Breastfeeding

I have 3 children ages 12, 11, and 4months. With my first 2 I didnt have a period until i stopped breastfeeding but with my 4 month old I have had one... was concerned but had read on one of the what to expect news letters that i receive that it is common. =(

My daughter is 13 months old and still breastfeeding. I have yet to get my period. Some women get their periods back right away after giving birth and BFing, some get it back after 6 months, some get it back as their child starts to eat more solid foods and nurses less, but some never get it back while nursing. I'm on a low-hormone, no estrogen b.c. pill and it's safe to take while BFing. If it makes you feel better, call the doc/nurse :-) Hope this helps and keep up the awesome work breastfeeding!

Talk to your doctor about the patch, I do beleive that I was on it when I was breastfeeding, with having a baby it is so hard to remember to take the pill the patch is a once a week thing, it is like a bandaid and I would just switch it between butt checks because it is not something that you want pasted to your arm in the summer! I was on it for almost three years till about three months ago and the only reason I stopped taking it was because of health reasons. (nothing to do with the BC).

You are fine. You can have a period while you are breastfeeding. It can be spotting, a full period, or irregular. Keep taking your bc pills. With any bc pills you want to try to take them the same time everyday.

I breast fed my son till he was 10 1/2 months old and did not have a period till he was year old.

Greetings D.!

Let me first, congratulate you on a most precious and beneficial decision you have made to breastfeed your daughter.

I am a breastfeeding advocate who have been breastfeeding for the last 25 yrs...just kidding, but I am a mother of 6 amazing daughters, five of whom are biologically mine and I've breastfed each exclusively for approximately 2 1/2 yrs. So, you can kinda say I'm a breastfeeding professional.

One of the wonderful benefits of exclusively b/f-ing is that you don't have to worry with a menstrual cycle for a number of months, so enjoy...it's sort of like going through menopause but with much better perks!

Again, I am so proud of your wise decision. Although still somewhat viewed as an unpopular choice but you have helped the fight to once again make b/f-ing the norm. And remember that the benefits are not only for the baby, but you're decreasing your risks of osteoporosis, ovarian and breast cancers which was one of the reasons I made the choice to do it. Good for you! If you need help in any way, I am affiliated with a great organization here in Houston (www.theirbirthright.org) who can assist you further wih any of your b/f-ing needs from mother wear to slings to pumps. And we offer great support groups to moms and their families, as well.

-Elaine

Some women get their periods back pretty soon. It took me six months to start having periods when I breastfed my first, and a year for my second. Call your doctor and check if it's normal for you to spot when you're on this pill. Within the hour should be no problem, though.

Congrats on your little bundle of JOY! I was taking birth control pills and breastfeeding and yes I did continued to have a cycle. You can always call your doctor when in doubt of something or even the nurses and the office can answer most of your questions.

Wish you the best

Hi, I am a first time mom of a 8 month old girl. I am breastfeeding and I started my period when she was 6 weeks old. Some women have periods while breastfeeding and some don't. I was put on a birth control pill of estrogen only and my doctor told me that since you take it with no breaks in between that you might only "spot" and not have periods. I have been having normal periods every month since I have been taking it. Everyone is different. I take my pill before I go to bed and its never the same time so I wouldn't worry about that. :) Just don't rely on breastfeeding as a natural birth control because some women ovulate while breastfeeding and others don't.

Haha - i am smiling as i respond - because many a woman has become preganant while breastfeeding. So - even tho i am not a dotor or a nurse, my own Ob/Gyn reinforced that yes - you can become pregnant while breastfeeding. So, unless you want to have two babies in diapers (I have a good friend with two boys that are eleven months apart - that got pregnant that way) I suggest - take the pill the way your doctor prescribed. I think within an hour of the same time everyday is okay -- I think as long as it is "in the morning" or "in the evening".

