Postpartum Period Return After C-Section: What to Expect

Question
Hi:  I had my c-section March 5, 2008 and I had the bleeding right after the surgery, but I have not started my normal period since.  I am not breastfeeding, so I don't know if I should be concerned or not?

Answer
It can take up to 12 weeks postpartum for your period to return, even if you are not breastfeeding.  There are other things that can affect this, including how active you are (too much too soon will delay your period) and how difficult the surgery was on your body (again, too much stress takes your body longer to recover from).  If you do not see your period by 3 months postpartum, schedule another follow-up with your doctor to make sure everything is still okay.