not breastfeed or give it a short time, or if you opt for a bottle, your baby begins to sleep at night or begins to eat solid foods.
Breastfeeding during menstruation
- Delayed period in lactation. Breastfeeding can cause menstruation to be delayed by up to a year. Something that will depend on the time you invest in breastfeeding the baby. It will take longer if you breastfeed several times a day, if you have to be close to the baby, or if he doesn’t start eating solid foods after 4 to 6 months. When the menstruation goes down, little by little it will stabilize, and it will return to its normal state. It will not stop, nor will it cut off, if you continue to breastfeed your baby.
- Regular pregnancies. Another very frequent question is; can you get pregnant when your period appears? The answer is yes. Once you start your period you can get pregnant again. Your gynecologist will talk to you about the measures you have to take to keep track of the birth rate after delivery. He thinks that if you get pregnant again while you’re breastfeeding, you should consult him as soon as possible. But can you get pregnant before your period comes down? It is also possible, because you can release an egg and if you have unprotected sex, it can be fertilized again.
- Changes in milk during menstruation. Another fact that you have to take into account is the taste of the milk. When menstruation goes down, the taste changes and the baby may become more reluctant to this new change, but little by little he will get used to it, otherwise you should consult your doctor. Having the period does not pose a risk to the baby. In fact, many women continue to breastfeed their newborn without problem, although, apart from changing the taste, the amount of milk decreases.
- Sensitivity in menstruation. Before your period starts again, you may notice increased tenderness in your nipples, but if possible, avoid continuing to breastfeed the baby. With this, you can prevent other breastfeeding problems, such as breast engorgement, nipple blisters, clogged milk ducts or mastitis.
