FIRST PERIOD AFTER BIRTH - what was it like for you?

[anonymxxx]

DS 10 months and BF and no AF back yet. However, I have been feeling very, very PMSy for 10days now and think maybe my first period's around the corner - but: nothing....nada. Even took a pg test, but negative. What's going on - am not a happy bunny....What was it like for you?

As your cycle starts to get back to normal it is possible for you to get PMSy symptoms coming and going with no period - but its a warning that things are likely to happen soon (where "soon" could be the next few months).

IIRC, I had a few months of being a bit hormonal before my first AF when DD was about 15 months and still BF. The first one was much lighter than pre-pregnancy. The 2nd one was a blood bath (I've NEVER had one so heavy). The 3rd was about normal, but 10 days late. Haven't had the 4th yet.

DD will be 10m next week, BF. I started work again on Saturday and on monday I got a cold sore and my period back feel a bit sad, like its the end of an era and something special. Which is all a bit melodramatic probably. I had an inkling it was coming because my cervical mucous changed and in hindsight I was unusually randy a couple of weeks ago. I have had no other symptoms at all. I am more tired but equally that could be because I have just gone back to work! The bleeding is about average for me.

Very, very heavy and painful. They do get better though.

Thank you very much for your experiences. I am just not myself, but it's going on forever and no bleeding. However, I have read on Kellysmom that you can have "phantom periods" (not sure if that was the term the used) without bleeding for months(!). If I only got AF then I would at least know what's going on....

Liz - all the best for starting with work. I found the transition very hard, but the new balance rewarding ...

Lauraloola - A least you know what's going on... Sorry they were bad for you. Maybe another child would take care of it :-)

Tangle - Very interesting. That's exactly what Kellymom says. I just have a need to know what's going on - especially if I am as hormonal as I am right now. They also say that the average return for "ecologically" BF babies is 14 months, so right around when you got them. I think I do not fully qualify for ecological, since I am working (but BF 5 times a day until recently, when DS started to drop feeds himself).

Ohh, forgot to say that I BF a lot recently
(DS had diarrhea) and after he was well again, he dropped many feeds all at once.
Thanks a lot for your help!

I probably read it on Kellymom - its a good resource for BF

I've heard quite a few women say that they got AF when they suddenly dropped a lot of feeds, especially if they're at night, so that may well have something to do with it.

I know what you mean about the uncertainty, though - I don't know whether its worse knowing that AF is almost certainly coming soon, but whether it will be in 3 days or 10 days I haven't a clue...