Periods and Breastfeeding

Updated on January 11, 2015
R.G. asks from Ontario, CA
6 answers

Hi guys! New to this but I have a question my third son is now 7 months. I'm still breastfeeding him throughout the day but he recently started solids and is not eating every two hours maybe going 3 to 4 hours. Anyways my period returned after he was almost 4 months. Ever since its been about a 29-30 day cycle. My husband and I use condoms faithfully and have not had unprotected sex, I've even seen the condom after to make sure it didn't break for my reassurance. Yet here I am freaking out. I'm experiencing period like cramps, no spotting or bleeding but I'm technically not late, I'm at day 28. I have a whitish/light yellow discharge (tmi) sorry. Am I crazy and my period is coming? Thanks guys

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Cramping still on and off...mostly period like, not pelvic cramps. No spotting or much discharge for that matter it comes and goes. We used protection and I seen the condom I imagine I'm freaking out for nothing. And I also use a period tracker it says I'm supposed to start tomorrow. I did have sex during ovulation periods but with a condom. I guess I will change that and have sex after that week. I'm gonna wait it out a few days. My son is still nursing regularly and no changes in supply. Thanks for your help everyone

Still no period just super strong cramping! Almost like in on my period I just have no bleeding. It just seems unlikely that I'm pregnant because we were safe. I know that most times I am going to start my period I spot or have discharge with pink. This month only cramping. I'm one day late today.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Portland on

What you describe sounds very normal for a women starting her period after birth. Being pregnant changes your hormones. You may not have the same pattern. Your periods can be irregular. Pain is possible. Your internal organs are still healing from the major changes caused by pregnancy. Your hormone balance is different.

Sounds like you're concerned about pregnancy. Perhaps starting a more reliable for of birth control would help you to worry less. Fertility is unrelated to nursing. How much and how often your son nurses has little connection to the pattern of your periods.

5 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Is the period pain behind the pelvic bone, a sort of constant throb that feels pressure related? or is it more like cramps that come in wave like spasms?

If its the first kind of pelvic pain, Its really really common for women to develop pelvic floor disorder as pregnancy will exasperate any brewing issues. Don't quote me on this stat, but I think I remember that 1/3 of woman develop pelvic floor disorder. There are exercises you can do. But it can be a very troublesome condition, not just with the throbbing pelvic pain, but urinary incontinance, organ prolapse, and a host of other issues. And because pelvic floor disorder really stems from poor alignment (namely, tucking the tail bone), there are often accompanying issues like knee pain and hip pain. Any ways, PM me if you think this might be the case. I can recommend some resources.

I still bf my 18 month old and my periods are crazy heavy and long.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Louisville on

My periods after baby are much different than before- they still are after 4 years. I used to have zero cramping or other symptoms and was regular down to the hour. After baby, my period has a 3-5 day window during which it may appear, with a couple times of it being up to 2 weeks late. (Which had me really freaked out, lol.) I all so get cramping, headaches, mood swings, and breast tenderness when I'm PMSing. And yes, I noticed a HUGE difference in the discharge.

For what it's worth, I have gotten myself worked up about the possibility of being pregnant several times in the last few years. Having a wonky period sucks! Lol. When I was nursing, I was on the mini-pill for a few months, but hormonal birth control messes with my system horribly so it really wasn't the best option for me.

You can get a period tracker app, and it will give you a better idea of what is going on. Mine is fairly accurate, and I usually start my period within 2-3 days of the projected start date. (Like I said, I'm very irregular so that's actually pretty good... Pre-pregnancy, the app tracked it perfectly.) it also tells you when your "fertile" timeframe each month is, and your ovulation date, so you can be extra-careful during that time. (This is referred to as the rhythm method of birth control.) it's definitely an imperfect system, but along with condoms will give you a little extra peace of mind.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Orlando on

There is a special birth control pill for nursing mommies. The benefit is that is stops you period completely.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would recommend that you make an appointment with your OB as soon as possible. She determine if you are pregnant, and give you a more reliable method of birth control. I used both the mini-pill and Mirena successfully for birth control while nursing, and there are other options as well.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.D.

answers from Boston on

Seems unlikely that you would be pregnant.

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions