Postpartum Bleeding: Understanding Lochia and Your Period After Birth

Question
i would like to know how long should i be bleeding for. my baby is 8 weeks old and i stopped bleeding for a few days and then i started my period and i had it for a week and then it stopped for 2days now i have it again and its been 12 days ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Answer
If your bleeding only stopped for a few days, you may not be having a period, but just a continuation of your lochia (postpartum bleeding).  Especially if you were more active than usual after your bleeding stopped, that could have caused it to start up again.  8 weeks of postpartum bleeding is long (and frustrating!), but not unheard of and still within the range of normal.  Remember that your body is still healing from childbirth, and don't do too much while you are bleeding, and it will stop sooner.