Your period after giving birth can start at different times depending largely on whether you breastfeed or not.

• For most women who do not breastfeed, the first period usually returns between 6 and 12 weeks after delivery, often around 6 to 8 weeks.
• If you exclusively breastfeed, your period is likely to be delayed and may not return until you begin weaning or introducing solid foods to your baby. This delay can extend to several months or even up to 1 to 2 years in some cases.
• Breastfeeding raises prolactin levels, which suppress the hormones responsible for ovulation and menstruation, causing this delay.
• The first period after birth might be heavier or different in symptoms compared to before pregnancy. Some women experience more severe cramps or heavier flow.
• Even if your period has not returned, it is possible to get pregnant as soon as 3 weeks after birth, so contraception should be considered if you want to avoid another pregnancy soon.

In summary, if you're not breastfeeding, expect your period back usually within 6 to 8 weeks after birth. If you are breastfeeding exclusively, it might be much later, often after weaning starts.