Ask the doctor with Dr. Gloria Ndagire

Dear Doctor,
After how long does a woman resume her monthly periods after giving birth? My baby is six months but I have not had my periods. Is this normal?
Brenda

Dear Brenda,
WHAT you have described is known as lactational ammenorrhoea. It is normal for a mother to have no periods for a while after childbirth, especially if she is breastfeeding.

This is recognised as a contraceptive method but it can only be 98% effective if breastfeeding is the baby’s only source of food and the baby is less than six months old.

The average time for the menses to resume among breastfeeding mothers is 14 months, although it can occur as early as two months and as late as 24 months.

It is usually earlier in mothers who are not breastfeeding and in those who are providing supplementary foods.

If a mother is breastfeeding her baby six to 10 times a day and is not giving her baby any other foods, it is possible for her periods to delay.

However, it is generally advisable for a mother to start using contraception after six months even if she is still breastfeeding since pregnancy is more likely to occur after this time. Your periods will resume.

Unfortunately, in some cases, a pregnancy can occur even before a mother gets to see her first period. If you are not planning to have another child soon, think about an alternative contraceptive method.Your healthcare provider will advise you on the type to use

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