Regarding your milk - the more you breastfeed - the more milk you will have. If you breastfeed only intermittenly or irregularly - you may not develop a good supply. You will have a period while breastfeeding - but it may take a while for it to re-establish itself. I did not go back on the pill after the birth of my children - so i dont know what impact being on the pill will have on your cycle - but I would think it would make it become regular quicker. I suggest just calling your OB/Gyn - speak to their nurse. They are happy to answer these type questions. My OB/Gyn's nurse has stayed with him for over 30 years - so between two kids, many phone calls times 30 years - we are good friends now.

About me - A 53 yr old mom who breastfed both kids (first child for nine months because I quit work for 2 years) and second child for 3 months (because i returned to work). As you can guess - both kids are grown now.

I have a 24 week old and am also breast feeding exclusively. I am on the "mini pill." I also started spotting around ten weeks and then started having periods. They are very irregular and last from one day to a whole week. Kind of annoying, I was hoping for at least six months of no more periods :) I saw my primary care physician Thursday (not for the period question), but I did mention it and she said she was surprised that I was having my period, but was not concerned.

About the responses to get off of the birth control, I would check with your doctor, it seems like there is a lot of misinformation out there.

And I know someone who has 3 kids who are 12 months and 13 months apart, she was breast feeding exclusively and listening to her "body's natural signs and symptoms of fertility" -- obviously that didn't work out too well for her -- except that now she has 3 beautiful angels :) and a very tired body!

It depends on your body and how demanding childbirth, pregnancy, and nursing are for it.
I did not have periods for a very long time while nursing. But I also had low iron.

I did not take bc pills while nursing. I have known a few people that did and they say they spotted a little at first while taking it as their body adjusted. I personally was offered the option and did not do it because I just did not want to be feeding my baby things like that. Everything you eat, she eats. It will be diluted, but she still gets it. I watched my caffine, chocolate, sweets, and junk food intake also. ;-)

I would call your doctor and see what they say. You can also get other forms of bc to use during the time your are nursing, or for at least the first few months until baby is older and eating babyfood also.

D., you can start your period at any time while nursing. It is a myth that you won't have one. I started at 6 mo after birth both times. Usually that is when they start not nursing as much, but you may start earlier or later. As far as the pill, I have heard that even though they say there are some pills that won't affect milk production, you can't be sure. Just watch closely and if you have problems with milk production you might want to try another form of bc.

Congrats both on your new baby and your decision to breastfeed! I was lucky and didn't have a period while nursing my oldest, until about 11 months later when he started wanting more milk and I was wanting to start weening. I was on a low-dose birht control and I spotted a little (dark brown blood, not fresh red blood) the first few months when I should have had my period, but then I didn't.
I'm nursing my second (and last) baby now but I'm not on the pill because I had my tubes tied - seven months later still no period --- not sure how long that will last!

Keep taking the pills but call your doctor, since every woman/pregnancy/baby is different! Good luck!

I was on the mini pill while breastfeeding. You should take it around the same time everyday and, if memory serves me, you take it every single night (there is no week long break for a period). After 8 months, I quit taking this pill because I had never had a period and this bothered me. As soon as I stopped taking it, I got my period and resorted to using other forms of birth control. So, you may never have a period while you are on this type of pill, but don't let that fool you into thinking you can't get pregnant.

If you have any questions about the pill you are taking or your break through bleeding call your Dr. They would rather you call and ask the question than not call and wonder. You can always talk to the nurse who can get an the answer for you. Good Luck

Your period will come back even when you breastfeed. I never took the pill though. Worried about what I consumed while feeding my baby. Even drinking milk or spicy food upset she was nursing.

It sounds to me like your doc gave you the 'mini pill' since there is a strict rule of taking it at the same time every day. It can effect you milk, but assuming it is the 'mini pill' (single hormone vs. double) it should have the LEAST effect compared to others. The Mirena is a good choice to consider, www.mirena.com, if you plan on waiting a while for more kiddos.

You do start your period even while nursing. Usually it doesn't happen so early (more like 3-6 months) but because you started oral contraceptives, your body will menstrate.
The break through bleeding (light spotting) is probably normal and will happen until your body adjusts to the hormones in the pill. If you miss your time to take them by longer than a hour you may also have more bleeding.

