Are you currently breastfeeding your baby? Or perhaps you’re pregnant, or about to start trying? If so, it’s likely you’re well attuned to the remarkable changes and capabilities of the body. For instance, you may already know that breastfeeding releases oxytocin, the calming hormone, which induces feelings of bonding and love. Or that when you’re pregnant, your organs naturally move and shift around to make comfortable space for your growing baby. 

Whatever phase you’re in, you may have some (or a lot) of questions about your period. What’s happening with my cycle? When will my period come back? Will my periods be different after birth?  We're here to provide some clarification and relief.

What happens to my cycle postpartum?

After giving birth, it's normal to experience bleeding for up to six weeks. Initially, the blood may be dark red, gradually transitioning to a light brown colour. You may also experience cramps similar to period cramps, as your uterus shrinks back to its normal size. However, this is not an indication that your cycle has returned. This is called lochia, a vaginal discharge consisting of a mixture of blood and uterine tissue that the body expels after childbirth. 

During those initial weeks, comfort and support is important - and that’s exactly what TOM Organic’s Maternity Pads offer. Specifically designed for new parents, these pads are soft, breathable and made from organic cotton - like sitting on a cloud! 

NB: Tampons should not be used immediately after giving birth. If you experience abnormally heavy bleeding or severe pain, seek help from a medical professional.

How long will it take for my period to return? 

The return of your period varies greatly from person to person, resuming anywhere from a couple of months to two years after giving birth. There are several factors that can affect its return:

• How often and how long your baby is breastfeeding
• How often you bottle feed your baby
• The way your body responds to hormonal changes

If you continue to breastfeed consistently, you can be without your period until you decide to stop. However, if you are weaning your baby onto solid foods at 6 months, and therefore reduce your breastfeeding, you can find that your periods start to return, albeit irregularly. 

As your body adjusts to the changes with your cycle and hormones, you may experience missed periods, longer gaps between periods, or a heavier than usual flow.  For most people, the first period after giving birth and stopping breastfeeding is heavier, with increased bleeding and cramping. This is a normal part of the process, navigating it however, can have its challenges. Our TOM Period Briefs are a great product to support you through this transition. Made to look and feel like regular organic cotton undies. Our Bikini Moderate Flow Briefs are ultra-thin, super-absorbent and hold up to two regular tampons' worth of fluid. While our Full Brief Heavy Flow, hold up to 3 regular tampons' worth of fluid.

While your period may be different, the appearance should remain the same - red in colour, gradually turning brown. Additionally, you may notice small blood clots, however large clots should not be present.

Will the return of my period affect my milk supply? 

Due to hormonal changes, your milk supply may drop in the days before your period or a few days into it. This is a temporary change, and as your hormones adjust, your milk supply should return to normal. Despite this drop, breastfeeding while menstruating is completely safe.

Adjusting to your new flow

Firstly, let’s appreciate how much you've adjusted to already. Pregnancy, and becoming a parent, are both examples of perseverance through massive change.

Take your new flow as the time to reassess your menstrual care. It's important to choose comfortable products that cater to your flow and its new changes. What worked for you in the past, such as light-flow tampons or thin pads, may no longer be suitable; and that's perfectly fine. TOM Organic offers a complete range of conscious period care for every flow. 

Adjusting to comfortable period care is easy. However, adjusting to breastfeeding and a new flow isn’t as easy. Although breastfeeding demonstrates the incredible power of your body - nourishing your baby, halting your cycle, and eventually restoring it when the time is right - it’s not without its changes and challenges. Whether your period returns sooner, later or heavier than expected, remember that your body knows what it's doing.

If you ever have concerns about your cycle or experience worrisome symptoms, such as unusual blood clots, heavy spotting between periods, or severe pain, it’s advisable to seek advice from a medical professional.