[Catmuse33]

I know it's not odd for your period not to return while breastfeeding.

What's strange to me about this one is that I'm experiencing changes in cervical mucus and also mood swings / cravings associated with a menstrual cycle... almost on a monthly basis for the past two or three months. Also -- for those of you in touch with your bodies you'll understand this -- a few times I've *felt* like I was ovulating.

I'm thinking of getting an ovulation predictor kit to find out. And also, of course, ask my midwife about it, but I figured I'd come here first and pick the brains (eww, what a lovely expression) of the experts.

To make it even stranger, my period returned ONCE 6 weeks post partum but never again. At the time, I was supplementing with formula on my (former) pediatricians advice. Now she's EBF except for solid food but is still nursing so much... the solid food is in addition to breastmilk, not instead of.

We'd like to start TTC in the fall, but if we can't, I'm okay with that, too. Mostly I'd like to know because I'm spending a lot of money on pregnancy tests every few weeks. LOL

Ideas?

[Kadi]

Here is the thing about nursing and periods...you cannot rely on nursing to stop ovulation. I know that "feeling" you have on occasion and it should not be ignored, even if you do not shed. Take a blood test for your HCG levels just to be sure and use birth control!!

[Catmuse33]

Kadi
Glad to know I'm not crazy re: the "feeling." I think in all likelihood I will pick up an ovulation predictor kit and use it next time I get the feeling. I didn't think it was possible to ovulate and not have a period but as of last pregnancy test I'm not pregnant. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if I was, so no intention to use birth control.

[journeybirth]

I never got a period back after Henry lol. Instead, meet Caroline. Now, I'd pay a LOT of attention to that feeling, b/c I don't want more kids right now lol. Good luck to you!

[KariewithaK]

Catmuse33, I too had a period after my twins at six weeks while BF and then finally returned when I stopped BF. As Kadi said, never count on the breast feeding as your birth control. At this point since you are so far post partum talk to your OBGYN about birth control or other options if you aren't quite ready for another. Or if you are....LOL...Go FOR IT!!