After giving birth, even while being busy with childcare, many women may have questions and anxieties such as, "When will my period start?" and "Will the pain and amount change?"
This column explains in detail when menstruation resumes after giving birth and the changes in the body.

Why didn't I get my period right after giving birth?

Menstruation rarely resumes immediately after giving birth. This is due to the influence of a hormone called "prolactin." Prolactin not only stimulates breast milk production, but also suppresses ovulation. Therefore, menstruation often stops while breastfeeding.
Also, for one to two months after giving birth, you will experience bleeding called "lochia," but this is not menstruation; it is caused by the process of the uterus recovering, and is different from menstruation.

When will my period start again?

The timing of when menstruation resumes varies from person to person, but on average, it is said that most women resume their period between six weeks and six months after giving birth. However, this can vary greatly depending on your child-rearing style.

If you are breastfeeding

When breastfeeding exclusively, the secretion of prolactin increases. As a result, menstruation tends to resume late, between six months and a year after giving birth, and some women may not experience a resumption of menstruation for over a year.
However, if you are worried that your period has not resumed, it is a good idea to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist to reassure not only your body but also your mind.

If you are breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding, your period will likely resume relatively quickly, between two and three months after giving birth, due to the low secretion of prolactin. In some cases, it may resume as early as one month after giving birth.
If you are mixing breast milk and formula, it is common to resume feeding somewhere in the middle, between 4 and 6 months.

Is there any change from previous periods?

When your period resumes, it may have different characteristics than before you were pregnant. After giving birth, the state of your uterus and hormone balance change, which can easily affect your period.

Prone to irregular menstruation

After giving birth, hormone balance becomes unstable, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles. It is also not uncommon for menstruation to come and go due to lack of sleep and stress caused by childcare.
It may take a few months for your cycle to return to normal, but if it's extremely irregular and you're worried, it's best to see a gynaecologist.

Menstrual pain becomes lighter/heavier

After giving birth, the way you feel menstrual pain may change. Sometimes it gets heavier, other times it gets lighter.
The first reason why it becomes lighter is that the cervix opens during childbirth, allowing menstrual blood to be expelled more smoothly.
On the other hand, if it gets worse, the main causes are changes in hormone balance after pregnancy and childbirth, or autonomic nervous system disorders caused by stress and fatigue.

Decreased/increased menstrual flow

It is common for menstrual flow to change after giving birth. In some cases, the amount of menstrual blood may be less than before, or it may be more.
In particular, immediately after menstruation resumes, you may experience anovulatory menstruation and your menstrual flow may decrease.
On the other hand, the increase in amount may be due to the opening of the cervix during childbirth, causing menstrual blood to be released all at once, or the increase in female hormones causing more mucus to be discharged.
However, it is possible that an illness may be the cause, so if you are concerned about a significant change in your menstrual flow, consult a gynecologist as soon as possible.

Sanitary spats with angelite to prevent postpartum bleeding and leakage

The timing and amount of menstruation after giving birth varies from woman to woman. Angelite sanitary spats help you feel safe and comfortable during this unstable period.

When lochia appears

Immediately after giving birth, you may experience lochia, which is different from menstruation, for several weeks, and you may experience a worrying amount of leakage if you use only a pad. Angelite is useful in such situations. Its special absorbent material blocks leakage with its design. There are also boxer-type underwear with an elastic waistband for a secure fit, and lace-type underwear with a comfortable lace waistband for a relaxed fit, so you can choose the type that best suits your preference.

When your menstrual cycle is irregular

After giving birth, your cycle tends to become irregular. During that ambiguous period when you wonder, "Maybe it's coming today...or maybe not yet?", you feel uneasy wearing only underwear, but it's too early to wear pads...Angelite solves all those worries. Its thin and light fabric is highly absorbent, yet comfortable and doesn't feel stiff, even when worn for long periods.

When menstrual flow is heavy

After giving birth, you may suddenly experience an increase in menstrual flow that can be difficult to cope with. This is especially true if you are unable to change your pad for a long period of time, as regular period briefs may not be able to cope and may even stain your clothes.
Angelite is perfect for situations like these. Simply wear it over your regular period briefs to block leaks and enjoy peace of mind during the day.

summary

The timing and nature of menstruation after giving birth varies from person to person, depending on whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding, your physical condition, hormone balance, etc.
It's precisely during these uncertain times that you need reassuring support items. Angelite is a reliable ally for busy postpartum mothers, as it supports your delicate postpartum body and alleviates worries about leaks. Why not try incorporating it into your daily life to help you live a comfortable and positive life while taking care of your body?