Period Question?!?!?! - Fort Bragg,NC

With my first born, I pumped for the first three months (he was early and didn't transition to breast feeding). I was six months postpartum before I got my period back. I'm on baby #2, and I'm breast feeding exclusively, so I'm hoping not to have my period back for a long time:)

I breastfed my first son for 12 months and never missed a period. I am an RN and I learned that every woman is different and everyone will start at different times.:)

I got pregnant with my second child before I got my period back.
I think I got it back after the second child at about 6 months.
Breast feeding is the best way to go, but it's not good birth control!

i had to stop nursing my son when he was 12 week old, and i didn't get a period until he was almost 7 months old. i have a friend who nursed all of her children for almost a year(she has three) and every time she got her period before her babies were three months old. i think that it is just different for every mom. your body is just feeling ready to move on, and it didn't bother to ask how you felt haha.

In the book Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, the author Sheila Kippley talks about several different factors regarding getting your period back. One is exclusively breastfeeding which is no other additional sucking on pacifiers or anything. Another is night nursing - this one seems to be the biggest factor in how long it takes to get your period back. If you have a child that sleeps through the night and does not nurse several times at night, chances are you will get your period back sooner.

That being said, every person is different. I think some people have minimum amount of sucking that can suppress the ovulation cycle, while others need more to suppress it.

My first child nursed until she was 4 years old and I got my period back at 18 months. My second child tandem nursed with my first for 2 years and weaned at 4 1/2 and I got my period back at 24 months. My third child slept more at night and I got my period back at 9 months, she is 3 and still nursing. Same person, different nursers, different situations.

Like other posters said, it is all normal!

No you probably won't get your period until after you stop nursing. It's called Lactation Amenorrhea, hope this helps.

E., You would think that we gals would get a break after carrying for nine months (with all the fun that goes with that), delivering, getting up at all hours of the night, and of course the open 24/7 buffet that we become! My son was in the NICU for 2 weeks and I had to pump and give him the expressed milk. Just 6 WEEKS after I delivered I started my period!! I couldn't believe it. So, as you can see there is no set time. Even after I started nursing I still go my period. Just goes to show that you can't count on breastfeeding as a form of birth control! :-)

It is common to not get your period while you are breastfeeding - but some women do, and that can be normal. Make sure you are using reliable birth control. If you start having regular periods, then you are ovulating. Some women can get pregnant without a period (ovulate, and before the period starts they have conceived).

Women with regular periods tend to get their periods back sooner compared to women who had irregular periods prior to pregnancy.

I never got a break. I nursed and still started having periods the month after I delivered, all three times.

There aren't any guarantees to things like that. I didn't get mine until I stopped nursing but my sister got hers 6 weeks after she delivered for all her kids. It comes when it wants...

I was disappointed too....I nursed for 12 months but got mine back at 9 months. I know others who have gotten their's back even earlier. That is probably totally normal.

Hi. I nursed all three of mine exclusively for one year plus, and, with all three, I started my period between 3 and 4 months postpartum. Most of my friends lasted the whole year, but a couple didn't make it to six months without starting. I think the percentage is small, but it is not abnormal.

I breastfed my daughter (and still do), and she didn't start solids until 7 1/2 months. I was on the mini-pill, too, and my period didn't start again until my daughter was over 10 months old. Hope that helps!

I nursed my son for 14 months and probably around 8 months I was spotting, not like a full period, more like a blooding discharge. I agree, I thought the same thing, as long as you nursed, you would not have a period. I think maybe your body goes through so many changes after having a baby, this is just one of them.

I got my period both times after 8 weeks (welcome back to work), my daughters were exclusively breast fed.

What's going on is that everyone and every pregnancy is different. When your period returns is largely dependent on when your reproductive hormones re-regulate themselves. While nursing exclusively does maintain the hormone environment which delays the return of regular periods it is not absolutely preventative in everyone. Just like it's not an absolutely effective form of birth control (breastfeeding exclusively) although in a large number of women they will not begin to ovulate again until they have reduced the frequency or stopped breastfeeding.

