Encouraging period to return while breastfeeding?

[HeresANewNameForToday]

I'm breastfeeding my 18mo, but we'd like to start trying for #2.

He feeds 2 - 4 times overnight, and at 7am and 6pm. Not at all in the day, really. I'd prefer not to wean him for this, and to let him slowly wean himself as he has so far. DH does go to him overnight, and he'll settle for him again until midnight or so, but after that, he wakes up and wants to feed to resettle.

Is there anything I can do to encourage my period to return? I've been using ovulation sticks this month, but so far, nothing...

Everyone is different but mine didn’t return until we dropped overnight feeds at 12 months. In order to drop them we increased the size of his last meal of the day so that he stays full overnight. We always gave oats or banana as a pudding too initially because they encourage good sleep apparently (it might be total rubbish but it worked, I think we only had a couple of nights transition before he was sleeping through).

good luck!

Hi, I had the same issue and a very similar feeding pattern. Unfortunately mine just did not return until I fully weaned at 22 months. Was getting period type pains etc but nothing. The month he fully weaned they immediately returned and 3 cycles later I got pregnant (unfortunately a MMC but still, shows it can all get going again quite quickly)

Hi OP,

In a similar boat to you now. Has your cycle returned yet? If so, did you do anything differently to help get it back? Thanks!

I started mine by dropping a few feeds suddenly and my period came straight back. Used b6 to regulate hormones as ended up with a short luteal phase while breastfeeding. Managed to conceive while breastfeeding and fed till 20 weeks

Thanks @MrBigsCat - that's good to know! I think I will try to drop the night feeds first (or at least the ones before 4am...!) and see if that helps as that should be quite a sudden big change.

I did a few during the day and that worked for me. Get ready for some irregular and late ovulation cycles though.

Have a look at Dr Jay Gordon's gentle weaning method.

@Allthingspeaches - just had a look. Looks like a good method, thanks!