I'm Bleeding

I had off and on bleeding with both mine for weeks..
with my second it even stopped for a couple weeks and restarted..

Every body is different. With most of mine I started cycling again around 6 mo. With my last around 3 mo. You may just have shorter lighter ones for a while. As long as you have no cramping that is unusual or abnormal for you or excessivly heavy ones. Just keep in mind that breastfeeding is not birth control like some believe.

Breastfeeding Mom's sometimes will not have normal periods for a while. There is no set in stone rule about this. Every woman's body is different and will normalize in its own way. So it is probably just your period. Sometimes your period will look weird the first couple of times you have it after giving birth - again its just your body trying to normalize.
That being said, I'd also like to dispel another thing I keep hearing about breastfeeding... You CAN get pregnant while breastfeeding (even if you haven't had a normal period yet.) I've heard the opposite from several people, typically men (go figure,) but your Dr will tell you the truth. So please make sure you use protection.
Good Luck :)

I had the same thing happen with both my pregnancies. I started my period at the same time I would have if I hadn't been pregnant while nursing... it was like clockwork. My only suggestion is if you're really nervous, give your doctor a call to check in. You should be going for a 6-week check anyway, unless things have changed since my last pregnancy 15 years ago. By the way, your flow may change forever since you've had a baby. Lots of little things change but it's so worth it when you look at that sweet little face!
A little about me: mom to a 17 y/o boy and two 14 y/o boys have two businesses I run from home (real estate consulting and public speaking) and am a retired RN

Never hurts to call your doctor. It may be nothing serious but call anyway - each body is different and responds differently to breast feeding and recovery! Hope all is fine.

I would call your Dr. Even over the weekend... Probably normal... but who has the time/energy to spend on wondering and worrying...

Good luck!

It could be a warning sign that you are doing too much physically after birth and that your uterus is having trouble healing properly.
I would definitely talk to your doctor.

Calling your doctor would be recommended. Even if you're Dr is on-call or on exchange, they will still be able to call you today. I always side on caution, since you are only 6 weeks out. There are many things your body is still getting back into with a pre-pregnancy routine. And remember, although breastfeeding exclusively can limit pregnancy again, it is not 100% fool-proof to stopping periods. I have seen it with many of my clients before. If you are just breastfeeding only and no bottles of formula then your bleeding may not be a period but please make sure with your doctor. If you are having a period then a birth control option (if you use a pill) would be Micronor, which will not affect your milk production like other b.c. pills. Caution still use other protection, not as effective alone. Sorry, if I gave you more info than you wanted?! I was in your same situation with my girl, I breastfed her for 15 months. She is 4 now. Take care

The same thing happened to me, but it happened I think because I started my birth controll (mini pill). Then I havn't had a period since and my son is now 7 months old and I'm still breast feeding. It also happened to my friend. My friend has had a light period and then 4 months later she had a heavy one and none in between. I think your periods are messed up when your breast feeding. The doctor told my friend to call if you are leaking through a pad in an hour or if you have alot of clotting.

Hi R.,

I had the same problem: I am exclusively breast feeding my son, all day, all night, and I was expecting a break as well. What happened to me though, was I only bled postpartum for about 2 weeks, then I just had a bit of a light colored discharge. 3 weeks later, I had spotting, a day of light bleeding, then the light colored discharge, and this happened two more times, exactly the same way, every 3 weeks. I used ovulation strip tests the entire time, and I never ovulated, so I really wasn't having a period. So far now, I haven't had anything happen, and my midwife told me that my uterus was just taking its time completely healing. When you have a yellow discharge, that means everything has been healed up and then you should have a space of time where you have no period.
Hope that helps!

R.,

I had a period after 6 weeks as well with my first child. I'm also breastfeeding & have had 2 periods since I had my 2nd child 5 months ago. It's different for every woman & every pregnancy. I would call your doctor though. It will ease your mind & you have much more important things to keep your focus on right now :) Try not to worry. I know...easier said than done...

ei D...Just be very careful during this time because with the spotting your having, you can get pregnant very easily

I doubt that it is your cycle starting. I wouldn't be worried. It is normal. I was still seeing a little blood after not seeing any for a while after my baby. Your body just found something else to flush out.

