Ghost periods?

[bluespot]

Asked this on another thread but thought it might be better to start a new one.

DD was weaned off the breast 2 months ago after 12m BF. Didn't get a period (or indeed any hint of one) during that whole time.

About 2 weeks after we dropped the last feed, I had clear O pains, and then some vv light spotting two weeks after that.

This last month I thought I had O pains, but no period has arrived (not pregnant). I had cramping, was emotional, bloaty etc, just like pre-period but nothing.

I seem to remember reading somewhere about getting 'ghost' periods after breastfeeding before your real periods come back: where you get all the signs of a normal cycle but no actual bleeding.

Did anyone experience this? How long did it go on for? We'd like to try for #2 at some point in the NY, but I obviously need my cycles back first!!

Thanks

believe me you don't need your cycles back before having another child

I realise that you can get pregnant without getting a period, but it's pretty unlikely we'd be that good with our timing...;)

I was more curious about what other people experienced before they ovulated again: what to watch out for as signs of returning fertility.

My periods returned both times at around 18 months and before that I had ghost periods for 2 or 3 months. Agree with Mrs rhat you don't need your cycle back to conceive!

There is some information on breastfeeding and fertility www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html.

Thanks for the link - will take a look.

Nice to know that I'm not going crazy :)

Im really surprised to hear how long it seems to take periods to come back. My 7 wk old is EBF and i seem to be getting on& off periods...a day or so of bleeding here and there. I thought this was maybe normal??

Don't know sorry Geo, hopefully someone will be along soon who does know. Did you mention it at your 6 week check and what did they say?

I didnt mention it because I thought it was probably what was supposed to happen! I'll be going to a bf clinic next week so I might mention it there.
Thanks

Geo - that could probably be the end of your lochia rather than a period. Mention it definitely and see what they say.

From my research some women are fertile again v quickly, but it can take months (sometimes years if bf for a longer time) for others...