When Do I Get My Period Again?

It totally varies. I got mine after 6 weeks with my first child and after 13 months with my second. I know others with similar widely varying experiences. Be grateful it hasn't come! :)

Many moms find that their period does not return while they are breastfeeding exclusively, or even after their baby starts solid food. I did not get my period for 18 months with my first and 20 months with my second. I loved this! But the question is do you WANT to have your period back (i.e. are you trying to conceive)? You may, of course, be ovulating even without visible signs of your period (as any midwife/doctor will warn you that breastfeeding is not birth control).
Regarding your baby's slower weight gain, this seems an entirely separate concern for you. I would stress that all babies are different and gain weight at different paces. It may be reassuring to you, however, to visit with a lactation consultant or attend a La Leche League meeting to find breastfeeding support and answer other questions or concerns you may have. I don't know if you are in Portland, but Zenana Spa in SE has a weekly Monday breastfeeding support meeting and you can check out LLL's website for monthly series meetings in your area.

You'll get it again when your body is ready. I didn't get mine until my first son's first birthday. I just got mine again after the birth of my second son over nine months ago. That's how it goes for some women, especially if you breastfeed. Way to go mama! Enjoy it while it lasts!

I just got done having my forth child and i only got to breast feed for a few weeks but during that time niether did i have my period . it has taken almost twomonths before i got mine and in somecase it can take longer. with my second and third child i started right away ....... if you really get to feeling that something might be wrong ask your mid-wife or ob they will tell you what to do it never hurts to ask.

Hi, I didn't get a period until 10 months post delivery and I continued to nurse my daughter until 14 months. I have friends that nursed and got there period at 4 or 5 months and some that didn't get it for over a year.
My baby was also in the 5th percentile- born small and continued along the same path. I worried about it at first, but finally just accepted she's small and that's that (the doctor wasn't concerned by the way). Good luck.

My daughter is 19 months and I am still breastfeeding. I have not had my period yet.

It is normal not to start your period until after the baby has started to eat a lot of other things. I know several moms who did not start their period till the 9th month. However another cause is to be slightly anemic. Are you taking a multiple vitamin with iron? You may want to do that just for good measure. Breast feeding is a demand on the body, specially if your nutrition is not adequate.
J. (child birth educator, retired midwife and mom to 4 grand-ma to 7)

You won't get your period (normally), until you stop breastfeeding. This is one of the best side benefits of breastfeeding, so relax and enjoy it! No worries about getting pregnant again too soon. However, as you start weaning your child, you could get your period back unexpectedly, so do pay attention.

I found that 'meat and potatoes' would get my milk output up higher.

fOR ME IT TOOK ABOUT A MONTH TO ALMOST TWO MONTHS THE FIRST TIME TO FINALLY GET MY MONTHLY FRIEND BACK. AND THE FIRST ONE FOR ME WAS A LITTLE BIT HEAVY. MY SECOND SON IT DIDNT TAKE AS LONG BUT SINCE THIS IS YOUR FIRST I DONT NEED TO BORE YOU WITH THAT INFO. I FOUND IT STARTED PRETTY CLOSE TO WHEN MY MILK COMPLETELY DRIED UP. GOOD LUK AND IT WILL COME AND YOU MAY FIND YOU ARE MORE REGULAR NOW THAT YOU HAVE HAD A BABY. I WASNT THAT REGULAR BEFORE BUT AFTER I COULD COUNT ON IT LIKE CLOCK WORK THE SAME DAY OF EVERY MONTH THATS HOW I KNEW THE DAY AFTER I MISSED IT I WAS PREGO WITH NUMBER TWO! GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEW BABY AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

Hello-
I was a Stay-at-Home Mom for 8.5 years(2 boys: 7 & 10).
Relax and enjoy your new, sweet, and cute baby boy. I would take deep breaths to relax before I nursed my boys. When my boys were new they ate every 3 hours. Sometimes, providing milk for your baby causes a lot of stress on you, but you WILL be okay. Work on eating the very healthy foods and drink plenty of water, so your milk is the best.
Go to La Leche League web site to get GREAT ideas on breast feeding you baby- http://www.llli.org/.
I didn't get my period until my 1st baby was 10 months old - when I started feeding him rice cereal. Take good care of yourself and find a mommy playgroup. Having outside the house activities are a must for a healthy and happy mom.
Blessing from Sitka, Alaska

It's perfectly normal to not have a period while you're nursing.
My daughter is 13 months old and I am nursing her 3 to 4 times a day and I still haven't had a period. It's unpredictable who will begin having periods while they're still nursing and who won't. Just be sure that you don't count on it for birth control because you have no idea when you will ovulate and begin having periods again!