Ususally, women who brestfeed do not have a period. Well, I not one of those women. I am 38, first time mom of a 8 month old baby boy and have had a full flow period every month since he was born. I told my doctors about it and they were not concerned about it. I would still let your doctor know at your followup appointment. Good luck.

Hi R.,
You're probably fine, but call/page your doc or whoever is on call for your doc to give yourself some peace of mind. I promise that the docs are more than used to these calls. It's you doctor's job to make sure you are okay, and you should not hesitate to call about bleeding. While it's likely nothing, better safe than sorry! Also, you have enough on your plate with a six week-old -- you don't need the added anxiety of wondering if you're ok. Call! Your doc will understand.
K.

Hi R.-

Is it possible you are still bleeding from childbirth? I bled for 7 weeks afterwards before it finally stopped. There were times it got very light, but then picked up again based on how active I was. I am breastfeeding my 7 mo old still, but after my initial bleeding stopped, I haven't bled a drop. I was also told depending on your hormone levels that you will not get a period if you are breastfeeding?! Anyhow, check it out with your doctor just to make sure your uterus is a-ok from the childbirth and that what you are experiencing is nothing to be concerned with. Good luck!

Hi,
I have a 17 month old daughter that I am still breastfeeding. I got my period six weeks after I had her. It's not that uncommon for this to happen. I don't the circumstances of your daughter's birth so I would probably check in with the doc but I'd bet your are just fine (well as fine as one can be so soon after giving birth). Congratulations on your baby!

just from my own experiences I had two boys and breastfeed both and each time it was different my first time around a got a little break from the period routine but not long. with my second son there was not break at all. I'm not quite sure why this was other then my doctor told in that it was normal that not all woman's periond stop well breastfeeding. But please be on the safe side and check with your own doctor. better safe then sorry right? Good luck

Hi, I'm a breastfeeding mom who got her period at about 6 or 8 weeks. I called my doctor, sure there was a problem. Nope just my period! I have girlfriends who still haven't got their periods after a year+. It's kind of a bummer!

I would call the doc. It isn't really normal, but if it isn't heavy, I would not freak out about it either. However, I don't think we should be too casual about unusual bleeding. Too often, myself included, we don't want to "but the doctor." BUT, we need to take care of ourself and not worry about being a bother. Have it checked out and be sure it isn't anything.

Breastfeeding moms DO have a period sometimes, breastfeeding is known to be a notoriously BAD form of birth control! I got my period within 2 months of giving birth with both of my children and continued to have regular menses all the way through breastfeeding both of them for almost 3 years each time. This is not a problem, it's just life, and we're not all alike.

Dear R.,
If you've stopped bleeding since your delivery and have then started again I would suggest you call your doctor. If it is nothing he/she can let you know.
D.

I would say it is normal. You bleed after you have had the baby...wouldn't worry yet, but if it keeps going on after she is 8 weeks I would check it up.

i exclusively breast-fed and started my period at 6 weeks as well. i guess we are the lucky ones. HA!

I bled continuously for 8 weeks after my baby was born. Then it stopped.

It is not uncommon to bleed off and on for 2 months. I have 3 children and each time after delivery was different. Even though you are breast feeding you can still have a period. Chances are though, you are still healing from the birth. If you are concerned though you should call your doctor.

you CAN get your cycle while nursing. Some women don't get it until the nursing slows down...some women nurse exclusively and get it back much sooner. we are all different so this totally varies from woman to woman.

is this still bleeding from delivery and postpartum stuff? or did you stop and now you are bleeding again? Have you had your six week postpartum checkup? what did they say?

It can never hurt to call the doctor and ask questions so why not call just to see what he/she says? i know my cousin bled very badly and was still bleeding after six weeks and they gave her something to stop the bleeding (she did not bf at all, btw). SO... maybe it's some leftover blood ? who knows... i wish i could offer more advice other than calling the dr and asking but it is very possible for you to breastfeed and get your period. i was lucky and avoided my cycle for a whole year during nursing my son. lots of moms either start when they return to work, baby starts solids, baby starts walking etc. these are all events which cause the baby to possibly nurse less. for me, the cycle came back when my son started walking ....

good luck... check out kellymom.com and/or mothering.com for more help regarding breastfeeding stuff. i love those sites!