Best wishes.

I nursed all three of my babies.
I did begin my cycle while still nursing.
Your milk production is based on supply and
depmand. If you nurse you will make milk.

Yes, indeed you will likely start your menses while breastfeeding, but you will ovulate (and may become pregnant) before your first period after the birth of your child. A barrier method of birth control is recommended for nursing mothers (such as condoms). If your doctor has put you on the pill, and you are comfortable with this choice and use it according to instructions, then it is very unlikely that you will become pregnant. Yet you may experience spotting, and you will continue to have a period on the designated days of your pill cycle (the placebo days). If you are experiencing spotting mid-cycle, it is a good idea to contact your physician about it. It may be necessary to change your prescription. Congratulations for continued breastfeeding! Good luck!

I.
Lucky mom of two girls, ages 10 and 15

If you are your baby's only source of nutrition, you will not start your period until your baby is about 6 months. Did you tell you doctor you were still breastfeeding? Most birth control pills drasticaly reduce your milk. There is one birth control pill that may or may not reduce your milk. The problem is, once its gone, its gone. That may be the one your doctor gave you, b/c you must take it at the same time every day. It only has one hormone, whereas the others have 2. Another option to pills would be an IUD. You can have an IUD inserted and not decrease your milk.

I would call you dr just ot ease your mind and a professional answer. BUT I did have periods with all of mine when I breastfed. I also have a friend that gets pregnanat 9 months after the baby is born and while she is breastfeeding and never has a period. She has nine kids and they are all 18 mos apart. She breastfeeds while pregnant. Unusual, yes but that is how her body works. I would call you dr. for a professional opinion and then you'll better what to expect.

Wow. There are ways to use just breastfeeding to keep your period from coming back...but it takes discipline. I can't immage any "pill" that is actually safe during breastfeeding. I would contact a lactation consultant asap!!!
-R

http://www.breastfeeding.com/

Yes, you can have a period while nursing. Every women is different. With my daughter, I didn't start my cycles until she 13 months.

Some women do & some dont. I did not. I do know the pill is a back up. Naturally breastfeeding is nature's way of keeping you from getting prego, but not a sure thing. It can happen, & I know women who it has happened too.

Hello,

Yes, you can have your period while you are breast feeding. I had mine the whole time I breast fed. Some women are lucky not to get it, but stil can get pregnant even though they don't have it. The pill you are taking does not contain estrogen and that is why you need to take it at the same time everyday. It is not like a regular pill, where if you take a few hours later you are covered. If you do not take it at the same time everyday, take other measures of bith control or you can become pregnant. You are doing a good thing by breast feeding. It so good for your baby. Hope I have helped some. Good luck.

Hi D. -

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy and on your decision to breastfeed (it's so good for you and the baby!)!

I have no experience with starting the pill while still breastfeeding, however I know that bleeding can occur when breastfeeding. If you are concerned I would recommend calling your doctor’s office. A nurse should be able to answer your questions, and ask a few of their own, in just minutes. It's worth the peace of mind!

GOOD LUCK!

My understanding from when I had my 2 children and breast fed, you should not be taking birthcontrol pills...they are contraindicated because they can cross to the baby in the breast milk. Every woman is different when it comes to their period after baby is born...with my first, I don't think I started having a period until maybe 10 months, but with my second it came pretty quickly and I was so dissappointed...I think it is fine to have your period while breastfeeding, but not OK to be taking birthcontrol pills while breastfeeding.

My period came back when my son was 7 1/2 months. I never took the pill though. I am not sure if you want to take the chance but if you are exclusively breastfeeding its a pretty good birth control. Here we are ten months later. Just know it is a possibility.

You can get preg. while breastfeeding your newborn. You also may want to talk with your Dr. about the spotting to see if that is normal and about stopping and starting the pills.
Best of luck and congradulations on your new addition!
J.