The point is your body is different from your mothers, your build, weight, percentage of body fat, activity level, and diet are all different. Therefore you are not abnormal but your body may be beginning to re-regulate itself. I have known women who breastfed exclusively whose periods came back at 3 months even though they breastfed exclusively for a year!

Don't panic!!! You and everyone else out there who get their periods after having a baby that soon are perfectly normal. Your mom was in a way lucky to get hers so long after having her baby. I got my period with my first when she was 6 months and with my second at 7 1/2 months. So no big worries, we're all wired differently and you are just now fertile again. So be careful, if you aren't already on birth control of some sort. I exclusively breast fed my daughter who is now 22 months, though I did pump when I was a work, she only got breast milk. Not sure if it was the pumping or the daily stresses at work that caused my period to come back, but it did. Well we weren't on birth control, b/c we believed that exclusively breastfeeding would be a natural way to prevent getting pregnant again, and well my son is now almost 8 months old. Their not quite 15 months apart. So this time round my OB prescribed a low estrogen level birth control. With my son I have not gone back to work and I am breast feeding him as well and the only time he got a bottle was in the hospital (a little bit of formula to help with his weight until my milk supply came in, he was also two weeks early). So he hasn't had any another form of milk except his mamas and my period still came back early (7 1/2 months). So don't worry, if you're concern about the heaviness of your period or if you're not on birth control, then talk to your OB. Hope that helps!

A.

If my mother concieved my brother when i was almost 3 months old,and she was breast feeding, you can ovulate realy soon after birth! Crazy huh?! I started my cycle between 8-10 months with all three of my girls. They nursed all the time! Every woman is different, and there is nothing to worry about!! Have Fun!

Hi there. I'm a mom of a 21 month old & I'm still breast-feeding her. Not exclusively of course, anymore, but she still nurses in the mornings when she wakes up & in the evenings before bed (sometimes 1 other time during the day, but often skips that one now). I'm working on weaning her by the time she is 2 years old.

I haven't had my period since I became pregnant with her! So I have been period free for well over 2 years now!! My Dr. doesn't seem concerned with this for two reasons: she knows that I'm still breast-feeding & I'm also on Mirena (IUD) birth control. I'm not very worried about it because I feel fine (no cramping or side effects). And of course I don't miss having it, ha ha! The only thing I am experiencing is continual weight loss, which I've had checked out by numerous doctors, only to find that everything is fine with me. I contribute being so thin now, to (still) breast-feeding & my little girl who is extremely active & keeps me running!

Hope my experience helps you in some way. Take care.

My daughter just turned six months too, and I have been feeding her more food but still nurse exclusively. She also has been sleeping through the night longer. I just got my period as well. It is normal... The milk dries up a bit the week before you start, but other than that, nothing should change, and everything is fine. It is the official sign that you are ovulating though so be careful!

Hey E.,
I got my period back 6 weeks after I gave birth and then it stopped for a few months and I had it back in full swing 4 month or so after my daughter was born. I did breastfeed exclusively until she was 7 months. Everyone is different. Some are lucky and go a year or more with no period and some of us not so long.
Now you know when you are ovulating since your cycle is back. It makes it easier to know the fertile times. Be well.
k

I started again while still nursing, although it was lighter than previously.

I nursed both children exclusively for their first 6 months and I think my period started again both times after starting them on cereal. I think it was my body's way of knowing that the baby wasn't relying solely on me for nutrition anymore and it was preparing for the future. I nursed my son for 15 months and my daughter for 13 months and the periods were sporadic until the babies were completely weaned. I hope this helps but I recommend asking your dr. if you're concerned.

E., congratulations on your baby and even moreso for choosing to give him the best by breastfeeding!! As for your question, my period didn't return to 'normal' until I was finished nursing my son. It had returned around 10 months, but our bodies go through so much, it's hard to gauge when yours will return. Most likely, you'll be very similar to your mom. I say enjoy it while it lasts, but be ready for it. Nurse him as long as you can. It benefits you all by ensuring him a healthy life and really helps you to regain your pre-pregnancy figure...or better!