Hi R.,
While the majority of women do not have a period while breast feeding, many do. Your body is still repairing and that could be why your period is light. While breastfeeding, I also had a period 6 weeks after my first child. I started to use the diaphram right away and I was breast feeding. I became pregant again when he was four months old! So much for you can't have a period or get pregant while breast feeding! It would probably be best to check with your doctor. Good Luck!

It's normal....I had 3 children and breastfed all....
My period came back after 9 mos with my first.....7 mos with my second and at 6weeks with my third. If you dont have any pain...I am sure your doctor will say its normal.

R.,
I response to advice about bleeding it is always best to consult your doctor when you are not sure what is going on. However not all women go with out a period when they are breastfeeding I had four children and with each of them (yes each of them) I was back to having a regular cycle within six weeks we are all different and this is the case for some of us.

HI R.,
I am the mother or 7 wonderful chilren from age 13 to 6 months. With my first, my breast feeding was erratice and I started my cycle 8 weeks after birth. I fed my second on a schedule and still started 8 seeks later. This has been the case for all 7. Unfortunatley for some of us, breast feeding doesn't keep your cycle away. I am sorry for you, but the more babies you can have close together. Several of mine are close and I am really glad. They have each other to play with. The only time I had some delay was when I used progesterone cream daily after the birth of my 5th child. But this didn't work for the next 2. So you are normal.

I had my first child when I was 21 and my second one 12 months later. My mother in law told me that you didn't get your period if you breastfed. Not true! Well, I guess it WAS true because I never got it! What I got was a feeling like I had a tumor, went to the doctor and found out that I was 6 months pregnant! Three months after my second child was born, Lo and behold, pregnant again!

I got my period around that time as well. My OB said it is more rare but perfectly normal. She just warned me to be cautious as another pregnancy could happen even though I was also breastfeeding, so do some family planning.

I had a scheduled check-up around 6 wks, I think you should too and you can bring it up then.

After I had my first I always had monthly periods and I breast-fed. Every woman is so different and it's fairly common to still have them. You may be lucky to just have light periods now. Just be careful, it sounds like you probably won't be able to depend on breast-feeding for birth control.

Call your doctor. Likely not be a problem, but silly to wait.

I say its always best to call your doctor or advice nurse with any question or concern regarding your health or your baby's. they expect it, don't be shy!
and congratulations : )

I was a breastfeeding mom who had periods. I had my first period six weeks after my son was born and continued to have them through the six months that I nursed. I was told that it's very normal for some breastfeeding mothers to have periods.

I had the same thing happen. Don't worry, although "they" say you don't get your period right away if you are breastfeeding it can happen and I got mine right away and have had it every month since I had my son!

Hi,
My cycle returned exactly 28 days after delivering my second son. No free family planning for this breastfeeding mom either! :)

Hi R.,
I think it is fairly common to have some bleeding post-partum. As far as I remember, I had bleeding for at least 10 days post delivery (very light though), and occasionally later. I do not think it is period, but your body may be readjusting back to the pre-pregnancy state. You should consult with your doc or midwife on that. I had something similar at 7 months of breastfeeding: light bleeding for a day or two and thought it was my period. It was not but was a preparation for it. Now, my twin boys are going to turn 8 mths in a few days, and my real period just came heavy. The best is to consult your doc, but if the bleeding is light, it is probably normal, and may not be period.
Best of luck,
E.

Hi R.,
I know that some people say that you can not have a period while you are breastfeeding... that is not true. Breastfeeding can help you not to ovulate, but every body is different. I breastfed for a year and did not have a peiod, but I have friends that did get their periods. Just know that breastfeeding is not a form of birth control, so unless you are trying for another child be careful. I hope that this helps.

i gave birth in dec, and had discharge for at least 6 weeks after. it was often like a lite period. sometimes too much physical activity can cause it also. you can try massaging your uterus and drinking red raspberry tea to tone things up.
it is not always true that breastfeeding moms don't have periods. i know of a woman who got pregnant 2 weeks after giving birth. use birth control!

I started my period soon after I had my son too, but I also started the no-hormone pill around the same time, and my dr said that was probably the cause. Everyone is different, but I hope you find your answer.

