Periods returned, still breastfeeding - normal?

[gerbo]

Was wondering if the fact that my periods have returned (as of yesterday) accompanied by mild period pains, is normal, as I am still bf my 9 month old dd?

I have reduced her milk feeds to 3 a day, so my milk supply has reduced quite a lot (no more full boobs in the morning, etc.) Is my body winding down with the milk altogether?

Was thinking of introducing bottles anyway and cutting back on the bf altogether, but just want to check my supply isn't about to disappear suddenly, as we're in the middle of moving! (Not good timing!)

Any similar experiences?

My friend exclusively breastfed for about 9 months, but her periods returned after about 3 months and she was still feeding at night etc then. As far as I am aware it is perfectly normal, esp after 9 months.

My periods returned very early even though I was exclusively breastfeeding, after about two/three months, so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Mine came back while still exclusively feeding. Everybody is different.

I breastfed DD2 for 2 1/2 years and my periods returned when she was exactley 6 months old.

Still feeding at 16 months & my periods came back at 7 months (just after dd started to take solids)

Hi gerbo-yep absolutely normal-but what timing with the move and all that!!. I breast fed both of mine for 16 mths each and mine returned at 4 months. But it is not a sign that your ability to produce milk is winding down, just that your hormones are falling to certain levels at certain times and allowing ovulation to occur-so watch out if you don't want another pregnancy just yet.By the way mine coped really well with a beaker and sometimes a straw at nine months-have you thought about that rather than faffing with bottles?

Mine came back at 8 mths with DS1 and I was still night feeding too. I carried on until he was 13 mths so don't worry about supply as others have said it will be fine.

I have exclusivly bf 3 dc and my AF has returned exactly 4 weeks after each birth.

You lucky thing not having AF for soooo long

Yup - normal. Mine came back after 4 weeks each time and full on too (none of this light period business.) Ho hum.

I make myself better by telling myself it just means I'm superfertile!

mine came back at around nine months.... as normal after the first two. I bf day/night as well.

yes, mine came back at 9 months each time (4 times) even though I breastfed alot longer than that.

Thanks for all your helpful responses - I love Mumsnet!

xmidwifekay - when you say try a beaker rather than faffing with bottles, do you mean a sippy cup with a lid and spout like the Tommy Tippee one? Or a cup like the Doidy? Would you give formula in that??