Expert: ruth kraft - 4/19/2009

Question
I had bright red bleeding for 2 weeks after delivery and then it turned to light pink and pretty much stopped.  Then I had blood clots start with bright red bleeding a day or so later...only enough to fill a pantyliner a couple times a day.  I had a large clot pass and then just bleeding ever since.  I am nursing exclusively.   I have noticed some ovary type cramping a couple of times.  I had my pap test last week.   Now I have continuous light bright red bleeding all day.  I have to change panty liners quite often.   Will it ever stop?
My doctor says it is due to breastfeeding.   I thought breastfeeding would stop the bleeding.
I am starting to get concerned that there is something else going on...possibly placenta left in the uterus??
I also noticed that I am still feeling pretty weak..I am taking iron pills.
Would love any info you have to share.
Thank you in advance.

Answer
hello! the symptoms and way the experince has gone suggested that you likely started doing things too soon too much. You are suppose to bleed heavy and then it lighten like it did. often when the bleeding comes back like that with bright red blood it is because the body hasnt had a chance to fully energize after the birth. SO... less going to the store, less household chores. more water, more rest, more nursing. Nursing does cramp the uterus down and help it involute back to normal and it helps you heal quicker but if there is too much going on, your body then becomes anemic, you lose more blood , which makes you more anemic and its a never ending cycle. You become exhausted and wonder why at 12 weeks you feel like you cant handle it. You just gave Birth. Slow down, take as much time as you can resting. lay in bed with baby all day long. sit around and do nothing but eat protien and drink water. anything that is high in iron.  A nutrition store will have other iron suppliments like floridex and others that might not be as consitpating as others.

Yes it will stop but youhave to take a break and ease into life a little slower next time. It highly unlikely its because you still have placenta in there as usually that is accompanied by pretty bad pain and alot more bleeding. If you are past 6 weeks and your uterus is not pre pregnancy shape and size, I would have your docotr look more into it as to why not. breastfeeing will help this, not make it worse.

I hope that helps!
Ruth Kraft
honoringwomen.com