I nursed exclusively until my son was 3 mos old. I started my period when he was 6 weeks old. That rule generally works, but not all the time (obviously), esp when you start taking away a feedings when they start food. I am not sure what happened with me. I figure I am in my 30s and the old body is trying to be a baby machine before everything withers up. LOL

With my first, it was about six months. With the next two, it was much less. You can get your period while nursing. There is an old wives' tale that you can't get pregnant while nursing, but it's not so- don't count on it!!! With my first, a boy, when I started having periods, he started refusing to nurse, spitting it out like it was distasteful. I thought it may be related to the hormones? My third never wanted to stop- I tell her now I thought I'd be nursing her down the aisle, lol!

Many people relate stopping nursing to the period because many start getting really busy about the same time they would get their period, and often can't nurse much longer due to milk drying up or going back to work. But it's not engraved in stone.

Best wishes!
Suzanne

HUM, everyone is a bit different, I nursed my son for 14 months and got my period right after my 6 wks... with my DD 14 yrs later I nursed exclusively and didn't start solids until 6 months and got my cycle back when she was 4 months. Some don't get it until the children are completely weaned but then others get when ever "Aunt Flo" decides to start visiting again.

I think it has to do with night time nursing...to be honest, I think I read that somewhere. But maybe there is a Le Leche League leader here and they can offer some advice. All I know is when it comes back it is back for good.

Hi E.,

Never miss a single period even though I exclusively breast fed both of my kids for 9 months each. My cycle went back to 28 days immediately after the post-partum stuff ended. Everyone's body works differently, so there's no single answer.

Good luck!!

Every woman is different, so naturally, your cycle is gonna be different too. It all depends on your hormones. You ever heard the old wives tale, "you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding"? Well that's not true!! You CAN get pregnant while breastfeeding!!
You getting your cycle while breastfeeding is perfectly normal, and actually very healthy. I'd be HAPPY I got my cycle, cause it means your body is getting back to normal, but it also means you can get pregnant again, very soon. So if you don't want another child so soon, I'd take precautions against pregnancy, like birthcontrol, or condoms. Congrats with your son and God Bless.

I breast fed for a yr. I think that I got mine back about 9 or 10 months later as she began to not eat as heavy from me.

It's different for everybody. My period started when both of my kids were four months old (and I breastfed both of them exclusively for six months). It sometimes happens that it doesn't come back as long as you're breastfeeding, but it's not a "for sure" thing, which is why they tell you NOT to use breastfeeding as a method of birth control. (My mom was told she couldn't get pregnant as long as she was breastfeeding me and my brother is 45 weeks younger than I am. 'Nuff said!)

I think it just depends on your body. I'm exclusively nursing my own 6 month old little girl. I started my period back with her when she was about 4 months old. With my son who is now 2, I started back when he was about 5 or 6 months old. So I think it's just an old wives tale about not starting back til you wean the baby. For some, that's the case. For others, it's not. And you can even get pregnant again while you are still nursing. So don't depend on nursing as birth control, either. I've heard of some women who are still nursing one while pregnant with the next.

You are perfectly normal. Everyone is different. I breastfed exclusively and got my period at 6 months, like you. And my son loved to nurse!

This is normal. I got mine after about 5-6 months with all three of my children. I breasfed all of mine for at least 6-8 months. They did get one bottle per day from their daddy every night to give me extra rest. (What a dear!) I was told that it's nothing to worry about, just something we'd rather not have yet! : ) Enjoy your little guy!

I breastfed my first born for 9 months; my second born for 11 and I had my period every month the entire time. It wasn't until AFTER my second son was born that I even HEARD of not having a period while breastfeeding <JEALOUS> :)

i didn't get my period back until i stopped breastfeeding altogether. 12 months. so just sit back and enjoy.

I was under the same impression and I breastfed my baby until he was 11 months old. Unfortunately, I started having a period again when he was only 3 weeks old. Everyone is different and it would seem that we are part of the unfortunate ones that start earlier than others. It is unfair but it is normal. :(

Cogratulations on your baby boy!! About your period. Let me put it to you this way, it took nine months to create him, it is going to take at least that long after pregnancy to get your body right. And part of pregnancy is lactation... so you could assume that you won't have regular periods until 9months (give or take) after you finish nursing all together.

