Becoming a mom for the first time is one of life’s most exciting and daunting journeys. One of the many changes that come with becoming a parent is getting curious about how your body will adjust to these new demands. But now that your baby is out and your body is transitioning back to its regular cycle prior to childbirth, your most likely recurring thought(or at least among them) would probably be about the return of your menstrual cycle.
We get it – childbirth can turn your world around to a whole 360-degree turn! Knowing the basics of postpartum menses can help make the process less overwhelming and more manageable. As professional postpartum doulas in NYC, allow us to walk you through some essential things you need to know about experiencing your first menses after giving birth.
Is it just vaginal discharge or the official return of Aunty Flo?
Post-childbirth, your body is expected to undergo a lot of transitional changes. One of which you are likely to experience would be spottings and vaginal discharges. But here’s the thing – its appearance may be baffling for you as you try to make sense if it’s Aunty Flo already staring right back at you.
It’s common for new moms to wonder if the vaginal discharge after childbirth is “the real thing” and not just run-of-the-mill postpartum flow! With available doula services in NYC, you can ask an expert who can provide personalized advice on what to expect. Although it’s unpredictable, it’s usually safe to assume that your first menses post-childbirth will be different from your usual menstrual flow. On average, it takes about 5-6 weeks after giving birth before your menstrual cycle stabilizes. There are factors to consider, such as breastfeeding, but we’ll dive into that much later, so make sure to stick around!
The real deal with “lochia”
After giving birth, have you noticed some bodily fluid being released that appears to be in clear to creamy white to red in color? Then what you’re seeing is lochia – it is a type of vaginal discharge from the uterus after childbirth. It’s not really as intimidating as it sounds. Lochia is just the medical term for day-old postpartum bleeding that should subside over time. It’s totally normal, so don’t be alarmed!
Expect an irregular period cycle
After giving birth, It is not uncommon for a woman to experience an irregular period cycle as her body readjusts. At this period, it is important to remember that what works for one woman, may not work exactly the same way for another. Now it doesn’t mean to say that something is wrong. It’s just that our bodies adapt differently. Also, it may take 3-4 months for the hormone levels to become level and cycles to normalize again. This is why Aunty Flo’s visits may not be as consistent and regular as they once used to be before being pregnant. Don’t worry! It’s just temporary. After all, your body went through a lot.
Breastfeeding has an impact on your menstrual cycle
Breastfeeding is a big part of caring for your newborn. Many new moms are surprised to discover that breastfeeding can have an impact on their menstrual cycles. If you are the type of mom that breastfeeds exclusively, it may take longer than usual for your first menstrual cycle postpartum edition to start. However, if you are not breastfeeding exclusively or as frequently, your menstruation is likely to get triggered sooner than you expect.
Get in touch with a postpartum doula at Northeast Doulas, the best doulas in NYC
Your entire journey to childbirth is a life-changing journey to be on. As you welcome your little bundles of joy into the world, it also corresponds to certain overwhelming changes physically and emotionally for new moms like you as you navigate this whole new chapter. Thankfully, postpartum doulas are trained to help new moms with the postpartum adjustment period so if you’re feeling overwhelmed at any point during this time, don’t hesitate to reach out for support! From lighter periods and completely skipping them altogether, to new cramping patterns, it pays to be aware of how your body reacts during these crucial changes as it can have a direct effect on your cycle. Utilizing doula support during this time also helps ensure that you care for yourself and recognize when assistance is needed.
So what are you waiting for? Find a doula in NYC with Northeast Doulas now and together, we will walk you through this new chapter. For more information on our services, contact us at 914 736 7700 or fill out our online contact form.
