Period After Having a Baby

My name is M. and after I had my first child by c-section I started my normal period about three weeks later and my doctor told me that was normal.

I had my son C-section and had the bleeding and everything....was breastfeeding and taking a low-dose birth control. I stopped bleeding and thought it was over, but then it started again and i was like...no way, this is not what I signed up for, the least I could get is a month or two without a period..lol I called my doc and he said that it was normal to have stop and go bleeding for up to 2 months maybe more after giving birth. After I stopped bleeding and upped my birth control dosage, I have yet to start my period, and my son is amost 11 months old.

Hello! I have a 4 month old little boy. I had him by C-section also. I also breast feed fulltime. I had the regular bleeding for about 2 weeks after he was born. I then had a regular period at about 9 weeks out. I had a IUD put in at around 10 weeks out. I have had no problems from that as of yet. My periods have not regulated back yet but it is normal for them not too with this per my OBGYN. I have the Mirena by the way and have heard all good things about it thats why I got it and my doctor also highly recommended it for me so did my mother in law who is also a doctor. I hope this is helpful to you! W.

Hi L.,
Congrats on your new baby. While it is possible that your period could have started, it is not probable.

Here is my speculation, if you are not resting enough, you can reopen the wound inside where your placenta was attached to the wall of you uterus and you would start bleeding again.

Next, most moms do not start to ovulate until their baby is sleeping a 6 hour strech at night without breastfeeding.
I WOULD NOT USE AN IUD WITH HORMONES IN IT.

My experience is with the Paraguard T-It is all copper.
On the subject of an IUD, they can be great if:
-You are not allergic to any of the components of the IUD
-Your period has returned and has reestablished itself well
-You have given birth- women who have not birthed have more of a problem with rejection
-You have no history of pelvic inflamatory disease (PID)
-You have no history of tubal pregnancies
-You have a monogamous relationship
-You don't want to get pregnant for several years.
-You are willing to deal with cramping for approximately 3 cycles as your IUD settles in. (My experience was fairly severe cramping but I mad the mistake of putting mine in before my cycle had returned. One of my friends had virtually no cramping.)

Good luck and I hope this helps,
R.
Birth and Postpartum Doula
and Mother of 2 boys 16 and 12 years

Hi L., Conratulations on your new bundle of joy! I can't give you advice on the bleeding, but strongly recommend you contact your physician if you have anything happening to your body that you are unsure of! Please contact your doctor asap if for nothing else, but to get peace of mind and know you are OK. You have too much to do now than worry about this... As for the IUD. I opted for the non-hormonal IUD since I couldn't find a pill I liked. I have been very happy w/ my choice and can keep this for 10 yrs. There are different types so you should talk w/ your OBGYN for more info... The insertion process was a bit painful - Labor pain like cramps for a day. I never heard abt. difference if cyle has started prior to insertion - I breastfed 6 months. My cycle began and I got the IUD. I have heavy cramps every 6 months or so, but nothing a motrin can't handle... Good luck to you and yours. Hope this was helpful in your decision making...

Dear L.,

Congratulations on your new baby! The bleeding sounds like more postpartum bleeding, rather than a period. Breastfeeding is 98% effective at delaying fertility the first six months after birth. This assumes that baby is totally breastfed, and that you're feeding at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours through the night (co-sleeping is great for this - doze right back to sleep after latching baby on). After 6 months, if solids are gradually introduced, the average is for women to go 14.6 months without a period!

As for birth control, there are a couple of things to consider. If you believe that life begins at conception, then you will want to steer clear of certain things, like the IUD, which may allow fertilization to occur but does not allow implantation to take place. Also, most people are surprised to hear that the birth control pill should also be avoided if you believe that life begins at conception. I copied this from a site by Shonda Parker (she's a wonderful herbalist) http://naturallyhealthy.org: "I cannot recommend the use of birth control pills due to their possible abortifacient activity. Most women, and even most physicians, are either not aware of this activity or they do not apply the same definition of life that I do. For me, life begins at conception; therefore, if a birth control method actually inhibits the implantation of a newly-formed life, I would call it abortifacient rather than birth control. Natural family planning has over a 99% success rate when used correctly and does not utilize any chemicals that could be detrimental to mom or a developing baby. The downside of NFP is abstinence at the time of ovulation that might be difficult for some couples. Due to the multitude of side effects associated with birth control pill usage and your increased risk factors due to PCOS, I would definitely recommend you research carefully before utilizing “the pill” as a birth control method. You should be able to find NFP classes or teaching materials at www.ccli.org ."

