I had my second daughter in October. I stopped breastfeeding in mid-november. I have yet to start my period. Should I be worried? We have been sexually active without protection twice. I have not had my period in almost a year. When should you expect another period postpartum? Would you take a test? Or just wait it out?
I waited and waited until my husband could not wait anymore. He bought the test, after my 3 year old started talking about her "brother"! I took the first of three and .........POSITIVE! I'm not too sure on how I feel. I asked my doctor for birth control and he said since I was breastfeeding at the time, he wouldn't advise it. Then I found out about birth control for breastfeeding moms. TOO late! How should I feel? I feel bad for my 2 month old, she would even be a year before a new baby comes to "steal the spotlight"! But, who wouldn't be happy about a baby! I'm mixed....HELP!
It always takes me a couple of months after I quit breastfeeding to get my period back. However, if you think you might be, it never hurts to take a pregnancy test.
I didn't have one for four months but I am still breastfeeding. If I were you I would just take a test to ease your mind. Why think about it every day when you can take a test and get it over with!:)
Usually 1st period is about 6 weeks after birth BUT---- breast feeding can alter that. Take a test and know for sure.
p.s. I am an RN with lots of OB experience.
You can get pregnant while you nurse even if you don't have your period. ( I know several women who thought they were 'safe' while nursing) Why not take the test and either get some relief from stressing about it because stress could cause your cycle not to start or you can start preparing for whatever the test is.
I got pregnant 3 months post partum with my youngest when with 2 of my other children, we had to put forth quite an effort to get pregnant 6 and 4 YEARS post partum! I have definitely learned I am not in control LOL!
I hope things turn out whichever way is best for your family!
Good luck!
I would test.Breastfeeding only partially protects you from pregnancy if the baby is exclusivley fed, meaning about every 2-3 hours. So, if you stopped nursing in November your fertility could have very well returned by now. Depending on when in November, you may not have been ready to start your period this time in December, but you are really cutting it close!
To be safe, you should probably go ahead and test for pregnancy.
Let me know how it turns out!
It can take up to six months to get your period after pregnancy. If you are that concerned though, just take a test to ease your mind a little.
I would take a test just to ease my mind, but it's not uncommon to go a while w/out having a period.
I nursed my daughter for 10 months, but my period didn't start again until around 7 months post-partum. I'm not sure if it was because of the nursing or if that is just normal. I guess it can't hurt to take a test, but I would think if you just stopped nursing in November, then you may just not be getting one yet. I wish I could tell you for sure! I guess I would be nervous too, but I really feel like it's too soon after quitting nursing for you to have gotten your period yet. Try Web-MD or something along those lines and see what they have to say about it. Good luck!
I nursed for a year (my daughter was born June 2006), so I stopped June of this year. I didn't get my period until a couple weeks ago! I am on the progesterone only pill, so that may have had something to do with it. But, I was definitely paranoid and used several pregnancy tests during those non-period months. Seeing the negative results certainly eased my mind, so test yourself and then you can stop worrying. I posted a similar question, and everyone said that each woman is different.
LIke everyone else said, everyone is different. I started my period before me post partum checkup with my first two. They were NICU babies so they were bottlefed. I never used protection and I got pregnant when my first was 5 months and when my second was 6 months.
When my third was born I nursed her for 14 months and didn't get my period until she was 11 months old. I got pregnant at about 13 months (which is why she was weaned.) I took a few tests, by the way, but knew right away when I actually did get pregnant.
My fourth is 9 months old and I haven't started yet (She's breastfeeding too.) I have taken several tests but all negative.
If you are pregnant, don't worry about it. I loved having my girls close together!
S., mom to four girls ages 4 and under
When my daughter was 4 months old, I was still nursing her full time, had NOT had a period yet, and I got pregnant with my son after one unprotected act.....It can happen!!
Good luck with that!!
Hello. It's not uncommon for your first period to be a little slow. It can be 2-3 months. However, since you are having unprotected sex I would suggest taking a test at the end of the month if you haven't started by then. Better to know then not. HTH. Good luck!
M.
Hi D.--first period while breastfeeding is not predictable. Some women never have a period, others start around 2 months. Having sex without protection can always result in pregnancy--breastfeeding or not. Do a pregnancy test after 10 days from unprotected sex to be reasonably sure you are not pregnant, and use condom, foam, film--whatever, until you can get with your provider to decide what contraception is best for you!
Kathy
Take a test! You can get an off-brand at walmart for about $3. You would want to know for sure!
I think you should take a test... I always assumed I couldn't get pregnant during postpartum... Oh how I was wrong, I got pregnant a month n a half after my son was born! First try even! (my husband just go out of basic) It's always best not to just assume, that was the lesson I learned. Good luck to you!
Typically about six weeks is when a period comes. I am sure there is NO answer that is EXACT here as every woman is different. Some women have periods while nursing. Some get pregnant while nursing. You just NEVER know.
I'd say take an HPT or talk to your doc.
Good luck.
E.
Periods serve the body a very important function by riding the body of the uterine lining build up. If you do not have periods at least 3-4 times per year there is an increased chance of getting uterine cancer. Talk with your dr. take a prego test (they are cheep nowdays) and see what the dr says. I have poly sistic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and I use natural progestrone cream for 1-2 weeks out of the month to start a period. I like the brand FEMGEST I get it at Whole foods. Good luck,..- A. J
Take a test! I quit nursing my son at 6 months, had one protected sex with my husband, ONE TIME after that, and was pregnant when my son was 7 months. After my daughter was born, I had an IUD put in, and had it for a year, got it out, immediately got pregnant. I have not had a period since May of 04. It is very possible to get pregnant (twice for me) without having a period!!!
After both of my girls, I got my first period shortly after the 6 weeks of healing time. If I were you, I would definitely take a pregnancy test.
I breast fed my daughter for 14 mos but began weaning by limiting the feedings to only at night and I noticed some spotting but when I quit all together there was my period about a few weeks later, so if I was you if you don't start soon take a test girl but I heard some people take time starting their cycle.