Hi D.-

You sound like you're in my shoes. My son is 3 mos. old (he's my second) and I'm breastfeeding exclusively. My doctor also offered me the pill and I happily accepted. He said the same thing about taking it every night at the same time. I set one of the alarms on my cell phone to go off every day at 9:00pm and it works (I have a past history of being very bad at taking the pill around the same time). I actually even read the info pack that comes with the pills and it says that it's best to take it within 3 hours of the same time every day (read yours, it may say something different).

My pills do not have any placebo pills (the doctor advised me of this in the beginning) so I have to take them straight through the whole month. It's kinda strange to me...that last week in the pill pack, I'm experiencing slight menstrual cramping and feeling like i'm having my period, yet no blood (fine by me!). I have intermittently had some spotting, but, both my doctor and the info pack w/ the pills advised me that is normal.

With my 4 year old, I nursed her but she also got some bottles. I did not start birth control after having her and my period returned when she was about 4 mos old.

I would think that your milk will be fine on the birth control. I would think that it's more related to how often (and for how long) your baby nurses than the medicine (though I'm sure that could probably impact the milk slightly since the pill has hormones in it).

I'm sure your doctor's office wouldn't mind talking to you in the least about any/all of this. Just ask the nurse and she will clear up any questions you have. You pay for your doctor's opinion/information since he prescribed the medicine to you.

Good luck and congrats on the baby!

~L.

Dear D., I'm a first time Mom too and the best reference book I could have ever read and still reading is "The Nursing Mother's Companion" 20th Anniversary Edition by: kathleen Huggins. i have nursed my son for 5 1/2 mo. so far and my goal is 1 year. I just started my period and I recall reading that between 6 to 12 months is when you start (Of course everyones different.) I also recall reading that the pill will dry up your milk. It makes sense since taking something that changes your hormones is unnatural. I hope this helps...as for me, there's nothing more important than nursing my son and maintaining healthy milk. Stay with it, it's so worth it!!!!

A little about me: I'm a proud 43 years young...Step-Mom of three beautiful daughers (20, 13 & 13), our 1st child together a son. God is good.

the only thing the pill did for me was make sure I gotvmy period at the same time each month. I did have a period while breastfeeding with both my girls! It stinks! I also pumped when I could and I think that's what triggered it!! I would stay on the pill if it benefits you! If it doesn't then safe the moneyband the one more thing to remember and stop taking it! It is normal to have a period if you are breastfeeding! You can also get pregnant so be careful! Good luck becca (Austin texas)

Hi, I have a 7 month old and am breastfeeding, I have gotten my periods, although it did take a while after I delivered to have start my cycle again. But I remember when I had my second child I did not have them for awile, so everyone is different. As far as the taking the pill, the doctor will prescribe something that is safe for you to take while you are nursing but I would refer to your doctors office for questions about that, I am sure they could set your mind at ease and they would not mind aswereing any questions you have

A little about me:
I am a stay home mom and have four wonderful boys, ages are 13,6,5, and 7 months...

I breastfed for about 13 months (I have twins) During that time I did not use birthcontol. My husband instead used a condom. A small price to pay for not adding something into my body. I started my period when the boys were about 9 months old. It came back very strong and painfull. but then eased off. Good Luck

When you are exclusively nursing it acts as a natural birth control however since you have started taking birth control pills you have kind of negated that because of the hormones. In other words the pill is going to make you have a period. If you have problems taking the pill at the same time every day you might look into the nuvaring, you put it in and wear it for three weeks then take it out for one week. If you haven't already you might look up your local La Leche League, they can provide great breastfeeding support and information about everything to do with breatfeeding. Best of luck!

Congrats on your little baby and wanting to breastfeed. I have been breastfeeding for 11months and it's the most rewarding thing. I have not had a period yet and choose not to take the pill. My OB said that this pill is different you HAVE to take it at the same time everyday, not an hour later or before, so we decided to use condoms. That could be a reason why are spotting. I would still call your OB just to make sure.

I breastfeed my daughters and with both of my girls my cycle came back when they were 6mos old. Exactly 6mos old. As far as Birth Control, I have no clue, because I'm still not on the pill or any other method.

Good luck to you.