I have three girls, and am still nursing my 10mos old at naptimes and bedtime. My period only came back two cycles ago, and it is still out of whack. Pregnancy and motherhood are such wonderful, new, body changing experiences. Some are lucky enough to go back to life as usual after their babies, but most of the mothers I know have different body types, different sensory sensitivities... etc. Things are different. Just when you think you know your body... pregnancy changes it compeletly!! Bottom line is that I wouldn't be too concerned at this point. Good luck with your new body and new experiences.

B.

I brestfed 4 kids for at least a year each, but I always got my period back 4-6 weeks after the initial 'after birth' discharge stopped. Everyone's different (per God's orders! LOL)

I breastfed exclusively (no formula) and started introducing cereal and baby food when she was around six months old. My period came back when was was about nine and a half months old. I was still breastfeeding until she was over a year old, so breastfeeding does not always means Aunt Flo is going to stay away. If you talk to many other nursing moms you'll find that the period seems to come back at all different times.

it is just a myth that you wont get your period back until you finish breast feeding. you will get your period when your body wants you to. another myth is that you cant get pregnant while breast feeding...you CAN! there are a lot of wives tales out there about pregnancy and after, but one thing is to remember that every woman is different and many dont get their period until they finish breast feeding. it just depends on your body.

Listen to your mother! ! !

Usually you will start again after the baby goes long stretches without nursing. For instance, when he starts sleeping longer at night. When I nursed my son, it was around when he was 6 months before I started mine back. I nursed him for 26 months. Gotta tell you, I would have loved going through the entire nursing without a period! My daughter is 6 months old on Monday and I still haven't had a period yet. Not looking forward to it either (haha) but know it will come again soon!

That is just one of the many benefits of breastfeeding!! It wasn't until I started introducing solid food (around 6 months)and reducing the nursing time that my period started. It may have been around 7 months. If my memory is correct, this time frame was with all 3 of my kids (ages 9,7 and 2).

When I started feeding a lot more food, then it came back.

You can get your period back at any time. It really varies from woman to woman. Exclusive on demand breastfeeding is not a sure bet for birth control. Unless you are taking basal body temp, you will not know when you ovulate & the period comes 14 days or so after that.

Even though I breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of each of my kids' lives, I got my period back at 6 weeks w/my first & 4 weeks w/my second. One of my SILs didn't get her period back until her son was 9 months old, even though she wasn't exclusively breastfeeding at that age. I personally think it has to do (at least partially) with how well-nourished you are, and how much body fat you have--that not having a period is the body's natural way of not getting pregnant if you'll have trouble feeding your baby and sustaining a pregnancy. I'm over-weight, so it's as if my body said, "Hey, I can feed a baby *and* grow another one! Yippee." Yeah, woo-hoo. My SIL tends toward the thin side.

E.,

It really varies from woman to woman and even delivery to delivery when you will get it back. I breast fed all of my children past one year, two of them 18 months. I had a period about nine months after my first delivery, and didn't have another one until my second child was almost a year old (I got pregnant while I was breatsfeeding my first child around his 10 month mark). When I had my third child, I didn't have a period the whole time I breast fed and then after I stopped, it took a while to get regular again. Birth is a huge shock to your body's system and it just may take a while to adjust to the changes in your body. If you still feel uneasy about it, talk to your doctor of midwife and voice your concerns. One thing that I did notice though, when my system finally started getting regular again, my cramping was worse than usual. It subsided once I got back on track. I hope this helps.

It's different with everyone and every weaning. With my first child, I was breastfeeding exclusively and got my period back when she was 4 1/2 months. I wasn't offering solids yet. With my second child, I again got my period when he was 4 1/2 months, again breastfeeding exclusively. But, this time it didn't come back again until he was almost 9 1/2 months old. Only then did it return with any form of regularity. And, I was still breastfeeding. Although by this time he was also getting solids, too. Hope this helps.

