Welcome back… to a postpartum period.
Cue the sad music—because the next time I won’t have a period again will probably be menopause. And that’s a whole other emotional rollercoaster: no more pregnancies, no more newborn days. Part of me is deeply mourning that chapter closing. But part of me is also loving this new season of freedom—being able to leave the house for a few hours (or even an overnight trip!) without a tiny human attached to me 24/7. It’s liberating… and bittersweet.
So here we are. I’m now 10 months postpartum, and my period is officially back!
Each of my postpartum cycles has returned at different times: 13 months, 5 months, 8 months, and now 10 months. I exclusively breastfed each time, so it’s been hard to pinpoint exactly what affects the return. I do think nutrition and overall stress levels have something to do with it. This spring I was marathon training, and I suspect the high caloric burn may have delayed things a bit. I didn’t notice a supply drop, but I had a feeling my period would wait until I started easing off the intensity.
Surprisingly, my postpartum periods have actually been better than they were pre-kids. I know that’s not everyone’s experience—some say their first period is super heavy and intense—but mine have been pretty chill. No major cramping, often lighter, and just overall more manageable. Pre-kids, I was always on some form of hormonal birth control, so maybe that played a role? Or maybe things just shifted anatomically during childbirth? Who knows.
But what I do know is that having the right tools makes a huge difference. Here are a few of my must-haves for surviving (and even enjoying?) my postpartum period:
Pixie Cup (Menstrual Cup)
I’m a huge fan of reusable menstrual products—especially cups. Tampons just aren’t it for me anymore. They feel less comfortable now, and I actually wonder if they contributed to some of my pre-kid cramping.
The Pixie Cup (use code MAMASTEFIT for 15% off) has been my go-to for years. It’s reusable (which saves a ton of money), easy to clean (just sterilize at the beginning and end of your cycle), and they also offer a gentle cleanser you can use throughout your period to keep things fresh. Bonus: they donate a cup for every one purchased, so you’re also supporting period equity around the world.
If you’ve never used a cup before, there is a bit of a learning curve, but once you figure it out—it’s a game-changer. And if a cup isn’t comfortable for you, consider a disc! My sister prefers discs, especially with symptomatic prolapse, and there are sizing options to help you find the right fit for your body.
Inito Fertility Tracker
Now that I have a cycle again, tracking it is a priority. We’re not planning another pregnancy, so I like knowing where I am in my cycle for awareness and prevention. But when we were trying to conceive, cycle tracking was everything.
The Inito Fertility Tracker is next-level. It doesn’t just test LH like most ovulation strips—it tracks multiple hormones to give you a more complete picture. You can confirm if you’re actually ovulating, not just getting a hormone surge. And it’s helpful for spotting imbalances too. Use our code MAMASTE89 to get your own Inito for $89!
Personally, I deal with hypothyroidism, so I’m extra mindful of my hormone health. I’m lucky to have a provider who listens when I notice something is off—so if my Inito results seem weird, I bring it up and get bloodwork done. I love having this kind of data at my fingertips.
Tushy Cloud Bidet + Medicine Mama Vulva Cleanser
Let’s be honest—periods can get a little messy. And while periods are not dirty, there is more fluid to deal with. Enter: the Tushy Cloud Bidet (use code MAMASTEFIT for a discount)
This is my cozy poo era 😂 and the warm water front wash is so nice during my period. It feels gentle, clean, and honestly kind of luxurious. I’m not going back to toilet paper only life ever again.
I also use the Medicine Mama Vulva Cleanser for an extra level of freshness. It’s pH balanced, gentle, and not filled with unnecessary fragrance or chemicals. It just helps me feel clean without irritation—and I know that’s a big deal during this time of the month.
What I’m Doing for Movement
During my period, I definitely feel a dip in energy. So I’m not pushing for high intensity—but I’m still moving my body! Movement helps with mood, bloating, and overall well-being. Right now I’m working through our Marathon Training Program, and mixing in some of our Beyond Postpartum workouts when I want to focus more on lifting or pelvic stability.
So whether you’re newly postpartum, years into motherhood, or somewhere in between… know that you’re not alone in the weird mix of emotions that come with getting your period back. It’s okay to feel a little sad and a little empowered at the same time.
And hey—if you’ve got a product you love during your cycle, let me know! I’m always down to try something new!