Q: I am having problems regarding menstruation since childbirth.
1. After delivering my first baby I bled for a few days but saw blood tinged or yellow discharges for up to 48 days. (Started praying after 40 days) 48 days after delivery I experienced a proper menstrual bleeding for 7 days ( all symptoms like cramping, flow, color etc. resembled haidh that I experienced before pregnancy) therefore did not pray in these 7 days. Since tuhr has to be at least 15 days, will this bleeding be considered Istihaaza? Will I have to make up for missed Salaahs?
2. Due to nursing, my period hasn't returned after the above mentioned 7 day bleeding. Instead I see a very slight tinge of blood in my regular, otherwise clear discharge. This means, not a single drop of blood stains my clothing. This happened once after 26 days and did not reoccur so I took it as istihaza. After 17 more days I see such traces after every 2 days or so. I am not missing any prayers because this is nothing like my usual period. But I want to ask: do I have to avoid relations with my husband? If yes, for how many days?
A:
1. The bleeding from the 40th day will be counted as istihaadhah.
2. The bleeding after the 17 days of purity will be counted as haidh according to your previous habit.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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