Question about AF - is this normal (should I see a dr)

[buliej]

My baby is just about 9 months old - born via a NON-traumatic emergency c-section (waters broke, never went into labor) - there was no rush to theater nor were there any complications re: surgery/recovery/etc. Had an internal U/S about 2 months post c-section to make sure I was healing properly as I was still in a small amount of pain which I didn't expect (turns out my expectations were off, there was nothing wrong.

DS is basically fully breastfed (only of the last month does he get approx 4 bottles of formula a WEEK) and he started solids about 2 months ago. AF returned almost 3 months to the day post c-section - totally normal (the only thing that wasn't normal for me was no PMS cramping - had my whole life, and since having DS have zero cramping). My periods since having DS have been every 24 days (I've always had shorter than average cycles). I've been bad at tracking this past month, but it felt like well longer than 24 days for AF to arrive this time. AF arrived last night - no cramps, slow bleed. Today has been normal - up to now. I totally soaked through a tampon in bright red blood in 3 hours - (TMI - warning) when I say soaked, I mean totally soaked - through underwear and yoga pants and BRIGHT red...zero cramps. You may be wondering how I didn't feel this - I don't know how to answer this other than to say I thought what I was feeling in terms of dampness couldn't be so I didn't check until I realized that I was being stupid and should.

Is this flow "normal"? Should I see a dr? I am usually the first to book in with GP but we've had such a nice stretch of having a healthy baby after years of TTC/IVF and I'm feeling good and we aren't in a rush to try again and it is just so nice not to deal with medical people for a change.

[RhiChiChi]

I don't know if it is 'normal' but I don't cramp when I have AF - leading up to AF I do but not during. I sometimes feel 'wet' & then I check & AF shows up, although my flow is medium at most, not heavy/soaking through pads etc....

If it were me, I'd wait it out & see what happens for the rest of the time AF is here (unless bleeding does not stop at all) and then check again next cycle. I know after having DD, my cycles was different to pre-conception.

I hope it is nothing to worry about

[Miss.B]

Hi hun! Hmmmm, all I can say that post birth of my DS my periods have been different too, in terms of length and cramping too. Cycles are slightly shorted too, going from 29 days to 27-28 days. I also used to get really awful AF cramping prior to having DS but sine I've had him my cramps have become less painful. The bleeding you're having sounds a bit odd (especially with no cramping whatsoever) , but then again maybe your body has changed sine you've had your DS?? I always say, if in doubt, check it out! Go and see your GP is the bleeding continues hun as you could become anaemic. GL

[buliej]

Thanks both of you - I guess you are both telling me what I already know - I need to monitor and then see a dr if it still seems to be too much. I've already told DH to make sure to "watch me" tonight while we sleep (hmm, kind of hard if he's sleeping too, but you know what I mean).

[onthefly]

I'd get it checked out, it does seem a bit excessive