First Period After Pregnancy... Out of Control!

Dude, so sounds like me. I've had 2 periods, though, since my son was born (July 12, so he is 2 1/2 months too). My first one after...not as heavy as the second one. OMG, i thought something was wrong with me. I was using super and super plus tampons. i've NEVER had to use those. my period was so light because the b.c. I had taken for years before (nuvaring) did that for me. I think my period lasted 8-9 days, SUPER heavy, even with my nuvaring in now....and pre-pregnancy, maybe only lasted 3 days. So, I'd say normal.

My periods became MUCH heavier after my kids were born. To the point where I would go through a super tampon every hour on certain days. Plus tons of spotting beforehand. (Although, oddly, not much cramping? Or maybe it just didn't seem so bad after going through labor! LOL)

Although this wasn't your question, someone here on Mamapedia recommended the Diva Cup in their response to someone else's question about tampons vs. pads, and I decided to try it (because going through a super tampon every hour and having to wear pads as backup, is not my idea of a good time). The Diva Cup works great. Just throwing it out there since it made such a huge difference for me. My period is so much less of a hassle now that I have been using it.

This is my suggestion... Get back to your doctor!
They put an IUD in right at your 6 week check-up?
After C-Sections there is very little bleeding... you weren't torn (i.e.
skid marks)
Bleeding through a pad/tampon every hour is never a good sign.
Please talk to a professional.

Well mine was heavier but not that bad. I have always ben told that a pad an hour is a reason to call the doctor. Have you yet?

Totally normal.

Especially for those of us who get them early (instead of 6, 12, 18mo after birth), our hormones are all over the place still, and our bodies seem to be on "flush it all out" modes.

In fact, as much as I hated them I used the stupid pads the nurses recommended for my first couple periods, because my vagina hadn't tightened up enough for tampons yet. The blood would just flow down the sides without stopping. Even with OBs that get wider instead of longer. After a couple months, though, my period went back to "normal" (not normal-on-hormones... but normal-not-on-hormones-normal).

I didn't get my IUD until maybe 6mo after my son was born? Anyhow, my periods had evened out by then. But, like you, I got mine back right away, and with a vengeance.

Remember, anytime you have a particularly heavy period to check for the string to make sure it's still there. They can occasionally be expelled along with the lining of the uterus.

I would say yes, this is normal. Give yourself a couple more months to let the IUD settle in and take effect.

Oh man, all I can say is GOOD LUCK! I have two kids and have felt like I was a completely different person, period-wise after each kid. Worse cramps, more bleeding, less bleeding, bleeding longer, different bleeding, you name it. And I went the IUD route after my youngest and had a lot of problems with it. I have friends who love their IUD's, but my body never really adjusted to it. I was basically on my period for 10 months with that little sucker. I tried to be so, so patient because I wanted it to work, but I finally decided it just was not worth it.
So, good luck trying to figure it all out. No fun!

The reason for your "extreme bleeding" is due to a) this being your 1st period after having your baby and b) you just had an iud put in. I am on my 3rd IUD and lemma tell ya...you will be bleeding like a stuck pig with every period for at least 6 months, maybe longer. I have to wear a super plus tampon WITH a pad at least 2 days out of my period STILL - and I've had this one for over a year and a half! Your uterus recognizes that there is a foreign object in there and is just trying to expell it. Unless you feel really dizzy or lightheaded, chances are you are not losing a dangerous amount of blood - even though it may seem like it. However, you might want to call your doctor just to be sure, and then go in after your period to make sure that IUD didn't get flushed out. It has never happened to me (the IUD getting flushed out), but I'm not kidding when I say I have never bled so badly in my life than when I first get an IUD put in. It's insane. And I NEVER have had bad periods in my entire life. Don't worry too much - sounds like what is happening to you is a completely normal reaction to having an IUD recently put in. Good luck and get to the store and stock up on some tampons and pads. In a few months it will be much better - and you will love having that IUD. There isn't a better form of birth control IMO.

That was exactly what i was going to suggest. I had an IUD in perfectly for almost 10 years, no problems (but i waited till about 8 months postpartum) then all of a sudden the bleeding was incredible and it was because it was mislodged. I was still told i was a great candidate for an IUD but after that bleeding experience, no way would i do that again. Manipulate your husband to get a vasectocomy, its the best way. Cheack out : www.azurology.com (Dr. Fishman), call for a consult. It is your husband's turn now!