It can take a little while to get your period again after giving birth. When it finally returns, it makes sense you'd want to reach for your tried-and-true period products—but, there are a few things to know before you grab your old go-tos.
Crucially, medical experts advise waiting six-to-eight weeks postpartum, or until clearance from your OB/GYN at your six-week postnatal appointment, before using internal products like menstrual cups or tampons. Take your time healing, and always use clean, body-safe, OB/GYN-approved postpartum products to aid your recovery and to prevent risk of infection.
Even if menstrual cups were your preference before giving birth, and you've gotten clearance after at least six weeks to safely use them again, you might find you need a little time adjusting. That's because postpartum recovery may have altered your comfort level and preference, as you heal from vaginal or C-section birth, experience changes to your pelvic floor, and undergo internal changes to shape and size. (Plus, your post-baby period might not look or feel the same as you remember.)
Here's what to know about managing your first period after giving birth, and when you can safely use menstrual cups again.
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Is It Safe to Use a Menstrual Cup After Giving Birth?
It isn't safe to use a menstrual cup right after birth, full stop. OB/GYNs advise that you wait six-to-eight weeks, or until you get clearance at your six-week postpartum checkup, before using internal products like menstrual cups or tampons. This is because as you're healing down there, inserting anything can put you at risk of infection. Feminine hygiene is crucial during this time. You may have internal tears, or your cervix hasn't fully closed up yet, and in general, you'll feel extra sore and tender.
"The 6-week pelvic rest recommendation is intended to allow for optimal healing and recovery, particularly after laceration or episiotomy repair," explains Dr. Alyssa Dweck, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide Health. "Bleeding, infection and pain could ensue if vaginal activity is initiated prematurely."
After birth, you'll experience what you might think is your period, but it's actually something called lochia, a vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth and lasts up to 6 weeks. Lochia consists of a mix of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue your body built up during pregnancy to support the fetus. It starts out as a dark red, heavy flow, with the possibility of blood clots, for the first few days; dissipates to a lighter, pinkish-brown flow after about a week; and eventually a light-colored discharge after a couple weeks.
The six-week pelvic rest window "also allows for lochia to subside and for the placental implantation site in the uterus to heal," adds Dweck.
You should never use tampons or a menstrual cup to manage lochia; instead, use postpartum sanitary pads or disposable underwear. Wondering which type is best for you? We previously covered the pros and cons of each, which you can get a refresher on here.
When Can You Start Using a Menstrual Cup Again?
Most healthcare providers recommend waiting until clearance at your six-week postpartum visit before using a menstrual cup. However, recovery does vary for everyone, including whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section. It's worth noting, though, that if you pushed at all during labor before getting your C-section incision, you may still experience vaginal pain and swelling postpartum. That’s in addition to tenderness around your incision, and abdominal cramping that could make a menstrual cup extra uncomfortable.
Know that you may need to wait even longer than the recommended six-to-eight weeks, if you're dealing with any complications like endometritis, excessive bleeding, extensive laceration or episiotomy repair, or wound infection, according to Dweck.
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How Birth Changes the Way a Cup Fits
Having trouble figuring out your menstrual cup size postpartum? There are a number of reasons your menstrual cup may not fit the same after birth:
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Your cervix height may have lowered as an effect of labor contractions
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Your pelvic floor tone may be weaker
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Your vaginal elasticity may have increased
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You may be extra tender due to developing scar tissue
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You may deal with hormonal dryness, especially if you're breastfeeding
If you feel discomfort inserting a menstrual cup, or if you're leaking after cup insertion, try making adjustments first before throwing in the towel. Remove the cup by pinching it at the base and gently pulling it out. Fold the reusable cup and re-insert it while in a squatting position, "sealing" it by gently rotating the cup a full circle. You may also want to lightly push down, engaging your pelvic muscles, to help secure the placement.
If that doesn't work, you might need to try a different-sized cup. Or, you simply might need more time. Always listen to your body, and don't rush it. You may opt to use pads, and then revisit using a reusable cup again in a few more weeks or months after you've had more time to heal.
Do You Need a Different Size or Type of Cup Postpartum?
Postpartum, you may need to adjust your cup size–likely going larger. You could also try a soft cup, made with 100% medical-grade silicone, for increased comfort; or, a firmer cup for extra leakage protection and flow control. Everyone is different, and it might take a little trial and error before you find the right fit. LOLA's menstrual cup comes in a "small" and "regular" size, with the latter recommended for post-birth use.
You could also try a menstrual disc instead, which might feel more comfortable because discs don't require suction to stay in place. According to Yvonne Hancock, Certified Postpartum Doula and Founder of Smooth Transitions Postpartum Concierge Services, the suction effect from menstrual cups "can place stress on healing pelvic floor structures if used too early."
