Periods and breast feeding.

[MissingMyMarbles]

Been bf for 16 months and periods have not returned. Not really composing about this, however we will be stopping bf soon for various reasons, and I wondered what other peoples experiences were. I'm 34 and would like to have a third DC (not before DD2 is 3 or 4, ideally, so plenty of time) but it's unlikely unless I start menstruating again They came back when DD1 was 10 months, first time round (I was still feeding but I was only 26 then though; don't know if that's even relevant).
Do you reckon they'll come back when I stop completely this time?
What have other peoples' cycles done?
Thanks

[bundaberg]

are you still feeding at night? sometimes that seems to be the key, and just cutting night time nursing out can do the trick.

[Faerieinatoadstool]

Mine came back when I started weaning (24yo) but my mum went straight into a prolonged menopause when she finished bf me (38yo) but that is very unusual. I know a few mum who have given birth twice whilst in their 40s so you should be fine, you just have to wait for your hormones to re balance

[MissingMyMarbles]

Thanks.
That's interesting, Bunda. We have just cut the night feeds this week, so I guess we'll see.
I hope it's not the menopause, Faerie
I do feel like I have a cycle, inasmuch as I have been getting mild period pains roughly monthly for about 6 months now - enough to make me think, this is it, but then it never amounts to anything.
Hmmm

[Rhododendron]

Kelly Mom (great website) has lots on this: kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility/

Summary: if you're doing lots of breastfeeding, 16 months without periods is perfectly normal; for 8% of mothers it takes longer than two years. The more suddenly you reduce bf, the more likely your periods are to come back.

[Jiltedjohnsjulie]

Mine came back both times at 18 months. They had both moved into their own room at around 14 months and the night feeds hadn't stopped completely but were much less.

[MissingMyMarbles]

I read that article too, Rhododendron, after I'd posted. Was particularly interested in the bit about having a cycle without periods.
I shall just have to wait it out a bit longer.
Thanks all