After giving birth, the timing of when your period starts again depends largely on whether you are breastfeeding:
- If you are not breastfeeding , your period typically returns around 6 to 8 weeks postpartum.
- If you are exclusively breastfeeding , elevated prolactin levels suppress ovulation, often delaying your first period for 3 to 6 months or longer until you start weaning or reduce breastfeeding.
- If you are partially breastfeeding or bottle-feeding , your period can return sooner, sometimes as early as 5 to 6 weeks after birth.
Your first period after birth may differ from before pregnancy—it can be heavier or lighter, and your cycle may be irregular for a few cycles as your body adjusts. Ovulation usually occurs before your first postpartum bleed, so fertility can return before your period does. If your bleeding is unusually heavy or prolonged, or if you have concerns about period pain or irregularities, consulting your healthcare provider is recommended. In summary:
- Period return non-breastfeeding: about 6-8 weeks after birth
- Period return exclusive breastfeeding: delayed, often several months
- Period return partial or bottle-feeding: as early as 5-6 weeks after birth
This reflects a natural variation based on feeding choices and individual hormonal responses.
