Breastfeeding and period seems to be returning but very painful, was your first painful?

[Janus]

dd3 is nearly 8 months and being bf and has good amount of solids so not surprising period should be returning. BUT, wow, it's so painful, the cramps are like mild childbirth and I still have no blood but feels like it is on its was (sorry for TMI there). I wish I could remember what the others were like but I can't, which makes me think they weren't like this.
Was your first period bad and did you 'work up' to it? Just wondering if I need to see doctor if such bad cramps but no bleeding? This is day 2 of cramps.
Thanks!

I cannot remember any 'working up to it' but yes, the first period was awfully painful for me. They don't get much better unfortunately.

I would phone NHS Direct and ask them their opinion if you are worried