Onset of ovulation and menstruation post delivery depends on hormonal changes in the body. If your periods have started, then it is the time for you to choose right contraceptives.
You can term this to be one of the perks of pregnancy; you can be free from the hassles of regular monthly periods for nine months. But once you are done with the delivery and depending on how regularly and continually you breastfeed your little one, your periods are soon to be back with a bang!
Generally, your periods are likely to commence within three to ten weeks post delivery. But if you are continuing with breastfeeding, your periods are likely to be further delayed. But there is absolutely no reason to stop nursing the baby once your resume your period, as it can adversely affect the baby’s set routine. You may notice a bit of fussing in the baby while breastfeeding him, because there will be a change in the taste of the milk due to the ovulation associated hormonal changes.
Menstruation and Contraception
This is a crucial period in your life, you have just given birth and your body is trying its best to resume the normal cycle as soon as possible. So the moment the periods start, it is natural the menstruation cycle post delivery is preceded by ovulation. Therefore, if you are not planning an immediate pregnancy, it is advisable to consult your doctor on the appropriate contraceptive measures, should you choose to resume your love life as well. The choice of the right contraceptive is very important as you would not want to complicate things further by the way of probable infection and would surely want to allow the body heal from the trauma of pregnancy and delivery ads fast as possible.
Vital Points to Note:
Hormonal Changes
The onset of ovulation and menstruation can occur even while you are breastfeeding your baby regularly. Your system is ruled by hormones and there are no fixed estimations to predict how it will react at a given point of time.
Ovulation
When the baby breastfeeds a little less frequently when he is about six months old, as by then you have already begun to introduce him to solids, naturally the breastfeeding hormones levels would be low and this would make the trigger for ovulation to commence readily.
Importance of Contraceptives
Make sure that the use of contraceptives is not ignored or overlooked at this stage as the chances of conception are very high as ovulation is not being hormonally suppressed now. If you decide to continue breastfeeding, birth control pills may not be a safe for you.
The Contraception Options for You
When your period starts, you need to think about appropriate contraceptive after consulting your doctor. It is decided on the mode of your delivery, whether it was a normal vaginal birth or a caesarean one. Besides, the manner in which your body is healing after bearing the trauma of pregnancy and childbirth.
Your gynaecologist might recommend a cervical cap, pre-pregnancy tool or a diaphragm, which needs to be clinically inserted and fitted into your cervix. It is essential to do this under clinical supervision as the cervix will retain the same size post delivery.
Remember to avoid the contraceptive estrogen pills at all costs, as it may render serious adverse effect on the child since you are also breastfeeding simultaneously.
You can opt for the mini pill which is a progestin only pill after due consultation with your doctor, as it is considered effective and safe for yourself and the baby. Some doctors also recommend a tri-monthly shot of contraceptive injection called Depo-Provera, which is also free from estrogen formula.
Finally, the point to note when your periods start after delivery that you are following good hygiene conditions as this is the stage when infections are most probable. And while using contraceptives, make sure that you follow your doctor’s advice. Also, it is important to notice the signals given by your body and report the same to the doctor, so that the possibility of any undue complications can be timely avoided.
Can menstruation occur even if a woman is breastfeeding regularly? What contraceptives are suitable for a breastfeeding mother? How to choose the right method of contraception post delivery? Discuss here. 
