Pregnancy and childbirth can be an emotional rollercoaster. As the dust settles and life returns to some semblance of normalcy, a new challenge often awaits: the first postpartum period.
For many, it can be difficult to adjust to the physical and hormonal changes that accompany this important milestone. This post seeks to explore the 3 essentials for navigating your first period after birth – providing readers with the knowledge and support they need to stay healthy and comfortable.
Understanding the Changes in Your Hormones Post-Birth
I’ve just started tracking my cycle this past month, and I wish I did it sooner. My highest recommendation for tracking your cycle would be to get a physical journal. There is one by @thevaginablog that I purchased this past month and it’s been a game changer. I can’t believe I wasn’t tracking before now. Especially first thing postpartum. Cause, not-so-fun fact I just learned: you can be in your Luteal phase for up to two weeks each month. That’s my most anxious phase. I wish I would have known this for longer. I would have given myself so much more grace. This leads us to my next point:
Preparing your Body for your First Postpartum Period
If you’re tracking for long enough before birth, you’ll be much more prepared for your first period postpartum. You’ll start to see the signs and cues your body will be sending you. And to be honest, I didn’t have the heaviest of periods after birth, but I did get it sooner than a lot of women I know.
You see, some ladies out there don’t get there period for 6 or more months after they’ve given birth. Especially those lucky ones who are breastfeeding and their bodies recognize they are breastfeeding and not in a position to be pregnant again. I wasn’t that lady. I started one month postpartum.
And my lifesaver was period underwear. I loved this brand for my light days, and this brand for my heavy days. I didn’t have to put anything up my sensitive canal that had just pushed a baby outta it, I just free bled.
If you’re freaked out by that but have never tried it, I highly suggest trying it! It’s freeing and cleansing and a good mental practice to let it flow.
RELATED POST: How Do You Pee Without it Stinging After Birth?!
Being Kind to Yourself and Getting the Support You Need
I cannot emphasis this enough. Please rest. I remember being in this postpartum time and now four years past that time I wish I would have just rested and let some things be. The house will be clean again one day (sure it’ll take years, but it will get clean again I promise). In fact, hire a cleaning company to come and do it for you at least once during this time.
And ask people to be around. I know you can have anxiety about your new baby getting sick with too many visitors, but just take the precautions and ask people to come by all they can. You need the company. It can become really isolating really quick postpartum, so let people in and let them listen to you and treat you!
Going through the physical and emotional changes of your first postpartum period can be daunting. But with some preparation, knowledge, and understanding, you can navigate this important milestone with resilience and grace. By understanding the changes in your hormones, preparing your body, and being mindful of your mental health, you can be confident in your ability to have a safe and healthy first period after birth.
For more information on postpartum care, check out our additional resources for navigating your first period after birth.
