My youngest is now 9mos old. I was exclusively breastfeeding her up until about 7mos old. At that point I started supplementing with formula as well, for multiple reasons. Well, in January I got my period back & it was longer & heavier than usual, lasting about 9 days. Well, here I am now, a week after I ,was due and still nothing. So, my question is...Is it normal to have irregularity while still breastfeeding?? With my other kids, I didn't get it back until after they were a year old & I was completely done nursing. I have always had a regular, timely cycle, so this is kind of new to me. But, so is having a period while nursing! I guess I'm just looking to you for some info on your experiences with this!
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I weaned my DD at 13 months and when I officially stopped my period didnt return until exactly one month after I stopped BF, which was 3 days ago. Its the first time I have had my period in 23 months and it is definitely heavier. I was pretty regular before my DD too and since this is my first one since I am not sure what to expect next month.
My period came back as soon as I weaned my son from his day time feedings at 12 months, even though he was still nursing twice a day. It was heavier at first and I wasn't regular for about 3 months, which was unusual for me. I usually get it every 29 days like clockwork. Once he stopped nursing completely it went right back to the way it was pre-baby, fairly light and as regular as clockwork.
Yep. I nursed both mine till 2.5 (although it wasn't but once or twice a day once they past like 18-20 months) and my periods never could make up it's mind. Sometimes it wouldn't happen and others it would be long or heavy. Just kind of part of the situation because the nursing releases those hormones into your system.
You can have a period while breastfeeding. Some women do not start menstruating until a year or more, some sooner than that. Yes, you can have irregular months and yes, your flow can be heavier or lighter than before having a baby. Your age can also have something to do with it. Your hormones make a huge impact on the flow (heavy/light) and the breastfeeding hormones will determine when it officially starts. Every woman is different. And each pregnancy makes the difference as well. Just don't buy into the myth that you won't get pregnant while breastfeeding. You can!
Every woman is different but what you are describing sounds completely normal especially in the first year of a new baby. If you keep missing your period or don't get back on track within another month or two check in with your OB/GYN.