When I had my first child at the age of 33, (he is now 4 years old), I didn't have my period either until I stopped breastfeeding. I had an amazing Doctor at an amazing hospital and they were always very informative. They said it is completely normal, but as someone else mentioned in response, DON'T assume that it means you can't get pregnant at the same time!! Just enjoy the time without it and use the money you save on tampons and/or pads for diapers! :)

Everybody is different. I recommend that you call your OB. They can guide you better than any of us can.

It is very normal not to get your period while nursing. I didn't have a period for a year a half after I had my son. Everyone is different,and most woman that I know didn't get a period until after they stopped nursing. Don't worry! You are normal!!

It's great that you are still breastfeeding! It really varies from person to person, but I think your experience sounds totally normal. My first came after about 8 months while I was still exclusively nursing. I know moms who have gone much longer. As your baby gets older and nurses less it will be more likely to return since your nipples are not getting as much stimulation to produce milk and your hormone levels change. Just remember that you ovulate before you have your period, so you could get pregnant again without having one!

Hello,
I didn't have a period for over a year after my daughter was born. I was breasfeeding pretty much exclusively for 9 months. I'm pretty sure it's normal. If you are nervous about it you should ask your doctor. But I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Isn't it nice though, I thought it was great not having to worry about a period.
A.

I didnt get mine till 8 months out with my first and about 8 months with my second, sadly 5 months out with my 3rd. Enjoy it!!!! Good luck to you and your baby!

I didn't get mine till after a stopped breast feeding. And then it took a few months. So it was over a year before I got mine.

It depends! Typically you'll start to ovulate when supplementation is introduced, so can get pregnant before that first period. Obviously it's very individual. That can happen between 6 weeks postpartum and up to 2 years if still nursing. Precautions to prevent another pregnancy, if you don't want a child yet, are necessary. Some have easier periods or as stated by others here, more difficult ones.

S.

Yes, it is normal to not have your period the entire time you breast feed. Hormones are a powerful thing. My daughter is 8 months, I am still breastfeeding and I still have not had a period. Enjoy it.

totally normal. It may not come back for a year +. have you tried anything to up your milk supply?

Hi R.,
I breastfed my daughter right up to her first birthday and didn't have a period the whole time - it doesn't get much better than that! I think it was about two weeks later or maybe less I started spotting. My girlfriends have had totally different experiences, and I talked to my doctor about it my last annual, so I know everybody's body is different. I wouldn't worry a bit as long as your breastfeeding unless anything else seems out of the ordinary. If you are concerned, then maybe you can call your doctor and even talk to a nurse on the phone to get their opinion before you even make an appointment. Hope this helps!
~J.

I wouldn't worry too much about not having your period. Besides the fact that it's one less inconvenience to worry about, it can be completely normal. Unless there are any medical issues, I'd stop stressing. My daughter is 13 months old now and the last time that I even spotted was over 8 months ago. Part of it is because you're breastfeeding, but also it could depend on what birth control you're taking also.

My period came back at one year.

Like the other women said, totaly normal. As far as becoming pregnant it's possible if you are not aware of your bodies signs of fertility. My husband and I practice Natural Family Planning so we are able to tell when I become fertile again without all those nasty chemicals in my body! Good for my body and good for the environment, great for my marriage and so empowering to know how my body works!I highly recomend checking it out at North West Family Services. http://www.nwfs.org/nfp.htm

A lot of women do not get their period again until they are completely done breastfeeding. With my 1st child I got it the exact day I ended breastfeeding...and with my 2nd I got it about a month after I had stopped. Good Luck!!!

