Postpartum Periods

Postpartum Periods – menstruation after delivery.

After a period of post-partum bleeding (lochia rubra or lochia alba) yellow or white colored discharge, which can extend up to 45 days postpartum, majority of women will get their cycles after 3 to 6 months. For some mothers the periods start immediately after the next month itself whereas for some it will start only after a year or so till the mothers are breastfeeding. This depends a lot on the hormonal variation that has occurred due to pregnancy and delivery.

Typically, women who are breast-feeding might not get their periods as quickly after giving birth. The reason being the prolactin hormones needed to produce breast milk can suppress the reproductive hormones. As a result, there will be no ovulation and without ovulation there will be no periods. Those who are not breastfeeding may get their cycles comparatively early.

 

What do you need to know?

When your period starts again after delivery, it may not be the same as what you used to have before getting pregnant. You may experience

• Stronger cramps
• More blood clots
• Heavier flow
• Irregular flow
• Irregular cycles

With time your cycle will be back on track normally as your hormones settle.

 

Other things to take care:

• Breastfeeding is a natural way of contraception, but it may not be 100% safe. When you become sexually active after delivery please make sure to have safe methods of contraception after discussing with your physician.
• If anything appears to be abnormal don’t hesitate to visit your doctor.
• If you get your cycles in less than a month or so avoid tampons and go for sanitary napkins.
• Your aches and pains may become more severe during the cycles. Go for a massage with medicated oils and hot water bath.
• Make sure you are having healthy foods such as beetroots, green leafy vegetables, pomegranates etc. and more calories during your cycles.
• Always be careful to maintain hygiene more than before.

Some Ayurvedic Remedies to tackle post-natal menstrual problems

If the flow is very heavy or irregular, you can take Ashokarishta, Jeerakarishtam, Pushyanug choorna, Shathavari preparations etc. under the supervision of a qualified Ayurveda doctor as these are safe during breastfeeding.