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Offline Jenifer

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BF and Menstrual Cycle
« on: September 28, 2006, 13:31:12 pm »
I have been getting menstrual cramps for a few days now.  Could my period be returning?  I thought as long as you BF your period is suppressed? 

I exclusively BF - however, my daughter has been fussy at feeding time for almost 3 weeks now.  Could she be possibly taking in less and my body thinks I'm weaning?

My nipples are also very tender - I thought this was because of her fussing at feeds (on and off, tugging, biting, etc.) .. could this be a sign that my period is coming too?  (Sorry if thats TMI.)



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DD - March 2006

Offline daniellechiasson

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Re: BF and Menstrual Cycle
« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2006, 13:49:49 pm »
It is completely normal to get your period when you are BFing. I think on average, from what I have read, most people get it back around 4 months. I count myself lucky that I didn't get mine until 8  months. My DD is 10 months and I have had no troubles continuing to BF even when AF is visiting. For me the signs of AF's arrival were the same after birth as they were pre-pregnancy, that is likely to vary by person. It could very well be that your nipples are sensitive because it's coming.

HTH

Danielle
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Offline Jenifer

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Re: BF and Menstrual Cycle
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2006, 14:43:17 pm »
Danielle, thanks for the quick reply.

Does your daughter get fussy at the breast around that time too? - or are there no BF changes for her?

I've never had sensitive nipples related to AF, so this is new.   ::)
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DD - March 2006

Offline daniellechiasson

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Re: BF and Menstrual Cycle
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2006, 14:53:19 pm »
Hi Jenifer,

Yes, she started feeding about 3 minutes a side!! I was freaking out but she seemed happy so she must have been getting enough, IYKWIM. Even now, she eats and wants down, there is no waiting for mommy to get organized, 'just let me down now!!'.

I know it's hard when you are BFing and you really can't see how much they are getting. For myself I had to gain some confidence, relax a bit and learn to read my DD better. It will come, follow her lead, her little body knows what it needs :)

Danielle

ps - where are you in Ontario?
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Offline Lilah'sMommy

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Re: BF and Menstrual Cycle
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2006, 15:45:22 pm »
FWIW, I felt like I was about to get my period on and off from when DD was 9 months up until I actually did at 13.5 months.  Though I didn't ever notice any feeding differences, even after I did finally get my period back.

4 months is pretty early for your first post-partum period if you're exclusively breastfeeding, but not unheard of.  Somewhere between 6-12 months is more typical.  Often introducing solids is the point at which your body figures it can let the hormone levels go back to normal.  But every woman is different, with a range of 3 months up to after weaning being "normal".
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Offline Harvey and Theos Mam

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Re: BF and Menstrual Cycle
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2006, 15:52:52 pm »
Got mine at 8 months this time too.

I had them at 5 months with Harvey, but i olnly bf for 4 1/2 months.
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Offline RachelC

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Re: BF and Menstrual Cycle
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2006, 16:04:32 pm »
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Proud to have breastfed for a combined total of 35 months

Offline Jenifer

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Re: BF and Menstrual Cycle
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2006, 19:26:32 pm »
Thanks for all the info.  (I did a search but didn't find that thread in the FAQ's section.)
I guess I'm lucky for almost 6 months (and counting) without a period.  If it does end up coming back, I guess I'm well within normal. 
Thanks again.
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DD - March 2006
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