While some women don't get their period back until they wean completely, others will get it back once they start solids, and others will get it back while still breastfeeding exclusively. With my son (my first child), I started my period about 2 months after he was born even though I was breastfeeding exclusively. With my daughter, I weaned her after 2 months because we were having issues, and my period didn't start for another month. So what you're seeing is perfectly normal, and is not related to the birth control pills.

The birth control pill that you use while breastfeeding is different than the one you take normally. There are different kinds, but some are low dose hormones and others only use certain hormones. So it may not have the same effect on your period that the normal pill does, but it has to be that way to keep from possibly drying up your milk.

You may find yourself spotting for awhile and never getting a period, and it will probably take several months before your periods get back into a routine--you may have 2 periods only 2 weeks apart, and then it might be 2 months before you have another one. Or your body might settle right down into a routine--there's no way to know until it happens. You can always give your doc a call if something's going on that you don't understand; I doubt there's anything you can ask that they haven't heard before. Hope that helps!

combination (progesterone/estrogen) pill WILL dry up your milk. Have you read about the MINI_PILL or Mirena?
if you want to successfully breastfeed for more than you have already... STOP the pill.
You may or may not get your period. Breastfeeding is quirky like that.
Do look at other options. Breastfeeding is really special and a good thing for both of you.

Hi D.,

Every woman is different, some women get start periods and some don't. My doctor also said that 97% of women do not get pregnant while breast feeding. After my first baby I didn't get a perioid at all while I was breast feeding, I did get pregnant. With my second I had a regular cycle and with my third I didn't have one until I weaned him. I can't really help with the birthcontol part of the question (I don't use it. call me crazy; I want a lot of kids), but if you are concerned you should talk with your doctor.
M. K

Yes, you can start your period while breastfeeding, I did with both of my children.... and Yes do continue to take your Birth Control pills... You are probably on the verge or going to start your period, that's probably why your spotting.... Hope this helps... T.

I can't help about the birth control, but I didn't have a period for the first 7 months that I was breast feeding (I am still breast feeding now and having a period). I would call my dr. if I were you at the very least she can reassure you everything is okay!

just remember that with breastfeeding, and with babies that everyone is different. i did not have a period for six months while breastfeeding, but other people's bodies react totally differently. i'm not sure re. birth control and breastfeeding as we use condoms.

I breastfeed 2 of my babies. On my first one I got my period back after I started birth control. On my second one I did'n get my period back for 7 months . If it is really bothering you, call your doctor because every womens body is different.

Congratulations on your new baby. I'm currently nursing my 3rd. If you are exclusively bf your baby, chances are that you may not get your cycle back for several months. The truth is that it is different for every woman. It sounds like your doc put you on what is called a "mini-pill", which is progesterone only. It has very minimal effects on the milk supply and a nursing baby. If you see a dip in your milk, just up your water intake and enjoy some oatmeal cookies with ice cream. Those are all great supply boosters.

The trick with the mini-pill is that if you do not take it at the same time everyday, you will experience what is called break through bleeding. It is light spotting that may last for 1 day to 5 days and seem like a period, but it's not. And it kind of sucks because then a few days later you'll get a real period and you will feel like you are padding constantly. I've also heard from my OBGyn friend that the half life on the mini pill is horrible, so if you are off by more than a few hours, you better use back up BC methods, like condoms, because they are that ineffective.
They work great when you can take them like clock work. My suggestion and what worked for me, was setting an alarm. It is super annoying, but when that thing is going off in the kitchen, I know I have to drop what I'm doing and get in there and take my pill.
Good luck to you.

you are most likely experiencing a 10 week bleed...completely unrelated to the return of your fertility, just apart of the postpartum process.

that being said, birth control is so toxic for your body...my advice (since you're asking) is get off the pill and begin to learn your body's natural signs and symptoms of fertility (which if you are exclusively breastfeeding, your fertility won't return for a few months)...

blessings,
M.

hi, i breast fed 4 of my 6 children and i would haves periods no problem. i never took the pill though so do not know about that. i think i usually started my cycles at about 4 months. don't worry. being a new mom is such a great time in your life enjoy. D.

