TMI alert... Is anyone else repulsed by BFing when on period? :(

[FreudianSlippery]

Aaaargh. I was period-free for 10 months after DS was born, and they are heavier than ever now. Cycle is also a bit messed up - not truly irregular, but compared to my pre-baby clockwork cycle it's quite unpredictable. I get more clots now too.

Anyway, on the whole I'm still enjoying BFing him, at 19 months, and we have finally managed to reduce to just 2 feeds - a short drink first thing, and a really long feed in the evening to get to sleep.

But when I have my period I HATE it. My nipples feel sore and cant stand the feeling of bleeding while he's latched on. I guess it's worse because of the link in hormones, oxytocin etc. In the evenings I want to push him away after a few minutes and then I feel guilty.

Is this a normal reaction? I didn't have this problem with DD - she was mix fed from birth, and would only BF using nipple shields, so we never had that complete skin-to-skin feeding. Period returned at 7 weeks but there was never that link, I wasn't aware of bleeding while BFing.

Any advice?

Anyone? Am I a freak then? :(

I'm sure your not a freak but this board moves slowly sometimes! I really don't like breastfeeding whilst ovulating due to extreme nipple sensitivity for a day or two. Never had this with first dc's either.

Try not to feel guilty, it serves no purpose and remind yourself of what a great job you've done.

I've had problems with breastfeeding aversions whilst ovulating and whilst on my period (and whilst pg). I find doing something (watching TV/reading/talking to DH/on phone/playing a game/etc) whilst feeding helps.

I know with older DCs it be awkward doing anything except having their fingers jammed up your nose as it makes them lose their concentration but maybe try reading aloud from one of DS's books or limiting feeds while you feel the worst and having longer feeds only when you feel able to cope.

I found the 'flesh creeping' aversion feeling to be horrible and used limits and distraction to manage the worst of it without resorting throwing DD of my lap (tempting though it was!).

Yes. Yes. Yes. Your body screams get them off doesn't it? Just makes you feel wrong and uncomfortable. Same here. During ovulation too. I squirmed with it but distraction was the only way. And my periods came back 3 months in. I fed for 3.4yrs.

You are normal. Promise.

Ah thanks. I haven't noticed it during ovulation so I'll look out for it in a couple of weeks :o

Will try distraction thanks

The evenings will be tough... He's on the boob for ages - we've been trying to reduce this but last night was awful and just sent us back a few weeks. Sigh. We have just about been able to get him to fall asleep on DH instead so maybe I should just take him off the boob earlier and hope he's not too upset!

You are very normal. I am no longer feeding (did 7 years on the trot though) but I remember this well. I just had to grit my teeth (literally) and bear it, although I remember reading that EPO or really upping the amount of water you drink helps, I was never organised enough to try it.

Yes, I have this too - and even worse when pregnant. I went for the tooth-gritting solution too :(

So glad to hear I'm not a freak! I must add btw, I don't actually push DS away at this time, I just want to, and feel guilty for even thinking it. But I need to get him an earlier bedtime anyway - he's moving out of our bedroom into DD's room soon.

Is EPO evening primrose oil? I have heard it mentioned WRT periods but what does it do? Is it safe for BFing?

Yes, evening primrose oil. I don't know what it does, I'd just heard it helps with the irritation and discomfort at ovulation on during periods. I've found this reference which says it's considered safe for bf-ing mums although you may want to look into that more.

www.kellymom.com/herbal/natural-treatments.html#epo

OR during periods.