I would call your doctor. I started having my period after about 6 weeks post birth and I was still breast feeding. If you feel like it is not a period, it won't hurt to call your doctor and have a check up. Good luck!

Hi I am a mom to 3 boys. I just wanted to let you know that bleeding while breatfeeding is normal for some women. I had a period while breastfeeding all 3 of my boys. Mostly I wanted to let you know that you CAN also get pregnant while breastfeeding, even though we have all heard you cant since you are not having a period. My girlfriend has a 19 month old, was breastfeeding her, had 1 period when the baby was 2 months old and got pregnant 3 weeks later. She now also has a 3 month old. You should however tell your doctor and get your check-up soon. Hope all goes well. And enjoy that baby, they grow up way to fast

If it is light it can just still be from having your baby. With my first I didn't stop having a little blood for about 6 or 7 weeks. I would think it stop, and then it would happen again. You can get your period even if you are breastfeeding.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you have resumed sexual activity and have not used protection you could be pregnant. It is not true that breast feeding moms do not have a period. I breast fed my last child for 2 years and resumed periods before my six week checkup. There is another old wives tale that breast feeding moms cannot get pregnant. Breast feeding moms can and do get pregnant. Good luck to you. R.

I have a 10 week old daughter and I started bleeding at 9 weeks, light and lasted about 5 days. My friend said the same thing happened to her with her first son. I read that even with breastfeeding full time, you still can have a period early on, just depends on your body and hormones. They say that there is a 6 week bleed as well. So you may just have extra tissue and it is not your period or you did start. I guess you will know next month...I would not worry.

I breastfed by daughter for 7 months--and I definitely had a period. In fact, it came back after about 6 weeks too, if I remember correctly. I'm afraid that someone gave you incorrect information, but for your peace of mind, you might want to check in with your OB. Congrats on your new baby girl--enjoy this time--they grow up so fast!!!

Just b/c you are breastfeeding doe not mean you will not have periods, but this is really soon for anyone. I would call my doc.

I breast fed my daughter for 10 months; 6 weeks after I had her I started to bleed lightly again. When I went into to my 6 week follow up I brought this up and my doctor said that I could have had my period. Sure enough even though I breastfed I still got a period, and everyone that I talked to about it (my dr, the lactation consultant) said that this is normal.

If it's "not like a period" then it seems like a very good idea to get checked out right away.

Hello, I heard that too and got my period while I was nursing. I am not sure how many weeks into the nursing I was, because my girls are 11 and 16 at the moment-- I didn't call my doctor and didn't worry about it, I just made sure I used birth control.

Unfortunatly, breastfeeding Moms can and do have periods. Every one is different. Periods mean ovulation, so birth control is in need if not wanting to get pregnant right away. I know of a handful of people that thought the same and got pregnant unexpectantly. As for the bleeding I am sure you are Ok. If it continues and you don't want to worry you can always call. They are pretty good about advice.

I have been told the same thing, but after having 3 children (I breastfed all of them) it is not the same for everyone. I only bled for a couple weeks after each of their births and then had a normal monthly period from then on, all the while breastfeeding. It is probably lighter from the breastfeeding and the fact that you just gave birth

Chances are it is completely normal. It is absolutely not true that breastfeeding women do not have periods. Although there are some lucky women out there that do not have periods while breastfeeding, it definitely is not true for everyone. Before I had my first child my periods were never regular. After I had my first child (I was also breastfeeding) I got my period exactly 30 days later and then I had another one 2 weeks after that and another one 2 weeks after that. There are some people out there that believe that breastfeeding is a form of birth control as well. Take it from me, I am a Pediatric RN as well as a mother of 2 boys 11 months apart. You most certainly do not want to use breastfeeding as birth control. My first son was born on Dec 28, 2004 and my second son was born on Dec 9, 2005. I noticed that my breast milk production was starting to drop off and that I had not had a period in about 6 weeks after having the afore mentioned periods and I decided to take a home pregnancy test and surprise I was pregnant once again.
Your body is just trying to regulate itself after having your baby. Also remember that any questions you have should always be directed to your doctor if you are not comfortable with the way you are feeling, because you know your body best!

your body bleeds from the birth for up to 8weeks I had that scare to except I had not stopped bleeding. call your doctor to relax your nerves. breastfeeding delays periods not stopping them altogether. if you nurse for a year or more you will probably get your period that doesn't mean you have to stop nursing.

mother of two

Hi R....