Insertion Tips for Postpartum Bodies
Even if you were a menstrual cup pro before having a baby, after birth you might need a refresher course in cup insertion and cup removal techniques.
Remember: never force it. Take a deep breath and relax your muscles to make sure you're not tensing up.
If you're having issues with cup insertion, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
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Try a different fold
The C-Fold, Punch-Down, 7 Fold, or Triangle Fold methods each have pros and cons, and come down to personal preference. You can refresh on the different techniques in our blog post about how to insert and remove a menstrual cup.
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Use water-based lube if needed
Especially if you're feeling extra tender down there, a little water-based lube can greatly reduce friction and help the cup slide in easily.
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Start at home before going out
As you adjust to using a menstrual cup again, you don't need the stress of squatting mid-air in a public bathroom stall. Practice at home, where you're more comfortable and relaxed, until you get the hang of it.
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Double-check the seal by running a finger around the base
To ensure the cup is properly placed, and to ensure adequate leakage protection and flow control, you'll want to double check that you created a suction "seal". Gently circle the base of your cup with your finger to confirm it's airtight. If not, you may need to remove the cup and start again.
How Pelvic Floor Health Affects Cup Use
Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles, whether due to straining and pushing during labor, the nine months your growing uterus exerted pressure on your uterus, or hormonal changes that caused the pelvic floor muscles to loosen in preparation for childbirth.
Menstrual cup insertion requires you to flex and tighten your pelvic floor muscles, creating the right suction "seal" that keeps the cup securely in place. So, if you're experiencing weakness in those muscles, the cup might slip, or it might leak because it's not sitting properly.
Luckily, pelvic floor therapy can help those muscles rebound after birth.
"Pelvic floor exercises or even physical therapy may be beneficial to optimize pelvic floor tone and strength postpartum," suggests Dweck. "Fortunately, the vagina is a forgiving organ and with time and return to baseline hormone levels and weight, a menstrual cup should still be usable."
Take your time, and don't rush the healing process. You can always use pads or period underwear until you feel ready.
Are Menstrual Cups Safe for All Birth Types?
While a vaginal birth is more likely to involve tearing, stitches, or pelvic floor trauma that could affect how a menstrual cup fits and feels, internal healing still occurs after a C-Section. Sometimes, pushing during labor occurs before a C-Section is in order, so there could still be vaginal tearing or pelvic floor strain. Plus, the pain and tenderness from the C-section incision could make wearing a menstrual cup feel uncomfortable or crampy.
The recommended six-to-eight week recovery window of refrain from using internal period products applies to both C-section and vaginal birth healing. And, in both cases, you'll experience lochia initially, and likely a delay in your period returning due to hormonal shifts. (If you're breastfeeding, you might not see your period return for months.)
When you are cleared to safely use a menstrual cup again, always opt for clean, body-safe, OB/GYN-approved products that won't irritate the area or put you at risk of infection.
Remember, you may need to adjust your menstrual cup sizing after giving birth.
Shop LOLA's body-safe, OB/GYN-approved, 100% medical-grade silicone menstrual cup, available in different sizes for your comfort
Choosing Clean, Postpartum-Safe Period Care
After birth, your vaginal area is extra sensitive and tender. You're healing from stitches and tears, pelvic floor strain, and you're extra susceptible to irritation or bacterial infection until all your wounds heal and your cervix fully closes up.
During this sensitive recovery time, it's more important than ever to practice good feminine hygiene, and use clean, hypoallergenic products, free of fragrance, dyes, or harsh additives that could increase risk of irritation or infection.
LOLA's period and postpartum products are body-safe, OB/GYN-reviewed, and clinically tested for sensitive skin. You focus on rest and recovery; we've got your comfort and wellness covered.
FAQs About Menstrual Cups After Birth
What is the best size menstrual cup after birth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Start with the brand’s postpartum-recommended size, but be ready to adjust. You may need a larger size to accommodate postpartum vaginal changes, or changes to your period flow after giving birth.
What is the 40-day rule after birth?
The “40-day rule” refers to a traditional guideline that advises waiting about six weeks before resuming certain activities, including sex and internal products. Always check with your provider before using internal period products like menstrual cups or tampons. You may need to wait longer if you have complications.
What do gynecologists say about menstrual cups?
Most OB/GYNs agree cups are safe once healing is complete, after six-to-eight weeks, and they recommend choosing high-quality, medically-tested materials to ensure comfort and prevent irritation or infection.
LOLA Period Care That Supports Postpartum Healing
As you navigate your postpartum recovery, you can count on LOLA as a trusted source. We put your safety and wellness first, with products that are body-safe, rigorously tested, and OB/GYN-approved. We believe in full transparency when it comes to our ingredients and materials, and never use dyes, fragrances, metals, or any other harsh additives. We favor clean, hypoallergenic ingredients that prioritize feminine hygiene, support your recovery and help you feel your best.
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