K.

i got mine back after only three months with all of my children even though i was exclusively breasfeeding.

Like you, I did the exact same thing. I breastfed exclusively for a little over a year; however, I started solids at about 6-7 months and that reduced one nursing session a day. Within just a few days of starting this new schedule, I started my period as well. My baby is now 2 and I have been on schedule with my periods ever since so I really don't think there is anything wrong.

I hope this information helps reassure you!

I breast fed both my children as long as they desired. With my oldest I started getting a regular period when he was 5 weeks old. My 2nd child I didn't get my period until she was 5 months old. I breast fed exclusively during this period for each of them. I guess it depends on your body at a particular time.

i think it was around 6 months that i started mine..

with all 3 of mine I started my period about a week after the post partum bleeding had stopped, And I was breastfeeding. everyone is different. it's all normal.

When I had my daughter, my period came back at about 8 months. I think you have to breastfeed exclusively to keep from having your periods. Once you start solid foods and cereals and they don't breastfeed as much, your period may come back sooner.

It's actually fairly common for women to have their first period about six months after delivery, even if they are breastfeeding exclusively. It's more rare that women have no period at all until they stop breastfeeding-- which is why breastfeeding isn't a very good method of birth control. Don't worry, you're normal. In fact, don't be surprised if your cycles are a little heavier and longer than they were previously-- this is also quite common after childbirth. Good luck with your little one!

I think its different with every mommy and every kid. I have two kids and with my son I breastfed exclusively for six months and got my period after the first six weeks! With my daughter I breastfed exclusively for six months and she is now almost 7 months and I still haven't gotten it. My OB said that both are normal...

I got mine back at 4 months with my first, 3 months with my second and 4 months with my third. All three were breastfeed soley until 7 months, 8 months, and 11 months. Everybody's body is different. Just a quick warning a also got pregnant a month after weening the first two kids even though we were very careful. so now I have three boys, 17 and 19 months apart.

I think everyone is different. I breastfed for 2 years. I got mine back after a year with the first, but sooner with my other two children. I remember my first exam after my post partem exam when my midwife told me the woman before me was exclusively breastfeeding her 6 month old and just found out she was pregnant again, so don't rely on breastfeeding as birth control either! I guess it depends on how fertile you are and hormone levels.

I've had friends who breastfed for a year and didn't get their periods until several months after they stopped nursing.
- that would be me. I was worried when it didn't come...then enjoyed it. It didn't come until my son was about 16 mos. though I had stopped breastfeeding and had slowly introduced solids since before he was 12 mos. We weaned him down to just night breastfeedings then I decided I had enuff of that too at about 13/14 mos.

Every woman is different and breast feeding isn't a gaurantee of supressing your period or birth control. I have 4 children and breast fed all of for varying amounts of time, from 6 weeks to 1 year. And with all of them my period returned within 6-8 weeks. That's just how my body works. I was disappointed also as I was looking forward to the additional "time off" from that part of womanhood. Starting your cycle again is not a sign that anything is wrong. It's just the way some of us work.

M.

Hi E.! It's different with each child. My period didn't come back with my first child until I stopped nursing (12 months) but with my second it started around 4-5 months. Hope that helps.

I had my baby on March 31 and got my period on October 24. I also breast fed exclusively and gave him found at the end of his fifth month. I think it’s different for everyone. When I called one of my girlfriends complaining that the monster has returned she was shocked it took so long.

My period returned with my son when he was 8 months old. I thought I wouldn't get it until I quit BFing as well, but just didn't work that way. My daughter is now 4 months old and I keep thinking I'm going to start earlier this time. Hope not as I love not having to deal with that.