Here is another article which explains more about how the pill now works (which is different than how it used to work in the 1960's): http://www.epm.org/articles/bcp5400.html The companies which manufacture the pill are well aware of it's abortive method, but they do not want the info out, so I like to make sure my friends know the truth!

A neat thing to check out regarding family planning is MaybeMOM http://www.maybemom.com/ ... It's a little microscope which you use to view a couple drops of your saliva each day so you'll know exactly when to abstain. This is great so you can be clear of all of the side effects of birth control!

I hope you get it all figured it - it sure has gotten complicated : )

Blessings,
R.

Supporting you as you nurture your family.
www.NurturedFamily.com

Anything is possible.....we have always been told all women are different and it is true. If you get concerned about it though, you should definitely tell your doctor about it. As for the IUD....i've never had one, so I can't speak from experience, but like you, I've only ever heard bad things about it. I suggest that you talk to your doctor about it and also do some independent research. Google it....then read, read, read. Any decision you make about birth control should be as educated as possible and also remember....it's YOUR decision. Don't let anyone pressure into a certain birthcontrol you are not completely comfortable with. I know I haven't really given you any answers here, but I hope it helps at least a little. Congratulations on your new baby. Cherish every moment you have with her.....they really do grow up so fast.

Hi L.,

Yes, its possible. I had two c-sections and both were quite different. The first time, I only had a period about 7 days after delivery and it didn't return for months. The second time around, after delivery it lasted for 2 months until it stopped. It depends on the person. Be sure to address it with your doctor at your follow up and he/she will direct you from there. I too have heard awful things about the IUD, so be prayerful in your decision and it will work out. Congrats on your little bundle of joy....Kudos to you. To say this was your first baby by C-section, you are doing awesome. I didn't see my computer for months trying to keep it all together...Great Job!

Congratulations mommy! I would let my Dr. know about the bleeding, your period should be 4-6 weeks after childbirth. I havent heard good things about IUDs either, I use BC pill even though they are easy to forget.

Good luck and best wishes to you and baby!

I had a c section 2 nd child and i didnt use any bc after but my period came right on time. As long as there is no odor or sharp pain. Of cource everyone is different but if you feel uncomftable with it, call your obgyn for advice.

I didn't have mine until exactly four months after I had my son (C-section also.) I think it is possible, but if you are in doubt, call you Gyn/Ob and ask. You should never hesitate to contact him/her if you are uncertain about something.

About the IUD: I was considering it, too. My husband, however, for some reason, doesn't like the idea.
My sister had one many years ago and in her case, tissue began building up around the device. Needless to say, this made the removal of it very painful. She had two put in in her lifetime and was still able to have children after taking them out. She had not been pregnant before.
I don't know much about IUD's but I am going to wait until I have decided whether or not to have another baby. I think once I am done with my family planning I will consider an IUD. There are so small nowadays that I think they should be safe. You should, however, go to all your follow-up visits and I think you need to regularly check it. If you think it is for you, go with it. Good Luck and Congrats on your baby girl!

I also had a c-section and the bleeding stopped and started again. So i guess is normal, your body is reajusting! Also my doctor told me that for the first year to take the pill instead of the iud, because that way my period would regulate faster. Just a thought! Hope it helps!

L.,
Your bleeding sounds pretty normal as long as you don't have serious cramps...I know the feeling I bleed forever after having my baby. I haven't heard anything bad about the IUD but if it scares you too much try the birthcontrol that you can take while you breastfeed, I almost got on it but didn't cause I wasn't producing a lot of milk to keep on breastfeeding, the only thing about it is that you can't miss a day like a regular birthcontrol pill. Talk to your doctor about your options and do what is right for you. Congratulations and goodluck.

