Hi Ladies,
I gave birth to my first baby 10 months ago. It was a very normal vaginal delivery, though I had a 4th degree tear. I've been breastfeeding and was exclusive with it for the first 8 months or so, as it took my baby a while to really like solid foods. I'm still breastfeeding quite a bit, as my baby only eats solids a couple of times a day.
My periods started up 3 months after he was born. Around the 4th or 5th month, my period was 2 weeks late. While I was awaiting its arrival during those 2 weeks, pregnancy tests came up negative. Now, I'm 2 weeks late again, pregnancy tests are negative, and I've had spotting every few days, though no actual flow. (I'm definitely not trying to get pregnant, but the late periods always made me wonder, of course.)
Has this happened to anyone else? Did your body take a while to get back to normal as far as cycles go? I'm just wondering if it's something I should worry about at this point. Pre-pregnancy, I was usually quite regular at 28 days or so. Thanks!
periods can be different after children sometimes if regular they become not reegular, if not regular become regular sometimes cramps before and none after or the other way around
good luck Paula
I nursed my daughter until she was one, my period started shortly after that and it took a couple of years to get back to normal. Normal being around 28 days, I too had the 2 weeks late and took the pregnancy test, etc. I now find that one month it will be heavy and the next month will be normal. I did find that after my daughter (my third baby) that my period is shorter than before I had her. Don't fret, it sounds normal and you will get back on track. And if your still worried, call your dr. and speak with a phone nurse and they can walk you through what is normal and what isn't. Congrats on your baby, children are precious!
Take care,
T.
I was perfectly regular and predictable until after kids. With each child, my cycle has gotten a little more screwed up. It never went back to normal for me.
Breastfeeding can delay ovulation. Some people don't get their period back for more than a year after their baby was born if they are still breastfeeding (I wasn't one of those). You won't have a period until approx. 2 weeks after you ovulate--if you ovulate late, you'll get your period late too. It's normal, but please, PLEASE keep up with your birth control method at all times or you might get pregnant accidentally thinking that its too late in your cycle to be fertile.
My cycles were totally messed up after both of my children. With my 2nd baby, I got my period every other week for a while. I went back on my old birth control pill when she was about 15 months old (and almost totally weaned) to try and regulate things a bit. After being on the pill for 6 weeks, I got (suprise!!!) pregnant with my 3rd. I'm due in September.
If you are concerned, call your doc and at least let them know what is going on. They may want to do a follow up check and make sure everything is "normal."
Good luck
My cycles were normal after I gave up the breast feeding.
You too? I was wondering the same thing! I breast-fed exclusively for about 6 months, & still nurse a LOT (he's almost 9 months now, still getting used to food), got my period back after 2 months, and it's been weird - irregular, extra-heavy. On the up side, less crampy than it used to be (so far, anyway - fingers crossed!)
Yup, it all sounds pretty normal to me. My cycle didn't actually come back for 12 months and when it did it was on a totally different schedule then before. It might take another several months or until your child completely weans to get your period back to normal. Good job on the breast feeding, it's so important. :)
I've had my period back for 6-7 months, and it still hasn't regulated itself. I'm sure the breastfeeding is the biggest reason since it causes different levels of hormones in our bodies. I've resigned myself to irregularity (30-42 days between cycles) until he's weaned, which may still be a while.
It is really normal. After the birth of my children, and now that I have stopped taking the pill. Any major hormonal change can cause our bodies to need time to re-regulate. Even weight loss or gain can have effects on your cycle. Hang in there, a few months after you stop breast feeding things should get back to normal, although it may be a new normal. :)