Remember when your fertility returns, sometimes you ovulate first, then get your period... if yo don't get pregnant. I got pregnant several times with no periods in between the spacing being 18 months to 3 yrs. Total breastfeeding (meaning no suppliments, no solids, no pacifiers, and not sleeping through the night) usually delays (but does not guarantee) the return of fertility by about 6 months, more or less, so you are there, you can no longer depend on bfing as a contraceptive, but it still helps. Breastfeeding may cause irregular periods, may nurse enough one month to prevent ovulation and bleeding then the next month it doesn't. The best book for this situation was Sheila Kippley's, "Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing" The AAP also has an excellant book, "The New Mothers Guide to Breastfeeding"

Hi, I am also a stay at home mom of a 6 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. When I breast fed my daughter, I too got my period while nursing. I was told by my obgyn that all women are different. He stated that some women can get their period shortly after delivery, even while breastfeeding. While others can last the entire time breatfeedind and not get it. I guess we are two of the unlucky ones. I hope this helps.

E.,

I exclusively breastfed my daughter for the first 6 months before slowly introducing solids. She is now 9 1/2 months and still nursing 5 times a day. My period came back when she was 8 months. I've had friends who breastfed for a year and didn't get their periods until several months after they stopped nursing. I was anticipating this, so I was quite disappointed when I got mine so "early." But everyone is different; I don't think there is really a normal time.

A.

It totally depends on the person. I got my period back within 3 months, and I nursed my son for over a year. I've talked to dozens of women who have nursed and some get their period back, some don't. It all depends on the person. I hope that helps.

Normal. I have two children and breastfed both exclusively for 12 months each. My period returned both times at 6 months postpartum. Don't forget birth control so you have no surprises. L.

I exclusively breastfed my son until 6 weeks, then went back to work, but I continued to pump about every 3 hours during the day and then usually once in the middle of the night. But, I still got my period back when my son was about 5 months old. Then didn't have another until he was almost 7 months...still pumping on that schedule. My son is 11 months now, and only in the last 2 months have they started to become regular (just a lot more heavy - wow).

I know pumping isn't the same as breastfeeding, but I think mine would have started back regardless. A friend of mine just found out she was pregnant and her son is 10 months old. She exclusively breastfed him and didn't started solids until he was 6 or 7 months old. Her periods started back about the same time she started offering solids. So it does happen more than people think.

Usually, if you are exclusively breastfeeding you do not ovulate until AFTER your first period instead of before like non-nursing women. So now that you've had a period - unless you want to get pregnant again, I would look into your choice of birth control.

Everyone's different, not to worry.

You are not your mom, My mom cant figure out why I had two difficult births, according to her my brother & I just shot out in minutes.

Some people start ovulating only a few weeks after birth, some people take a year. I nursed my son exclusively for 6 months, I believe I started my cycle back when he was around 8 months - I was still nursing him (in addition to food) at least 4 or 5 times a day (and continued til he was 21 months & I was pregnant with his sister). My daughter was a much heartier baby & I started my cycle back after I think 5 or 6 months after having her.

If you have real concerns, just call your OB, that is what she is for! Your child's pediatrician will likely have answers for you as well. You probably see her more than your own Dr... am I right?

I think its as different as each pregnancy and each child's personality - and as difficult to guess what that will mean. My first I nursed on demand thru the night the first six months - two weeks after I gave him his first spoonful of food I started. I got pregnant with my daughter when my son was fifteen months
(nursed him til he was 18 months) so I'm glad it didn't stay away until I stopped or I wouldn't have her! I nursed her the same way as I did with him and my cycle started when she was 3 1/2 months.

When your period returns just varies so much person to person. A friend of mine started her period back a few weeks after delivery while exclusively breastfeeding her son. My daugher is 10 months, and gets table food 3 times a day, but my period still has not returned. I guess there's no real "normal" time for your period to return.

i got mine back 8 months after that and it was never regular after that. very annoying, but still didn't affect me from getting pregnant again 20 months after having my first child.

Hi E.,
I was breastfeeding my daughter till she was about 15 months and i didn't start my period till about 6 months later. Usually you will start when you stop nursing. Now some people are different. Every body is not the same as yours. I also nursed my son till he was nine months and i started my period about 6 months later. So i hope that helps you out. All it comes down to is how your body adjust to giving birth some have periods right away and others don't. Just depends on your body.

Hi E.~ I got my period back right at the 6 month mark. Everyone is different though. My friend got hers 1 month post delivery and she EBF her son throughout. Just be prepared and keep some protection in your purse!