Hello R. -

Amenorrhea, or the absence of normal menses is completely normal after childbirth and often lasts until a few months after you completely stop breastfeeding. The body is very wise and knows that you are expending massive nutrients to feed a new babe and don't have enough to renew menses or create another new babe yet. Make sure your nutrient intake is good and don't worry. I have known women whose bodies have waited as long as 11 months after they stopped breastfeeding.

Be well-
D.

Hi R.. Yes, it is totally normal to not have a period while you are breastfeeding. I stopped breastfeeding my son at around 4 1/2 months (due to low milk production) and it took a month or two after I stopped before I had a period. It may take a while for your period to be regular after you stop breastfeeding also. That is normal as your body's hormones slowly get back to "normal" or as normal as they will be after having a baby. So don't fret! Everything is the way it shouldl be. Like everyone before me has said... relax and enjoy the cramp-free time while it lasts!! =)

My daughter is exactly the same age as your baby, and I am just now having some menstrual symptoms (light cramping, blood). I am actually bummed b/c I had hoped it would be a while before it came back! Most of my nursing friends did not get their periods until 8-12 months after. I am still nursing. With my son (now 4 yrs) I got it back when he was 4 months old.

Have you taken a pregnancy test?

R.,
I have breastfeed my two older kids for a year each, (and currently breastfeeding my 3 month old). For each of them I did not get my cycle back until around 9months afterbirth and the cycles were not regular for about a year or more. If you breastfeed more, it may suppress your cycle from starting. When your little ones starts sleeping through the night or your only supplementing feedings every so often, your cycle may begin sooner. Enjoy the time where you don’t have to think about being on the “rag”, but keep some panty liners handy just incase.

It really varies when you will get your period again. I breastfed my children for a long time (my daughter for 17 months and my son for 12) and I didn't get my period during most of that whole time. As soon as I starting weaning it came back.

Perfectly normal ~ enjoy it while it lasts! BUT whatever you do don't rely on it for birth control!! Got pregnant with my 5th child while still nursing the 4th (not that I would go back and change it because it was just a matter of time before we would have had another one anyway).

As long as you're breast-feeding you probably will not get your persiod. I have been nursing for 7 1/2 months. For the past 2 weeks, I have only been nursing in the mornings. I still haven't started my period. Completely normal.

I couldn't tell from you post whether or not you are still breastfeeding. If you are, I would say don't worry about not having a period. If you are not breastfeeding, I would say give it a month and then call your ob/gyn. I have been breastfeeding for almost 11 months and haven't had a period. But I'm also on the mirena so that may be part of the reason.

I'm the mom of two girls and I nursed both until they were a year old. With both, my period came back around 11 months after they were born. I'm not sure what it is for most people but this was my situation.

I got mine back after about a year but I know other solely breast-feeding moms who got it back within a few months. I think it all depends. Either way still use birth control because I know many 2nd time mamas who had "happy accidents"!

Perfectly Normal! In the 'old' days, breastfeeding was a method of birthcontrol, your hormones levels concentrated on keeping milk flowing and not ovulating, hence it gave Mom's a chance to get past baby stage before getting pregnant again! When you breastfeed exclusively for a period of time, in your case, 5 months, it will take a while for your hormones that were helping you make milk to reset to a level that allows you to have your period. Don't worry, or rush it, a period means ovulation is again starting and another pregnancy is optional. (But just because your period hasn't re-started yet, since you are substituting formula, don't rely on breastfeeding as a birth control method!)
"The lactational amenorrhea (means without period) method (LAM) is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy during the
first 6 months, provided the infant is breastfed
exclusively, the interval between feedings is less
than 6 hours, and the mother has not resumed
menstruation" (http://www.ilca.org/ClinicalGuidelines2005.pdf) p22

I think that feeding my 3 children is one of my fondest memories of cuddling and taking time out to enjoy each of them.

Well to tell you the truth, I did not get mine back until about month 11 for both of my boys. Apparently it is normal for you to not get your period back for a while, while breastfeeding, I think due to hormone levels. I think that it also has to do with the consistency that you breastfeed (the more you do it the less chance you have to get your period back). Keep in mind that all women are different and some start theirs the month after giving birth. It is a little nerve-wracking because you do not know if you could be pregnant again. Try not to worry too much and if you are worried about getting pregnant too soon and with out knowing, you dr. can help you with birth control options. Enjoy this time with out them as much as you can. I sure did!!

