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Childbirth/breastfeeding and irregular bleeding
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Question
I am exclusively breastfeeding my three month old son and have very irregular bleeding. I have bled for a week twice, about three weeks apart, after the six week standard after childbirth. Now two weeks after the last time I'm bleding again. I didn't have any spotting even for 9 months after the birth of my three previous children. I'm not ovulating so I'm confused as to why I'm bleeding at all. Can you help me understand?
Hi Stephany,
When you get the bleeding, try this - try to rest for a day and give yourself a day of less activity. It could be that your body is not 100% healed. If a day of rest slows down the bleeding, your body probably has a little more healing to do. If that's the case, take your level of activity down a little and rest as much as you can when you do get bleeding.
Some women do get their periods that soon even with breastfeeding - although not as likely when you are exclusively breastfeeding, it is still possible. If you know for sure that you aren't ovulating yet, then it's not your period.
If rest isn't helping and you don't think it's your period, give your doctor or midwife a call.
Sincerely,
Dorothy H, LCCE
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Answers by Expert:
Dorothy H, LCCE
Expertise
As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Experience
Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.
Organizations
Lamaze International
DONA International
Publications
International Doula Magazine
Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator.
I am a DONA-certified birth doula.
Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes.
I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.
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