The birth control pill you take while nursing has only one hormone and is much easier to get pregnant while taking if you don't take it at exactly the same time every day (I got pregnant with my son while taking it). I never have a period while breast feeding but that varies from person to person.

I had normal periods still while nursing. I never took the pill so can't answer that one! :-)

Hi D.-
I'm in the exact same boat as you. I just started taking the mini pill a couple of weeks ago, and I'm not sure yet if I'm going to have a period or not. My son is 4 months, and I haven't had a period yet, but I've been breastfeeding full time. What I've done to help me take the pill everyday at the same time is set an alarm on my cell phone everyday at 9:00 am. It has really helped me remember to take it at the same time. I did have a little spotting, but I haven't gotten to the "period" pills yet.

Hi D.,

Congratulations on you beautiful new baby!

Yes, many breastfeeding moms have periods while nursing. Yes, you can get pregnant while nursing without realizing you had a period.

If your doctor gave you this pill knowing that you are nursing, he or she must feel it won't affect the baby or your milk supply. If you have questions or concerns, the doctor or a nurse at the office can answer them. Another great source is a Lactation Consultant. They are great!

Know that your milk supply can be affected a bit by fatigue, dehydration and other factors. It is wise to monitor how you are feeling and take appropriate actions if you think this is happening. It absolutely is not anything to worry about, but you can be more successful nursing if you keep track of how you and the baby are doing.

Good luck!

J. B
Parent Coach

I had similar questions when I was nursing. My doctor put me on a progesterone only pill (which I was also urged to take at exactly the same time each day) because the estrogen in other pills was said to diminish milk supply. When our feeding got further apart (the more "people food" he was eating caused him to nurse less) I started my period. My greatest concern at that time was that the period was VERY DIFFERENT. This is gross, but it was like it was old blood, not that new red blood that I was used to. I was disturbed by the frequency, irregularity and appearance of all that. I talked to my doc and was reassured that all was normal.

There was a time in my young-adult-hood when I was just too busy to remember my pill. I set a timer to go off at the same time every day and it helped SOOOO much. It got to the point where I didn't have to set the timer, because I'd conditioned myself to take it at the same time.

Hi D.,

I am a first time mother as well. I have read a lot of articles as well as talked to my OBGYN a lot. Yes women that breastfeed can get their period. Everyones body works different so some woman stay without their period for a longer time than others. Don't worry, it is normal to get your period back.

I would call the doc. To my understanding, every woman is different. I have a 13 wk old and I am breastfeeding. I have yet to start my cycle but the doc said that every woman is different and I should not be alarmed. I am not sure how the pill changes things since I have not gotten back on it.

Never hesitate to call your doctor when you have confusing medical things going on. You can just ask for the nurses station and they can help you. Believe me - they have heard it all before! :)
You are probably safe taking the pill within an hour of the same time each day. You are just trying to keep a steady 24 hour dose going.
and yes you can have a period while breast feeding - many people don't - but you can - it's OK.

It varies , but yes You can start your period while you are breastfeeding.
I wdon't think I would take the pill though because those hormones will go into your babies milk and you could cause some crazy emotions with all those different hormones running through your body.

D. - Yes, yes, yes - you will eventually start your period when you are still b/f your child. My period did not come until around 6-9 months after I gave birth. I am still b/f and my son is almost 23 months - I have had reg. periods now for well over a year. The pill will push it to happen more quickly though. The pill is also putting hormones into your system.

You do not sound as if you are comfortable with being on the pill, in what you wrote. It is important that you are comfortable and secure in your decisions on this. If this makes you uneasy - stop taking the pill and reconsider what it is you need to do and would feel right about. It is a personal choice. If your doctor does not give you all the answers, contact someone else who will. LaLecheLeague is very helpful to women with these issues and I'm sure there are sites online about this. Not to mention all the support right here!

Just make sure you are secure in your decision and feel 100% about it -it's your body.