Hello E.. I have nursed all of my four girls and I too got my period back before I stopped nursing. It was probably around 7 mos or so that I got mine. I also only fed solid food approx. one time a day too and breastfed exclusively. It was somewhat later with my last two b/c they are twins. So, you are not alone. I was not excited to get mine back so soon either....and remember....since your period is back then you are probably ovulating. I got prego with my twins when I was still nursing my second. Just something to think about.....

I am a mother of 6 with another due in September. I can tell you that, just as your OB/GYN will say, every woman and every pregnancy is different. With my first baby, she was a terrible nurser and I started my period one month after she was born. It wasn't just a reaccurance of the postnatal bleeding, it was the real-deal with cramps, etc. I was so disappointed because my mother said the same thing yours did!! But as I continued to have more beautiful children, I found the better the feeder, and more consistantly they nursed, the longer it was until my period started. The longest I have ever gone without a period was seven months. Just as you discribed, it seemed to be about the time they started eating food, whether just baby snacks or table food, that the 'monthly curse' would return.
Just try to take it in stride, but remember, another 'old wives tale' is that you can't get pregnant while you're breastfeeding. Not true. I got pregnant with my 3rd child when my 2nd was only six months old and breastfeeding steadily. So take care to protect yourself if you aren't ready to have another just yet!
Best regards!

Hey E.,

Yep, it sucks. I breastfed exclusively as well and I got mine back when my daughter turned 8 months. She really wasn't interested in food until about 13 months - so I was so shocked! It was sure a nice vacation. =)

I breastfeed my first (little or no food) for the first 9 mos. I got my period back about the time she turned 1.

My second, was a boy, supplimented with food within 6 wks. I still didnt get my period back till 1 or 2 mos after I stopped nursing.

I demand fed the entire time. Hope this helps!

I got mine back around the 6th or 7th month and it is normal. Everyone is different. The only problem I had with breastfeeding is that my milk supply dropped off close to the 8th month but I don't know if that is related. If that happens to you go to a health foods store and get Fenugreek. It is a natural supplement that works wonders!

I nursed as well and got mine when my daughter was 5 months. I don't think everyone is the same and it just depends on your own body.

Everyone is different. I got mine after only three and a half months. - Betsy

Honestly I think it just varies woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. I started back early (like at 6mon.) with one and went longer with the other. We'll see what happens with this one.

Honestly, it depends woman to woman. While breastfeeding makes you delay in getting your period back, it's not a guarantee. I didn't get my period back with my first until 5 months, my second was much sooner. It just means that your body's chemistry is sorting itself out. Sorry to say it, but that's just how it goes! Have a great weekend.

Same thing here. You are "normal" like all the rest of us :-)

It varies from woman to woman. With my son, it started back when he was almost 10 months old or so, but with my daughter, it was almost 4 months. I breastfed both until they were 11 months old. Breastfeeding has nothing to do with when it comes back except that it delays it a little longer than if you weren't breastfeeding. The good news is, at least with me, they aren't near as painful as they used to be before children.

E.,
I started my period 2 months after delivery and also am an exclusive breast feeder. My daughter is four months now. I have had two periods aprroximately 34 days apart, so I guess I am back in the normal routine already. YUCK! I talked to my doc about it and she said that some people will start back immediately even if they are only breastfeeding. I guess I was just one of those lucky ones ;)

Hi. I nursed my daughter for 11 months (weaned on her own) and my son for 14 months (would never have weaned if I hadn't forced it) and with both my period came back at the six month mark on then nose, but it does vary from woman to woman.

It's a myth! Nursing doesn't actually prevent ovulation or your period. Different bodies go through different adjustment periods. I do have friends who were either pregnant or nursing for years in a row and didn't have a period through it all (one friend for nearly five years!), but that's just the way her body was. I nursed all three kids for 11-12 months, and my period started during that time with one. The older I was, the later it started (with my oldest it was three months, my youngest nearly seven). So, there's nothing wrong - just your body adjusting more quickly.