periods after birth when ebf

[PiggyMad]

Just wondering if this is within the realm of normal...

I gave birth 10 weeks ago, bled for 4 weeks, then 4 weeks after that had 2 days of pinky discharge. Assumed this was some sort of break through bleed/attempted period. But now 2 weeks on I've just started bleeding today like a normal period. I'm also exclusively breastfeeding. I'm a bit concerned about the two instances and the fact that I'm bleeding so soon again!

Should I see the doctor or is it just my body getting back in the swing of things?

It is unusual to have periods so soon when EBF so perhaps you should get your GP to check/palpate your uterus to make sure it's gone back to normal.
You could also ask for an ultra sound to make sure you don't have any retained placenta, although it would be usual to have some abdominal pain if it was I think.

Some women start bleeding again if they've suddenly started doing more strenuous activity, like going abck to gym/lots of walking compared to before etc. Have you had sex?

My periods came back 8 weeks post-partum both times.

I was still EBF.

It was around that time that the DDs started to do a longer stretch at night without waking to feed (8 or so hours).

Not had sex yet - had 3rd degree tear so still a bit sore.
My bleeding stopped for a full 4 weeks before the spotting, but has come back after only 2 weeks - I think that is what is worrying me.
I do give dd a dummy so she isnt suckling as much for comfort and she has started to go about 6 hours between night feeds.
I did ring the dr after the spotting and he assumed it was a breakthrough bleed or false period so not to worry. Not sure whether to mention the proper bleed now as its ony 2.5 weeks since the spotting.

I would mention proper bleed - what's the harm in going - don't feel guilty, it's just a trip to the GP.

I think perhaps that it's the reduction in feeds then - if she's going 6 hrs every night and suckling her dummy rather than you, if you want to increase feeds rather than sucking, it could stop the bleeding. If she's only 12 weeks, she's still so young and would love as much mummy milk as she can get

i had a light period about 6wks despote ebf. hv said it happems with some women. dd is 5 months and i havent had any more. Previously i got to 8 and 11 months before my first period.
btw i had a cs and at 6wks i think i started to do to much too.

I wouldn't be at all concerned about the pattern of bleeds you describe. It sounds very like the return of my periods.

"if you want to increase feeds rather than sucking, it could stop the bleeding."

By increasing her breastfeeding, if it is her periods starting to come back and she would rather not have them back yet athinginyourlife then yes, the bleeding may stop.

By 'sucking' I meant rather than her giving the baby the dummy instead of the breast.

also - it's good to be cautious in comparing what happened to you to the op. What happened to you might have been nothing but when it's a medical thing, it's perhaps best if the OP gets it checked out with the GP.

We can't gauge the amount of bleeding - for all we know, she could have retained placenta or any number of other issues (op I'm not saying you have), just to be cautious in people being dismissive of a medical issue.

I'm not dismissing it, I'm just saying that it's not unheard of to get your periods back this early.

Would people really manipulate breastfeeding because they didn't want periods? How odd.

Yep . You should read the heavy period threads on here .

Thanks for the replies ladies.
Shes just 10.5 weeks so was concerned about having had 2 'failed periods' in the space of 3 weeks! But perhaps it is just hormones messing around. Am reassured that your periods did similar AThing. I will ring the doc tomorrow though.
I'm not too concerned about getting them back loopy although it is bloody annoying - just was hoping that is what it is, iykwim.
She has been suckling a bit more the past week as she is getting a tooth! We are clearly precocious beings!

Yes, perhaps I should.

Might make me feels less grumpy about being 38 weeks pg :o

10 more weeks period free!

Yes, definitely ring doctor if you are concerned.

But chances are it's nothing to worry about.

The best part of being pregnant - no periods! Though the lochia compensates for this
And I did assume that breastfeeding would give me a couple of extra months thrown in too...

Yeah, me too.

But it very quickly just seemed one of the ways I was "back to normal".

Also it meant I found it easy to get pregnant again while breastfeeding, so if that matters to you it can be a good thing. :)

I wish I was back to normal enough to fit into all of my old clothes!
I'm at the hormonal stage of seeing tiny squidgey newborns and wanting another now, now, now! Am hoping this stage passes soon as I'm sure my poor body couldn't cope with another pregnancy for quite a while yet!

Just to update - spoke to the doctor this morning who said it doesn't sound anything to worry about, but I'm going for a check on Monday, just in case.
Thanks for your replies ladies.

Thanks for updating. Hope your check puts your mind at ease :)

Can't believe you are broody with a 10 week old :o