Why is my first period postpartum so heavy?

Brace yourself…the first period after giving birth is typically heavier than normal because there is extra blood in your uterine lining that needs to be shed. You may enjoy easier periods due to physical changes in the uterus and cervix, although some women experience stronger cramps.

How heavy is first period postpartum?

Your body is still shedding the blood, tissue and mucus that lined your uterus while you were pregnant. It’s called lochia, and it’s not the same as your period. Lochia starts out bright red and often contains many blood clots. The flow will be heavy for three to 10 days after delivery.

Can a heavy period affect milk supply?

It’s not harmful to you or your child at all. Your breast milk is still healthy and nutritious for your baby. However, hormone changes in the days leading up to your period can affect your breast milk and your baby’s breastfeeding pattern for a few days.

How long does your first period last after you stop breastfeeding?

This is especially true if you’re breastfeeding. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most postpartum women will have a “normal” menstrual cycle of 21 to 35 days with bleeding that lasts 2 to 7 days.

When can you expect your first period after breastfeeding?

Your period will typically return about six to eight weeks after you give birth, if you aren’t breastfeeding. If you do breastfeed, the timing for a period to return can vary. Those who practice exclusive breastfeeding might not have a period the entire time they breastfeed.

What to expect when you get your period while breastfeeding?

If you do get your period while breast-feeding, you might notice other unexpected changes too. You might find, for instance, that your baby isn’t as interested in feeding times, and will actually eat less during your period. This is thought to be related to taste changes in the milk.

Why your period might change after having a baby?

Periods may change after childbirth, as the uterus takes time to return to its normal size . Having a baby is a major trauma for a woman’s body, and it takes time to recover. There is no such thing as a “standard” postpartum period, but it is common for the first few periods to be different from how they were before pregnancy.

Is it normal to have your period while breastfeeding?

There is a broad range of normal including the following. Mothers who bottle feed their babies will usually start their periods within a two to three months after giving birth. Having no period while breastfeeding is normal. Some mothers only regain their cycles once they have fully weaned their babies.