Breastfeeding and Periods

[callistra]

OK, so I have my periods again. Except that the period pains are excrutiating! I know that the breastfeeding causes the cramps to be stronger, but today I had to dump Jack and run because I thought I was going to throw up from it!

Does any one else have this? What do you do? Since I've also been hell stressed, had tummy problems, and never feel like I get any peace, this breastfeeding thing sometimes seems like more hard work than it's worth. I don't feel like I get a hormonal buzz out of it like some people do, though I obviously get *something* since we've been going for so long and I've not stopped from repetitious boredom yet.

Comments are screened. I have no TMI but other people might.

Comments

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

I thought breastfeeding prevented periods from restarting, as a way to space out the babies?

Are you a mutant?

[chaosmanor.livejournal.com]

yes, breastfeeding made menstrual cramps more intense for me. Not so bad I'd stop feeding, but I didn't have other struggles, and sailed through feeding in general.

Do you want to stop feeding because of this? If you don't, then it's time to talk to a lactation consultant, gynae or GP. Might be smarter to stop ovulating (that'll smite the cramps at the source).

[splanky.livejournal.com]

Mine have been much the same. The difference I've noticed is I now get cramps (and sometimes spotting) when I ovulate as well.

[callistra.livejournal.com]

My hair is slightly curly....

Apparently they do keep away periods, but once you start getting enough sleep (ie, a night feed gets dropped) nature decides you must be handling things well and it's time for you to spawn again.

I went for 12 weeks I think this time? This is my second period since Jack. The first one was much less painful. With Vinnie it was 9 weeks I think.

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

Nature has funny ideas.

[callistra.livejournal.com]

I figure it's all mixed up right now because of the tummy wog, period, and general tired and distracted-ness. I'm not giving up, but we have a syringe and a little bit of formula in case he sucks me dry and then still is desperate.

I am talking to a lactation consultant weekly, though I missed this week's call. I should give her a ring tomorrow and chat. Today he was really happy and things seemed to go well. He fed at 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, and 11:15, and then slept for a few hours, and I was feeling it by the time he finally woke up! But then he tried two hourly feeds in the afternoon, and I was dry. I gave him 20 mLs of formula.

I also talked to my GP about drugs which increase milk production, but she doesn't recommend them as they all have side effects apparently. I haven't tried fenugreek yet.

I got distracted by BFing in general here, sorry! No, we're not about to give up, I am hoping that by tomorrow my uterus will be over squeezing out so much blood so fast and things will hurt less. It's been a long time since I had period pains. Years and years. I was just wondering about other people's experiences.

[girliejones.livejournal.com]

would something to soothe the pain be useful? can only think of suggesting increasing omega 6 and fatty acids, say from eating more fish or trying something like Evening Primrose or oddly ... cranberry/raspberry juice?

[callistra.livejournal.com]

Thanks hun. BTW, I have your Tupperware square for the shape-o.

[callistra.livejournal.com]

I have cranberry juice pills actually, because I find it surprisingly useful at both cystitis and urinary tract infections. (Unless I have my terminology wrong, and they are the same thing. In which case I have forgotten what the other common female problem is right now!)

I guess I was taken by surprise. I had panadol earlier in the day and was gentle on myself which was fine when they were both asleep! But then they woke up
:-(
It all just hit so suddenly. I was fine, then I wanted to cry from period pain, and then I was going to VOMIT ACK! But I didn't.

[girliejones.livejournal.com]

very frightening too, i imagine. Do you ever use a hot pack? I find them very useful and calming.

[callistra.livejournal.com]

I thought of getting my hot water bottle but I only find it effective when it's against me. And often that's where Jack is, really.

[girliejones.livejournal.com]

yeah and it's not like you can go get it half way through either.

[fe2h2o.livejournal.com]

See, I found that post pregnancy periods are _so_ much better! Much less intense, much more manageable!

But I did find the afterpains when feeding Bilby initially just about did me in... Although, I'd rather suspect you're past that. But I used to just prep myself with one of those wheat packs, and make sure I was as well supported as possible before feeding. It definitely helped a _lot_.

[eshalia.livejournal.com]

I can't offer you any advice but i can offer you hugs and love .... huuuuuuuuuggggggggggsssssss loooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeee

[callistra.livejournal.com]

They were with vinnie, and orgasms at certain points too. But by the time that really rolled in, I think we'd stopped BFing.

How are you by the way?

[fe2h2o.livejournal.com]

*grin*

Unable to reply to other comments I was in the process of replying to!

Not bad. Tired, and finding it hard being without my email and files, but at least I can access the web:-)

[kaths.livejournal.com]

That makes me think of something new - when not trying to get pregnant I was on the pill to reduce period pains from endometriosis (I'd skip the sugar pills).

If I get my period while still breasfeeding, I wonder what I can do? I assume i couldn't go back on the pill at that point.

[callistra.livejournal.com]

Eeek. I have no idea!

[redbraids.livejournal.com]

It might be worth getting checked out by a Dr. I don't know much about breast-feeding and periods, and period irregularities may point at some imbalance etc.

[fe2h2o.livejournal.com]

hmm... and now unable to read any of your comments in reply, either.

[callistra.livejournal.com]

My period is perfectly regular, just the period pain got very intense during a feed.

However I am tsalking to lactation consultants and drs and etc...
*sigh*

[callistra.livejournal.com]

I'm going to give up on the screening thing. Maybe we'll unknowingly answer someone's questions who's too shy to ask.

I thought screening mean that the other person in the conversation could see it as well. Poo.

[babalon-93.livejournal.com]

I am pretty sure you can go back on the pill while BFing.

[fe2h2o.livejournal.com]

With my wheat pack, I'd have to prop it carefully in the appropriate position, cover it with an extra layer on the outside, then collect Bilby to nurse. She still got some warmth from it, but it wasn't as bad... it was kind of wedged in place though:-)

[fe2h2o.livejournal.com]

4 months, then three and a half for me... Both were still exclusively breastfed at that stage, including almost constantly through the night.

We've been talking about it at co-op, and it seems really variable. I have two friends whose babies are the same age as Bilby (around 16 months) who are still not ovulating (they are both baby-wearing/co-sleeping/child-led feeding sorts... so both are still nursing a lot), another whose cycle has come back 2 months after birth 3 times, and 15 months another. There's a fourth who basically starts up again 4 weeks post birth.

Apparently it's sleep and nutrition that contribute (I'd guess age may be a factor as well... the last two are the very much younger mums... mind you, I'm the oldest of the five of us). From our conversations though, we were wondering whether 'mental state' has an impact. Both the latter are planning large families, but the one who went 15 months was feeling very overwhelmed that time (it was number four), so she thinks that had an impact. The first two who are still waiting are really not at all certain that their 'coping with their lives' currently, so the possibility of more children is unfathomable.

[fe2h2o.livejournal.com]

Much better—as you can see:-)

I am using LJ for chatting atm... so that's another way to talk (although I'm guessing you don't use it), while my email is inaccessible...