In Australia, the government-funded Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service, run by Healthdirect Australia, says it's best not to use tampons until after your medical check at 6 weeks after giving birth. If your normal periods return before then, it suggests a sanitary pad until your doctor gives you advice.
A period cup is also worn inside the vagina, so if you're planning to use a menstrual cup after pregnancy, raise it at that 6-week check. This guide covers timing, fit and recovery using Australian health sources.
Quick answer: Hold off on a period cup until your doctor has checked you around 6 weeks after the birth and given the all-clear. Australian advice is to use maternity pads for bleeding after birth and to avoid tampons until that check. When your period returns, your flow and pelvic floor will guide which cup size feels best.
When can I start using a period cup after birth?
After your 6-week medical check, once your doctor agrees. The sources we used talk about tampons rather than cups: the Better Health Channel's first days after birth page says to avoid tampons for up to six weeks after birth because they can increase the likelihood of infection. As a cup is also internal, ask your doctor or midwife before you use one.
What is normal bleeding after having a baby?
Period-like bleeding in the first few days after birth is normal, according to Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. It can be bright red for the first couple of days and gradually becomes brownish, and it can be heavier in the morning, after breastfeeding or after exercise. The service says this bleeding stops after about 2 months.
The Better Health Channel calls this discharge lochia and recommends maternity sanitary pads while it is heavy, moving to regular pads as it slows.
How soon will my period come back?
Periods can return as soon as 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth, says Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. If you breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months, and for some people who keep breastfeeding it might not return for 1 to 2 years. Ovulation can happen before your first period, so you can still get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Read more about that first cycle in our article on postpartum periods.
Why does my cup feel different since giving birth?
Your pelvic floor may still be recovering. healthdirect's guide to pelvic floor exercises explains that these muscles support your bladder, uterus and bowel, and that pregnancy and both caesarean and vaginal birth can weaken them. Function often recovers within the first year, though a large baby, a long time pushing or an assisted birth may mean you need longer.
healthdirect says you may be able to restart gentle pelvic floor exercises from 48 hours after birth, even after perineal trauma, but to check with your doctor or midwife first. For cup choice, Lunette suggests Size 1 for strong pelvic floor muscles or a low cervix, and Size 2, which is wider and firmer, for a heavier flow or a higher cervix.
When to see a doctor
If you gave birth within the last 6 weeks, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby says to contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice:
- bleeding that soaks more than one pad every 1 to 2 hours;
- a sudden increase in bleeding, or large clots;
- bright red blood;
- sweating, dizziness, weakness or trouble breathing.
healthdirect also suggests seeing your doctor about bladder or bowel problems, or prolapse symptoms such as a feeling of pressure or a bulge.
Postpartum period cup questions
Can I use a menstrual cup for bleeding after birth?
It's best not to. The Better Health Channel recommends maternity sanitary pads for heavy bleeding after the birth, then regular pads as it eases, and says to avoid tampons for up to six weeks because of the infection risk. A cup is also inserted, so wait and ask your doctor or midwife first.
When can I start pelvic floor exercises after having a baby?
Possibly within days. healthdirect says gentle pelvic floor exercises may be restarted from 48 hours after birth, even if you've had perineal trauma, as long as your doctor or midwife agrees. Over time, aim to hold each squeeze harder and longer, and see a pelvic floor physiotherapist if you struggle to feel the muscles.
Will my periods be the same as before I was pregnant?
There's no way to know in advance, according to Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. It suggests speaking to your doctor if your period pain feels different or your periods have changed. If your flow turns out heavier, Lunette's Size 2 cup holds 30 ml, compared with 25 ml for Size 1.
Can I use a cup if I get an IUD after the birth?
Check with whoever inserts your IUD first. The Better Health Channel says an IUD can go in within 2 days after giving birth; otherwise you need to wait at least 4 weeks. Our article on using a menstrual cup with an IUD covers cup timing and string checks.
When you get the all-clear, the Lunette period cup is ready in two sizes, and Lunette's fit promise means that if your cup clearly doesn't work after a fair try of two to three cycles, you can have a refund or the other size. See the period cup size guide for full measurements.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your GP, midwife or maternal and child health nurse about your own recovery.