Hi R.,

I didn't get my period until my son was 9 months old. I breastfed exclusively for 6 months and then supplemented with some foods after that and continued to breast feed until a year. I think this varies for many women. REMEMBER- you can still ovulate without a period so make sure that you are using a backup birth control if you are not intending to get pregnant right now. Good luck!

I was breastfeeding often and it took about a year.

I breast fed or pumped for 10 mos after my daughter was born and didn't have my period the entire time, even when we did introduce solids. Be sure you are on some sort of birth control though, because you can still get pregnant. If you are taking the low dose pill while you are nursing, make sure you keep in contact with your dr to change the pill once you are done nursing. They give you a different one with lower hormones while nursing.

when I was nursing I didnt have a period until my daughter was almsot weaned. It is still possible to get pregnant while nursing but peoples bodies react differently. The less you nurse the sooner your period will return.

It varies from person to person and even birth to birth. Some people don't skip their periods during breast feeding and some don't get it back until they stop.

I recently talked to an OBgyn who told me most women don't become fertile again until they stop--stop entirely! (I asked!)--nursing. This was a shocker for me, because I get fertile around 8 months no matter how much the baby is nursing, and thought that was normal. Then he dropped the real shocker: gynecologists can tell you which way you will go! I've been regretting I didn't ask for the details on that (husband leaving = fertility not a big concern right now), but perhaps a local gynecologist can hook you up with some clarity.

If you are a fertile-while-nursing mom, I took Natural Family Planning (the more scientific version of the Rhythm Method ;) ) classes and they only give you, as I recall, 4 months guaranteed free, and that only if the baby is nursing exclusively. Past four months/taking other food, the couple needs to be aware.

I think this is completely normal. I breastfed both of my sons and it was not until 3-4 months after I stopped that I had a period again. For my second son, it was so great to breastfeed for one year plus have 4 months of no periods.

Good luck! Great job on breastfeeding and giving your child the best possible start.
J.

I'm no medical expert, but I am a mom of two. I think it's different for everyone. After my first child it took me about 7 1/2 months to get my first period and I breastfed for the first 6. We were also supplementing my first with formula. With my second child I breastfed her for almost 9 months and I had my period almost right away after stopping.

I'm a mom of 3 girls. I bf all three. My period came back 2 months after I stopped nursing. I nursed 2 for a year, and the 3rd till she was 2 (who knew). Good Luck

With my 1st child I didn't have my period until after I had weaned her at 13 months. I am currently nursing my 2nd child and just had my period and he is only 8 months old. I don't think there is any specific timeline for starting again while you are still nursing but would worry if you don't start soon after you wean your baby. Just enjoy the time free of the cramps, bloating and other hassles!

with both of my sons it was over a year.....it will come when you least expect it but I did find with my second it was 16 months and it was really painful.I imagine that it will return when he is down to nursing only a few times a day. But some women get their's back right away.Plese don't think that you cant get pregnent because your period has not returned yet because you can...congrats on the birth of your son and enjoy every moment. My youngest turned 5 today and it made me a bit tearry eyed....lol

As long as your breastfeeding, your period may not come, but it could come anytime. Mine started back after 9 months, but was irregular till about 13 months. By 14 months, I was pregnant again.

Mine didn't start until I stopped breastfeeding completely. I nursed two kids until 12 months. Even when they were only eating 2 or 3 times a day, it was enought to keep my period from stopping. Just remember, this is not birth control, you are probably ovulating. Just enjoy the break.

For as long as you are breastfeeding enough (baby drinking every 2-3 hours) it's normal to miss your period. Otherwise you should see your doctor.
About baby being small, I am facing the same problem with my daughter; she was born premature(36 weeks) and now is slow in development and is very small. We are suspecting of CP.
Best of luck to you and don't worry, your period will come. I almost went nuts thinking I was pregnant again.

