Period After Pregnancy

My mom was told, back in the day, that you couldn't get pregnant while breastfeeding. She found out she was pregnant a few months after giving birth (and no period started beforehand). So, she learned the hard way that, though the odds are against it, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding even when you don't have a period. When it comes to getting a period while exclusively breastfeeding, it isn't a high percentage, but it does happen. Every woman is different.

While it is less likely, you can absolutely get pregnant while breastfeeding full time. However, when you drop the amount of feedings (starting solids, etc.) the hormone change can make it easier for you to conceive..2 of mine are 16 mos apart:) As far as getting a period, it is different for everyone. I have been lucky enough to not get it until I stopped bfeeding...other get it like 2-3 mos postpartum.

Two of my kids are 14 months apart! Yes, you can get pregnant while breast feeding exclusively!!!

And even on the mini pill, while breastfeeding.

YES! I started my period when my first son was 3 months old. It was pretty regular. I got pregnant with my 2nd son when my first son was only 8 months old (I was still breastfeeding 100% of the time). After my 2nd son was born, I started my regular period when he was 2 months old.

I didn't get mine so soon, but it is normal (certainly not fair!). I've known women, also exclusively breastfeeding, that never skip anything. You can also expect that it could be irregular for some time.

However, all hope is not lost, I had a little spotting about 4 months after my daughter was born and thought my vacation was over...but didn't end up getting a period until the month after her first birthday. I went back to work when she was 10 weeks, so I managed to go without while pumping (a lot) and breastfeeding when together--I was even taking an occasional business trip during that year.

I hope you're just spotting. It is a break every mother deserves!

C.,
I breastfed all three of mine and started my period within 3 months of each. I think you're fine, but check with your doctor if you're worried.
D.

Hi C.,

With both of my children I started my period 6 mo after giving birth, even while breast feeding full time. There are no guarantees of how long you will be without a period!! My sil was the same with hers. I felt like maybe it was becasue we had started food, therefore a little less milk. But like I said, there are no guarantees. Have fun with your new baby!!!

I got my period 3 months after my first was born, my sister didn't get hers for a whole year, everyone is different. i also got pregnant exactly one month after my son was born, before i even got a period at all, i thought i would be ok since i was breastfeeding but apparently not. the ultrasound tech sure was surprised to see M. again so soon!

With my first baby (and exclusive breastfeeding), I got my first period when he was just 4 months old. It wasn't regular after that--I would often skip a month or two--but that was when I got my first one. You can imagine how thrilled I was when I didn't have a period for a full year with my next two!

I'm afraid I did the same thing. I had periods, despite exclusively breast feeding, within a few months after giving birth. Unfair! I was told that it was normal (3 times).

It's rare but possible to get your period shortly after birth and while breast feeding. I got my period within 6 weeks after delivery. The bleeding from the birth had stopped for a day and then I began bleeding again. I thought something was wrong and it turned out to be my period. Yes I was also breast feeding and pumping. So yes you could get pregnant while breast feeding.

Hi C., my friend was breastfeeding her newborn and never got her period but got pregnant. Her second baby was born on the same date as the first baby. She was ovulating and would have had a period, but was shocked to have gotten pregnant so quickly. I didnt have a period for 18mo, other moms have one right after even though breastfeeding. HTH. C.

After my son was born I got my period after 3 months, and with my daughter it has been 2 months. :( It sucks but there is nothing wrong with you. We are just among the unlucky few who don't get that perticular benifit from breastfeeding.

Yes you can get your period when breastfeeding. I had a light one sporadically while breast feeding. Mine finally came normal after I stopped breast feeding. When you get a period while breast feeding you might produce less milk, just keep feeding.

Yes you can get pregnant while breast feeding. My co-worker knows that the hard way. She got pregnant 6 weeks after having her first and she was breast feeding. DO NOT rely on breast feeding as birth control unless you are 100% sure you are ready for another baby.

i think mine started around 5 or 6 months old and i was exclusively breastfeeding also. i wasn't one of the lucky ones who went over a year without a period. maybe this next time :o)

I never got my period until around 6 months with most of my kids.....However, with my second son I never had one-I learned when he was 4 months old-I was pregnant with our first daughter. Just a warning in case your not ready again....

