Postpartum periods vary a lot, especially depending on whether you’re breastfeeding. Here’s the most common pattern and what to expect:

• If you are not breastfeeding or breastfeed only briefly: your period often returns around 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth, though it can start as early as about 4 weeks or as late as a few months. Lochia (the postpartum vaginal bleeding) is separate and ends before your first true period would happen.

• If you are exclusively breastfeeding: menstruation is typically delayed due to higher prolactin levels, often returning three to six months after birth, and sometimes even later. Some people may not see a period for 9 to 18 months or longer while they continue exclusive breastfeeding.

• If you mix breastfeeding and bottle feeding: your period usually returns somewhere in between, commonly around 6 to 12 weeks after birth, but this can vary based on how often you nurse.

Key notes to consider:

• Ovulation can occur before your first period returns, so contraception planning is important if pregnancy isn’t desired soon after birth.

• Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is not the same as a menstrual period and typically lasts several weeks before a true period resumes.

What to watch for and when to seek care:

• Very heavy bleeding (soaking through multiple pads/tads in an hour for several hours), soaking through diapers, passing large clots, or fever with bleeding should be evaluated by a clinician.

• If you have persistent irregularities or concerns about timing, heavy bleeding, or pain, discuss with your healthcare provider, especially if you had a C-section or complicated delivery.

If you’d like, share whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or using formula, and how many weeks postpartum you are, and I can give a more personalized estimate.