As I recall its normal unless the blood is bright red....You can spot bleed for a few more weeks...its just your body healing...you are due for your after baby exam...just check with your Doc...

It's not true that you don't get your period while you are breastfeeding. Although I personally don't get my period while I'm nursing, among my friends most women had their periods by the time their baby was six months old, whether they were nursing or not. It depends on your body, how often you are nursing, and your hormones. My sister-in-law got her period before 8 weeks postpartum. So, you could be having your period. However, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor. Contact your OBGYN and see if they want you to come in.

Everyone is different. I did not have a period until after I was done breastfeeding, but many of my girlfriends have - some as soon as a month after giving birth. Other firends have not started their cycle back up for a year after stopping breastfeeding. The bottom line is that everyone is different. If you want to get looked at to make sure it is not something else, I recommend you do to make your worries go away, but dont think women cannot start their periods while breastfeeding.
Good luck and congratulations!

I heard that you don't have a period while breastfeeding either, but I started my period right away, and it was very heavy to begin with, then became a very normal period all through breastfeeding.

You gave birth only six weeks ago and at this point it is still possible to bleed as a result of the birth itself. Stress often causes additional bleeding and it's usually not a period if you're breastfeeding. It's probably just a sign to slow down and get some more rest.

That said, don't hesitate to call your doctor or midwife for advice if you want to. They're there to serve you, hopefully to have a relationship of professional trust with you, and allay any concerns, not just deal with emergencies.

Hi--Congratulations on the new baby! If you are nursing without supplementing, periods usually are quite delayed. When periods do return, they often are lighter than previously, for a while anyway. You are probably not experiencing anything serious, but talking to your doctor is a good idea if you are concerned. That is what doctors are for! There is a blood test that can be done to determine hormone levels etc. and see if this is a period or not. Peace of mind is worth a lot, especially as a new mom who isn't getting her full quota of sleep! Things tend to magnify and suddenly you feel the weight of the responsibility for another being and you worry more. Call the doctor and clear this worry off your plate. Best wishes!

I always had a period when I was breastfeeding. But I would mention it go ur doc if u are uncomfortable with it.

Hi, When in doubt, it's, of course, always good to check with your doctor, but I thought I would let you know that I breastfed my daughter for just over 2 years, & my period returned within the first year. I'm having a brain fade as to when exactly it came back, but it was definitely sooner than I expected (which was kind of a bummer!!)

With both my children I started my period 6 weeks after they were born. Though it would have been wonderful to not have it the whole time I breast fed like most do, my body was different. As with EVERY part of pregnancy, delivery, and 'the year after,' we all have differences. I've learned that nothing is 'normal' or 'abnormal.' IF you feel better talking to your doctor you SHOULD because again, everyone is different. Always listen to your body for the answers. This is why NO ONE should believe you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding...

The doc will tell you to make sure you are getting plenty of rest, possibly. If you have been a busy little beaver since the birth of your dasughter, that might be the cause. I did the same thing, only I bled for 6 weeks, after a normal monthly period, when my daughter was only 4 mo old. I bled for a long time after the birth of my daughter & she's my 3rd child. I also bled alot after my second. I would say just make sure you are getting plenty of rest with your feet up, or lying down. Call the doc anyway, & see what they say.
Good luck!! S.

hi, i'm a mom of 3 (ages 4, 2, 18 months) and exclusively breast fed all of them. i started a period 4-6 weeks after each first and third babies, but didn't have period with 2nd baby. so, i think it's different with everyone. my ob had said that it's common for women to have periods while breast feeding although a lot of women don't.

Honey this can be normal. The statistics say that moms who brestfeed tend not to have their cycle are true, but that is just a generalization. We are all different and it just depends on you body's chemistry. Only worry if it gets to be longer and heavier then your normal periods.

A little about me. I am a 36yrs. and mother of 2.10 and 18. I currently back in scool acquireing my Bachlors.

Oh, breastfeeding mom's can have their period and they can ovulate.
I dont think you have a problem. Just watch and make sure the bleeding does not become super heavy and you dont get a temperature.