Hi. You are probably not having your period. I bled for about a month and my normal period didn't come back until 4 months later. BUT that is me. If you want to know for sure...ask your doctor...Everyone is different. However, it's my experience and understanding that the bleeding lasts for a few weeks post delivery.
I am breastfeeding also...10 months and counting!!! Congratulations and hope you adjusting well to mommyhood!

i would advise against the IUD, do your own research and make sure you know all the possible risks. i am on the depo-provera shot for the 2nd time and i LOVE it! you only have to go in every 3 months and as long as you go in when you are supposed to you don't even have to have a pregnancy test beforehand. your periods will be lighter, if you normally having cramping with your period you will have less or none while on the shot. i only gained 5 lbs while on it last time, so it's not like it's going to make you gain a whole bunch! i would definitely recommend doing your research and talking to your dr. though

Contact your doc about the bleeding. It is different for many women. If you are breastfeeding, that sometimes can make it a little wonky. I had an IUD until five years ago when I had my last child. It worked great for me. I had some discomfort but it wasn't major. I changed it out once. When I took it our the last time, I got pregnant before I could put it back. Hope this helps.

HEllo L. my name is C.. I had a baby boy named Cole about 11 months ago in January. I want you to know I stopped and started back too. Come to find out that part of the placenta was still inside of me. They had to to a dnc and everything. One mor eday and they would have had to take everything out of me cause my body would have been toxic. Just becareful is all and do not be scared to ask questions. REMEMBER: THERE ARE NEVER ANY WRONG OR STUPID QUESTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILREN

I agree with the lady that said your bleeding is probably because you aren't resting enough. I didn't recieve my period until my daughter was 4 1/2 or 5 months old and I am breastfeeding full time.
About the IUD, I haven't heard anything about the copper one, but there is an all plastic one that is good for 5 years. My sister in law has one. She said it is great. It didn't mess with her milk supply any and she can have it taken out if she desides to. The only thing about it she did say was it hurt a little when they put it in, but nothing that was too unbearable. I am thinking about getting one.

I never had a c-section so i can't help you there, but 2 of my friends had horror stories involving the IUD.
One just last year got pregnant on the IUD and had a very bad misscarrage.
Personally i wouldn't consider it. I have heard too many horror stories about it. There are less invasive methods of BC out there.

My sister, who is a labor and delivery nurse says that you should call your dr about that.

I had 2 c-sections and didnt have a cycle for 3 months. Most women who have c-sections dont bleed as much as women who have natural birth, but its not usually to still bleed after a c-section.
I was very happy not to have a cycle for 3 months..

I've had two C-sections now after I have my first with my twins about a week after I stopped I bleed so bad I thought I was gonna die!! I bled threw a regualar tampon in 15 minutes. But with my second it was pretty light.

After the twins I chose the nuva ring, I liked that the only part I didnt like was having to put it in if I was still bleeding. In fact I got back on it for a month or so after my new baby until i got the Mirena inserted. which so far so good I'm on my third month. The only complaint I've had is I only spot just bad enough to wear a pany liner but it usually lasts like 2 weeks. (hopefully this month with be better)
I've never worried about checking it before sex. My dr. said to check it once a month just to make sure things are still in place.

Also I read that one other person said it was painful to be inserted. For me it was almost like a period cramp and I had a few cramps throughout the day and a little bleeding ..so i guess its a little different for everybody

I find it so convienet not having to put things in or out on certain days or remember to take something every day. Having three little ones this makes it so much easier and one less thing to think about and remember in a day.

I hope this helps I just thought I'd give a litte imput
good luck :)
K.

Hi Lisa! I wanted to pop in and give you my two cents on birth control. Before I had my son I chose the pill as my method of BC. Needless to say it wasn't very effective, and I became pregnant while still on the pill. Post child-birth, I researched the different types of BC, and I suggest you do as well.
I went with the copper IUD (after the birth of my son) since it was the only option that was hormone-free. (Hormones tend to lead to weight gain, and since I was trying to lose the baby weight I decided to shy away from the hormones.) The IUD was also maintenance free; other than checking for the string following menstrual cycles and spotting.
There are of course two types of IUD's. I've had both! I went with the copper (hormone-free) IUD at first. The insertion was mildly painful, but only lasted as long as I was in the clinic. I still had a monthly period on the copper IUD. In fact, on the copper IUD I had a period that lasted 5-6 days long (normally 3-4 w/o BC)!! The bleeding was excessive and cramps were present and stronger than when I was not on BC. I gave it over a year, and things did not patter out.. the bleeding was heavy and painful, and seemed to reoccur frequently. I opted to switch it out for the Mirena (hormone-based) IUD.
The Mirena IUD insertion was more painful. On the table I related the pain to one actual child-birth cramp. It was definitely something I won't forget! The pain lasted the entire day and the following day. It was memorable in a bad way, but I would gladly do it again for the benefits it reaps! I have sometimes spot or have no period each month where a period used to be. I no longer have any cramps whatsoever. I never have to try to remember if I've taken my BC, it's completely fool proof. Since the hormones are locally applied (i.e. they do not enter your digestive system/blood stream, the hormones are applied directly to your uterus), I do not have the weight-gain side-effects that you would see with other hormonal BCs. I have not tried to have children since either IUD insertion. However, my sister was on the Mirena IUD for over a year, and she immediatley conceived after removal.
I think they're a good option, but again, research your options, and discuss with your physician. Only you will be able to know what is the best form of BC for your needs. Hopefully this helps. Good luck!

