Postpartum Bleeding: Understanding Lochia and Return of Period

Question
my baby is eight weeks old i went through that whole postpartum bleeding for six weeks.i thought it had stopped a week ago but three days ago the bleeding has started back bright red with some clots in between i am breast feeding religiously,so i am a little confused,is this my first period or did that lochia bleeding take a break then returned?

Answer
Dear Josie,

The bleeding after delivery is called lochia. Postpartum bleeding is similar to the bleeding that occurs during a menstrual period, but is often much heavier than menstrual bleeding for the first few days. Postpartum bleeding typically begins within hours after giving birth, and will continue for about 2-3 weeks. For some women, postpartum bleeding may last for up to as many as 6 weeks after giving birth.

Postpartum bleeding starts out bright red (lochia rubra). The postpartum bleeding generally stays bright red for anywhere from 3-7 days after giving birth. After that time, the color will become more pinkish, and eventually becomes an off-white or yellow-white color (lochia alba). Occasionally, postpartum bleeding may contain small blood clots, which is normal and nothing to panic about.

Your first period after childbirth is dependent upon whether you are breastfeeding or not. Women who are not breastfeeding will usually start menstruating 6-8 weeks postpartum. If you are breastfeeding, you may not menstruate until you wean the baby off the breast. Other women get their period back even though they continue to breastfeed. Every woman/every pregnancy is different. Your first period after childbirth is often much heavier and lasts a little longer than usual before returning to a more normal pattern. Since you had a break from the bleeding and this bleeding has returned red and with some clots, I would suspect it is a first period. But please note that because you are breastfeeding, you should not expect your periods to necessarily be of a regular pattern while doing so.

However, you should know that once you do return to sexual activity, you should not consider yourself protected from pregnancy simply because you have not yet had a period. You can actually ovulate before you have your first period. If you do not wish to become pregnant right away again, you should make sure that any sexual activity (once cleared by your doctor) is protected.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and I do apologize for the delay this week - I need a new computer! :)

Brenda