Hi C.,

I recently had a baby in April and also breastfeeding exclusively. I did not get my period until last week. The Dr. told M. once I stop breastfeeding threw the night I will get my period and she was correct. Everybody is different talk to your Dr... HOpe this helps....

Yep. All 3 kids. 1st kid--breastfeeding exclusively and got period at 8 weeks. 2nd and 3rd kid same exclusive feeding but got period at 11 weeks. Thought with my first two that the fact that I went back to work (I was pumping) and they started sleeping through the night contributed. However, 3rd kid I have not gone to work and he still wakes up at night to feed. Still got period 2 weeks ago (he is 3 months). So, it happens. A small percentage of women get their periods while nursing exclusively. My milk supply drops significantly while I have my period. I had to stop nursing my older two b/c I didn't make enough milk. However, this time around I am really dedicated to working through it. I just feed more (every 1-2 hours) when I am on my period. My milk came back strong after my period was over. So, I am hopeful. I got pregnant with my second child when my first was 8 months old, but I had stopped nursing for about 4-5 months at that point. My doc told M. this time around that I could get on the NuvaRing even while I am nursing, but I am hesitant to do so. I want to nurse as long as possible. If I get another period, i think I might get on it, just to be sure to prevent another pregnancy! Good luck!

I have 4 children. With my first 3, I started my period 3-4 months after they were born. I was nursing exclusively with all of them. But, the periods weren't very predictable.

I BF exclusively for 4 mos, then my kids started solids and they were still BF after that. With each one, I didn't have a period for about 9 months. Everyone is different.

I exclusively breastfed my baby (born June 2008) and got pregnant 5 months later. I'm now expecting my 2nd child in 3 weeks. I started my period 3 months after my 1st baby arrived. I was really surprised to get pregnant so soon...especially since I'm 40yo.

Congrats on your new addition!

I breastfed both of my babies exclusivley too and started my period a LOT sooner after my second baby. With the first baby, I got my first period when she was about 8 mos. old. With my second born, I got my period about 8 weeks after he was born. I thought that seemed really soon too, esp. since I was breastfeeding, but I called the doctor and they said that was normal. Not sure of the exact reason, but maybe your body just readjusts more quickly after your second baby.

I think every women's body is different. And I wouldn't be surprised by something like getting your period too early. I got mine about 2 months after having my daughter. The first one was a little short (days) but then they got regular after that. It was perfectly normal for M. I guess. I wouldn't fret about that.

As for not being able to get pregnant while breast feeding. I'm not a doctor but I will say I believe its pure myth. And so would my best friend who is due in September who was 4 months pregnant before she found out because she hadn't had her period yet AND was breast feeding her daughter. The kids will be 11 months apart in age.

On the flip side, I'll say it again, all women are different. I also know a mom who has 5 kids and who has never used birth control a day in her life. You may say, "well that's why she has five kids", but each one was planned and so was the timing between them. She swears she uses breast feeding as her means of birth control. She breast fed one till they were ready to have the next.

Who knows what is correct really but I think the only way to make sure you don't have another kiddo unexpectedly is to find a birth control method thats right for you now. I was able to go back on the pill shortly after having my daughter. That was what was right for M..

Good luck!
J.
http://www.mommysjoy.com

I started having my period 5-6 months after giving birth. I had been breastfeeding or pumping every 6 hours or less and one night, my husband got up with the baby and I slept through the whole night for the first time since the delivery and my period started that month. It's like "it" knows.

2 of my babies I breastfed exclusively until conceiving the next child and losing my breastmilk. As for M., I started having a cycle again as soon as breastfeeding slowed down, when they were about 3.5-4 months old. I think you are just fine and your body is perfectly normal.

I got mine 5 months. I've heard that if the baby goes longer then three hours without breastfeeding (or you pumping) it activates your period. This happened when my daughter turned five months and started sleeping longer at night.