Postpartum Spotting: What to Expect After Childbirth

Question
I had my son on 9/11/09, so he is now just over 4 months old. I had a normal vaginal delivery, with no incision and only 2 stitches. My bleeding the two or so weeks after delivery was normal, not overly heavy and eventually changed to the brownish color. They put me in Camila as a birth control, and for the past few months every couple weeks or so i spot. Sometimes its just enough to where I use a tampon and then when i take it out a couple hours later its stopped, and a couple times its been for 3 days or so but still very light. This is my first child and I'm not sure why I am still spotting. I know that its possible to spot with this birth control I'm just not sure. I've been on the birth control for three months. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Katrina,

You are correct in your suspicion that Camila is causing the spotting. It is a progestin-only contraceptive and irregular bleeding patterns are a known side effect. In fact, menstrual irregularity and frequent/irregular bleeding are the most frequently reported side effect for women taking Camila.

You might be spotting as long as you are on the birth control. But there are other more serious side effects associated with hormonal birth control (which you can read about at http://www.drugs.com/pro/camila.html), which makes it a method I would never recommend for any woman, unless there is a dire medical need. Have you looked into NFP (Natural Family Planning)? It is the natural choice....and it's virtually free to use and there are no harmful side effects. You can find information and charts here:

http://www.nfpandmore.org

Congratulations on the birth of your son, and I wish you all the best!
Anne Marie