L.,

Congratulations on your new baby girl!!

I had a C-Section and I breastfeed so I felt that I could relate to what you're saying. I can't remember for sure if I started bleeding again but I think that I did for a few days.

I still breastfeed and my son will be one year old on the 28th of this month. I haven't had any spotting at all or even tried to start my period this whole time except for about 2 weeks ago I spotted lightly for 2 days and then quit. I thought that was odd but my doctor said it was normal.

Keep in mind that while most women don't have a period while they breastfeed a small percentage of women do. You might just be one of those women that do.. only time will tell on that.

If I were you I'd make a quick call to my doctor just to make sure that everything is okay-but I'm sure everything is fine.

And about the IUD-I've heard wonderful things for the most part but I have heard a few bad stories.. but what haven't you heard bad stories about? I heard terrifying things about C-Sections/Epidurals/infants before I had one and none of them turned about to be the nightmare that others said they would be.

Good luck!

J.

PS-- Good for you for breastfeeding. It's a wonderful thing to do that once you master will be something that you're VERY thankful you did!!!!

L., Congrats on the new baby. I bled for two or three days every 14 days while I lactated. I nursed for at least three months and pumped until nine months, with both my kids. So anything can be 'normal' for your body. I also used an IUD for three and a half years. I didn't have any problems. In fact, I got pregnant the day I had it removed! My mom used one for seven years and my sister has used one for about four. They have not had any issues either. Now, I have heard some stories but each woman is different. That doesn't seem like much help! Best of luck with your decision. J.

i too had a c-section. i chose to breastfeed and did experience some bleeding/spotting for about the first two months. it is normal unless you are bleeding excessively, then you should notify your ob/gyn.

I started my period 28 days after I had my 22 month old son. Then I started my period 24 days after I had my 6 month old daugter. Bummer, I know! I exclusively breast fed both also! I am still breastfeeding my daughter. Since it has only been 15 days, I might watch it and see what happens. Maybe call your OB just to make sure.
Good luck!
K.

It is not so unheard of....I know of several women who have the same problem. Just be sure to make your check ups and let your OBGYN know whats going on.
As for the IUD...I personally have the Mirena(good for 5 years). i love it and have had no problems with it so far....(my son is 18 months). I did alot of research on it and they made alot of changes from the ones that were so popular in the 70's. All you can do is research it yourself, talk to people who have them and speak openly with your doctor.
Best wishes!!

I would check with your OB/GYN. Ten days after I had my daughter (vaginal delivery), my uterus ruptured (not as life threatening as it sounds) and I began bleeding like I had a very heavy period. I simply took medication to make my uterus contract for a few hours and then everything was fine. This is probably not your situation but it pays to be cautious. Also I am using the IUD Mirena and I think its wonderful! No worrying! It's the number 1 choice of GYNOs for birth control but the least used method for some reason. Now I will warn you, insertion (which only took a few minutes) was quite painful. I would say out of a scale from 1 to 10, it was about a 7. I believe it was worth the brief pain though because I now have worry free birth control for up to five years. Only your doctor can say if you're a candidate and it does have it's risks like any other birth control. But I would highly recommend it!!

I don't think it is your period. I have had 2 c-sections and my bleeding would be on and off for about 6 weeks. Especially if you are exclusively breastfeeding.

Yes it is possible to have your period back so early. I had my Daugther almost 3 months ago by C-section. I had my period for about two weeks after i had her and then it came again about two to three weeks after that. You can still have your period while you brestfeeding i did. But every women body is diffents also. About the IDU don't do it there are bad things that i herd of too.