Alli

I have been breastfeeding for 10 months. This is my first child. When she turned 6 months, I started my period, unexpectedly. I continued to breastfeed and noticed no downside. I chose not to take birth control, but once I began my period, my husband and I started using condoms. My doctor highly recommended a form of birth control for breastfeeders but I didn't feel comfortable taking it. I have heard from older women that early forms of birth control can "dry up" breast milk. I don't know this to be true. I've been told that you wouldn't get your period while breastfeeding and I've also been told that you wouldn't become pregnant while breastfeeding. Both of these are inaccurate. Good luck. One more thing: my first period after pregnancy was not easy. Worst PMS I've ever had.

1) period while breast feeding?
Sure- you can start while breastfeeding. My first two were bottle fed but my third was breastfed and I started when she was 11 months old and my fourth was 12 months old when I started. But every woman is different- some women exclusively breastfeed and start after only a couple of months.

2) can the pill dry up milk?
Yes- I have heard women who took the 'safe' pill dry up, but I don't know how common that is. I've never taken the pill because it has an abortive factor and I don't agree with abortion. Actually, like some of the women here, I don't use any method of BC. I love kids and look at them all as a gift from God- why would I tell him I don't want His blessings?

3) spotting- am I starting my period?

Possible, but not necessarily. when did you stop bleeding post partum? Sometimes the body still has a bit to eliminate without going through a full blown period. Does this mean you could get pregnant? yes, you could. You might be ovulating already.

4) should I call the DR?

Well, you should always call the dr if you are worried, but I don't think you need to be worried. There IS a possibility the spotting could be an implantation of an embryo (you could be pregnant.) It could also be an early miscarriage (I had one at 9 weeks but that was very painful with a lot of bleeding, a very early miscarriage could be more like you describe as many women aren't aware they are having one. This is extremely possible while taking the pill. My sister lost a baby at 12 weeks because she had been taking the pill during pregnancy.

S., mom to four girls

Hi D.,
I'm on the same pill I think. It's got only one hormone in it, versus two like normal because of the breastfeeding. The doctor told me to take it within the same 20 minutes or so every day or there would be spotting. It's effectiveness is also more heavily dependant on taking it at the same time compared to pills you take when not breastfeeding...so make sure to take it at the same time!!

Good luck,
Sandra

Call your DR. Yes, you can have a period while brestfeeding. and if you are on the "mini pill" they say to take it the same time (I think within an hour is the smae time BUT I am not a DR) the risk of not is pregnancy!

I am sure all if okay BUT call your DR. No one can give you medical advice that is okay to listen to. We don't know youor history or problems you might have usffered in the past.

Don't worry about calling. That's what they are tehre for!!

Good luck and congrats on the nursing. I just weaned my little one...what a ride!

This is a PS...I just read some of your advice. BREAST FEEDING IS NOT A NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL! I know of SEVERAL women who got pregnant while nursing. My friend Nicole thought that and when she ended up pregnant with a 6 month old...she was shocked.

Really...talk to a DR.

When you start your period depends on how frequently you are bf-ing. I didn't start until my son was 18 months old - he's an avid nurser. But I've heard women say they started much sooner. I would call your doctor, though, just to put you at ease. That's what they're there for! :)

K.,
Mama to Milo (2.75 years old)

I have a 4 month old and when I started back on birth control after my 6 week check up I was always forgetting to take it. One thing that helped me was to set a daily alarm on my cell phone and set it with a special ring. When I hear it go off I just grab my wallet (that's where I keep them so they are always with me) and take it.
It's worked so far.
Good Luck.

While your b/f you aren't susposed to have your period, but I too one time spotted. But since then, I haven't had one since then?? But don't stop your pill, just call your doctor if this isn't helpful, good luck, J.:)

Hi D.,
I do not know about birth control because I have not taken it in about 12 years. I do know that with my first daughter (6 yrs) I did not have a period while I breastfed, but with my 2nd daughter (3 yrs) I did start having a period about 3 or 4 months into breastfeeding. I have known one woman start her period about 2 months after. I hope this helps.
N.