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General health

First period after baby

19 replies

larlemucker · 08/09/2013 20:01

DS is now 8 months old, I am still breast feeding but as I am back at work I don't feed during the day for 4 days a week.
Before I got pregnant my periods were very irregular, ranging from 28-43 day cycles.

Is it normal that I haven't started my periods again yet? I'm getting increasingly worried that I'll come on at work and mess up my clothes (I'm a teacher and live 45 mins from work)

OP posts:

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Hamwidgeandcheps · 08/09/2013 20:02

I'm not site but I'm in the same situation with dd2 who is 10 months. Dd1 was end also but they turned up on the dot at 6 months

PicnicPie · 08/09/2013 20:18

I'm BF my DD who is 8 months. My period came back at 6 months which i wasnt surpirsed with because i was deeding less, esp through the night. At first it was a 28 day cycle and has since been irregular. So no sure what's going on. But before it returned I had the typical pre period symptoms that I had before, achy legs and mildly cramping so I knew it was coming.

How often do you feed during the night? Apparently that has something to do with it, I think?

larlemucker · 08/09/2013 20:26

I feed to sleep about 7-8, then he normally wakes about 10 so feed again. Then between 2-3am and about 5am. Feed at 7 am before I leave for work then his next bf is about 5pm.

We have DTD only a couple of times since DS came along (he is a terrible sleeper!) but have used condoms.

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SalagadooLamagicaboo · 08/09/2013 20:33

Still bf dd who will be 2 next month and they haven't returned yet

PicnicPie · 08/09/2013 20:36

Maybe the frequent night feeds are preventing your periods from returning.

Blasted periods. They are a nightmare. I really liked being on the pill just so that I knew when the dreaded week would be approaching.

Maybe you could check in with your GP for some advice. I've just read lots on MN and other websites that once the night feedings are reduce you're period is likely to retun. But everyone is different and I could be wrong as some women don't have a period for the whole time the are nursing.

kalidasa · 08/09/2013 21:00

Mine came back very quickly, at three or four months, even though I was breast feeding. But he's 9.5 months now and most of my NCT friends are only just starting or haven't yet so I think it's normal. My mum says she conceived twice while still bfeeding so perhaps it's a genetic thing? Can you ask your mum or any sisters for their experience?

larlemucker · 09/09/2013 00:42

Can't ask for any family advice, my mum passed away 5 years ago and I only have a half sister. My nana and auntie didn't bf.

Had a look on Kellymom and that also says it can be the night feeds and average return is 14.6 months!! I don't particularly want my periods back its just the not knowing when its coming that's annoying me!

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littleoaktree · 09/09/2013 01:04

I've just had mine back after ds2 and he's 16mo, he's recently cut down the bf so it's now prob 2-4 times in 24 hours (from every couple of hours a cpuple of months ago) I'm on the mini pill and have been since he was 6wks old and there was no warning for the period but it was v light.

I think everyone's different which unfortunately doesn't help you.

confuddledDOTcom · 09/09/2013 03:46

whatever you get is normal for you. you probably won't get a cycle back, just when it feels like it. I usually start about 2 months apart then get closer until it's back to normal (and get pregnant again).

kalidasa · 09/09/2013 13:41

Sorry about your Mum larle. If you do a bit of reading about your signs of fertility (look up 'fertility awareness method' or the book 'taking charge of your fertility') you may be able to spot when you ovulate, which will give you a couple of weeks' warning (as ovulation is usually 10-16 days before the period, though the timings can be a bit funny when you are just starting up again). I knew my period was going to come back because I spotted the signs of ovulation.

monikar · 09/09/2013 16:32

After I had DD my cycle was unreliable and if I left the house for anything at all, I would put a pad on just to be sure. It was a bit of a pain, but the alternative would have been worse. Also, I am thinking that if you teach you can't just nip to the loo when you need to and leave a room full of students, so this may at least give you that reassurance.

larlemucker · 09/09/2013 19:45

I was thinking of doing that monikar, just not sure how hygienic it is to wear pads all day?

Kalidasa, I read taking charge of your fertility a couple of years ago. In fact that's how I got pregnant!! Can I ovulate while breast feeding then?

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milkwagon · 09/09/2013 19:52

My mum passed away when I was a lot younger and really wanted her around when I had DD (now 13mth) - there was soooo much I wanted to ask her so I really understand what it's like. My periods came back 2 weeks after I stopped BF - the same week I went back to work at 6.5mths. My pattern was and still is a bit all over the place. I use panty liners which make be feel more secure in case of any accidents. I also keep a spare pair of knickers/wipes, etc in a little toiletry bag with my other bits and bobs. But I do have a locker at work which helps.

milkwagon · 09/09/2013 19:54

(I use ovulation POS that I bought from amazon. Really very, very good and accurate IME)

larlemucker · 09/09/2013 22:11

Same here milkwagon, so much I wanted to ask her and get help with.

Thinking the bag with spare bits in is a good idea, thanks for the tip. That and panty liners/pads for peace of mind.

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confuddledDOTcom · 09/09/2013 23:34

You can get ovulate when breastfeeding - I recently stopped at 7 years and 4 babies! I haven't triandemed but I tandemed the first and then they all stopped for the next.

I find a mooncup works wonders for unexpected periods, doesn't take up much room and you only need one.

sleepyhead · 09/09/2013 23:51

Ds2 is 5 months and has been sleeping 12 hours at night since 10 weeks, so I presumed periods would soon follow but nothing so far.

The last couple of months though I've had mild period type symptoms (spots, cramping, the odd migraine) at about the right time though so I suspect I'm probably ovulating.

I didn't get them back until 13 months last time, and I was back to work before then. Cutting down to 1 feed a day seemed to finally trigger it.

EsmereldaBelle · 09/09/2013 23:57

Make sure you keep a little supply of pads/tampons (and baby wipes to clean up any mess) at work in a locker or drawer x

kalidasa · 10/09/2013 10:10

You definitely can ovulate while breastfeeding. It seems a few women will start ovulating even while breastfeeding fully or nearly fully, most will start at some point as they cut down, and some won't begin again until they have completely stopped.

Only plus for me is that my previously very painful periods are less painful since having a baby, despite having a copper coil now which is supposed to make them worse.

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