Haven't read the other responses, but that would still be considered postpartum bleeding. At the earliest you wouldn't start your cycle again until at least 6-8 weeks out and that's unlikely if you are nursing. Mine were 15 and 14 months after having my babies (nursing).

Good luck!
K.

Congratulations on your new baby girl! I too had the bleeding problem after my first child. Went to the doctor and was told it was very normal even though I was breast feeding. I continued to bleed for 20 days...some spotting and some heavy. I was told not to worry about it but to be sure to still use my birth control because the bleeding and the fact I was breast feeding is NOT birth control. I have had quite a few friends get pregnant while breast feeding so if you do not want another baby in nine months be sure to use some form of birth control. I have never used and IUD...was afraid of them too because too many people I know have had problems. Until I was able to begin birth control again...my husband agreed to use it. Good luck and enjoy the gift God has given you...she will grow us so fast!~S.

This might be a little long, sorry! You sound similar to me (except for the C-section) You can expect to bleed for about a month, nursing or not. I had the Mirena inserted when my daughter was 6 weeks old, and NEVER had a period. Not while I was nursing, not after. However........I'm not sure I'd recommend an IUD.

My midwife cut the strings very short...and they traveled up and I "lost" them. After an ultrasound said it was still in place, she said not to worry. But I spent the next two years worried!! Every cramp or pain had me wondering if perhaps it had perforated my uterus.

To make a long story short, I ended up having about two weeks of constant pain after having the Mirena in for two years. UNBEARABLE cramps. I made an appointment with my doctor, and that night it expelled itself. That was in August, and I feel so much better now that its out! I've lost 35 pounds, my mood is better...I'm wondering how much those hormones actually affected me!

I can give you advice about an IUD. I got a Mirena IUD (5 year) when my son was 4 months. It didn't hurt when it was inserted, I had one week of minor cramping and spotting. Otherwise it has been great. They say the best time to get an IUD is while breastfeeding because you will probably bleed less. I definitely recommend it, no more worrying about not taking your pill at the exact time.

As for your period, if you are breastfeeding exclusively you normally don't get your period until your child is older and begins to eat more table food.

Don't worry about the bleeding. It comes and goes. I was 5 weeks out and had stopped bleeding, and then I was on my feet too much one day and it came back full force the next day. That lasted a day or two and was gone again. Now I'm spotting every now and then. About the IUD. I'm considering getting it too. My sister-in-law just had her's removed (the one without any hormones) after 9 years because she is ready to have children now. She said that her mother told her not to get it because it had all these problems in the 70's, but she said she thinks that was just a manufactoring problem because she had it for 9 years and it was the best form of birth control she had ever tried, and she has tried everything. Even the dreaded shot. Anyway, she said there were no side-effects that you get with other birth controls like bleeding through, drastic mood swings, and you don't have to think about it every day. Which makes sex more exciting. Hope this helps!

Hello L.,

Are you sure it is because you are menstrating? I delivered naturally and experienced the same thing. Just when I thought that I was done with the whole mess, it stopped for about a week and then started up again and continued on until well into my daughter's 2nd month. Then since I was breast feeding, I didn't get my cycle back until recently and she is already going to be 6 months old. I stopped breastfeeding her about 4 weeks ago. And not to mention that when I thought I was about to get my period, had all the symptoms, but I was very light and it lasted only one day.

I am sure everyone is different, but I have heard that you do not get your period while you are breastfeeding.

I am sorry if I wasn't much help. I hope that you do get some helpful information on this. Take care and congratulations on your new arrival!

It's probably the regular bleeding after baby. Have you been a little more active, eating right or maybe a little stress. All these factor add in. I remember thinking I finish bleeding but then I had the great idea to clean the bathroom. BOOM started bleeding really heavy. Hope this help,
L.

When I had my son (both kids by c-sec) I started my period about a week after my pregnancy bleeding stopped. He wasn't being breastfed. I did breast feed my daughter and I still started about two weeks after the pregnancy bleeding stopped. I was told everyone is different and not to worry about it. I've been considering IUD also, but my mom said that's why she only had one child. It gave her uterian tumors. That was many years ago though.

I too recently had a c-section. I think that the bleeding that you are having is still from the birth and not a period. It can take up tp 6 weeks for the bleeding to stop. Mine stopped at about 5 weeks and I haven't had a period since. I have been breastfeeding this entire time.
Hope that this helps,
Tammy