#5 – Prolactin Production Inhibits Your Period
Prolactin is the hormone that enlarges the mammary glands and stimulates milk production in preparation for breastfeeding.
This hormone also helps to inhibit ovulation. Therefore mothers who breastfeed their babies defer the return of their period.
Mothers who exclusively breastfeed typically get their period 6 – 8 months after delivery.
Mothers who bottle feed can get their period as early as 4 weeks after delivery.
#4 – Bleeding After Delivery Is Not Menstruation
During the postpartum period which is 6 weeks after giving birth, a woman will experience a yellowish-red discharge called lochia.
It is not a period.
Rather, it is the totally normal expelling of birth products. The amount of time mothers experience lochia depends on how much rest and healing they accomplish.
Lochia begins bright red and highly saturated with blood and becomes more diffused over time.
Bright red bleeding should only occur for the first 3 – 4 days.
If this continues for an extended period of time, contact your medical health professional.
#3 – Menstruation Cycles May Be Erratic For A While
Don’t expect regular periods once they restart.
Some may be spotty while others are heavy in nature. Initially, heavy cramping can occur for some.
For other women, menstrual cramps may be reduced due to the widened cervix after delivery.
#2 – Tampons Should Be Avoided
Even though bleeding may be substantial, avoid the use of tampons.
Tampons can obstruct proper blood flow and encourage the growth of bacteria.
Postpartum women should use pads and change them as necessary, at least every four hours.
#1 – Conception Is A Possibility
Production of prolactin, the hormone that inhibits ovulation, hampers the production of estrogen and progesterone, the fertility hormones.
However, even with the hampering, these hormones can still produce ovulation in some women.
In these cases the women’s bodies release eggs. Intimacy that occurs three to four days before ovulation, about two weeks before menstruation, can result in pregnancy.