I would enjoy it while you can theres most likely nothing wrong with you. I didnt start again with one of mine until 2 or three months after I quit breastfeeding. God bless you! and have a great time with that little sweety!

I breast fed my daughter until she was 9 months old and got my period the next month after I stopped. It is very common to not get it back until you stop. Don't worry It's normal.

I nursed both of my kids for 15 months each. With both of them, I didn't get my first period after they were born for 10-12 months. Yes, this is perfectly normal! You can consider it one of the perks with nursing!

R.,
I did not get my period until I stopped nursing completely - 6 months for the first and 16 months for the secong. This is pretty common. However, I have also had friends who got their periods after a couple of months of nursing! And of course, I have had lots of friends who go pregnant while nursing!
Hope this helps. You may not have a period until you stop nursing.

Mine didn't come till a few months after I stopped breast feeding I wouldn't worry about it. Just be prepared for it.

I have 2 kids and both times I got my period when they were about a year old. I think it depends how much you are breast feeding. A friend was supplimenting and got her's much sooner. Take this period free time as a blessing but as he breast feeds less, be prepared for the unexpected surprise.

Well, you could be like me! and lots of other women. I do not start cycles until two weeks after I completely stop nursing. There's even a name- 'ecological nursing'. It has been nice for me because it helps with having healthy spacing between children. Two of my boys nursed until 18 months.
It's the most healthiest and natrual 'birth control' around.

of course always check with your doctor, but I don't think you need to stress.

J.- mom to seven with one on the way.

It's normal to not get your period while breastfeeding. There are books out there regarding post partum you should probably be reading- it's helpful to know what to expect.

I didn't get mine for 9 months and my ob said this was normal and ok.

Hi R.,

It took 8 months before mine came back. Relax and enjoy it while it lasts!

SAH mom of 2 year old girl and 11 year old stepson.

like other said, don't worry and enjoy it! cause after you have kids, your periods may get worse (mine did).

i wouldn't worry about the percentiles as long as he is healthy and following a normal growth curve. some kids are just small. my daughter is 3 and still fits in 2T clothes. but she's normal in every way.

Hello,

I am just enjoying not having my period. I have a 14 month old daughter I am still breastfeeding and have not gotten mine. Most say it will start when we stop feeding. I am trying to stop, but there are advantages to doing it!!

got to love them!!

Just give it time and your period will return. I have been breastfeeding since June 16, 2007 and my period came back (lightly) for three days beginning on February 4th.

I was alao at about a 18 months with both of my children. You are still having cycles, though!!! You CAN get pregnant!! Your body reabsorbs every month to provide more nutrients for your milk. It's nature's beautiful way of not wasting anything. There's a great book by Natalie Angiers called Woman: An Intimate Geography. I reccomend it for any woman at any stage in life but it has some wonderful information about what happens to our bodies during this time told in a very easy to read way.

I never got my period between my two pregnancies; I weaned my first son around 11 months and became pregnant just before I weaned him. So in my experience, not until you've really cut down on breastfeeding, down to once a day or so.

hi R.,
I think it varies from woman to woman. I did not get my period until I stopped breastfeeding my sons, when they were around 15 months old. I know some women who got their periods after 3 months and they were still breastfeeding at that time. (personally I was very happy not to have my period for that long--who needs cramps and bloating :)
good luck and take care!

The timing for a return period can be really variable. I nursed my son and didn't get a period until he was a year old. My doctor said it was normal- just on the long end of the normal spectrum.

With my first, I occasionally supplemented with formula, and starting at 6 months also fed her solids. I did not have my first period until after I stopped nursing completely at one year. With my second, I had Mirena put in while I was nursing, and 18 months later still have not had one.

Every woman is different, but it is not uncommon for your period to be absent until you stop nursing at least 3 times a day.

If you talk to your doctor I'm sure they will tell you it varies from person to person. With both of my kids it was almost a year before I had a period again. Even if you are breastfeeding a little it can delay your cycle. With my first I actually found out I had hypothryiod which is low thyroid function and that might have also affected the return of my period. Your period will return if you have concerns I would talk with your doctor but it's totally normal not to have had one yet. I also have two children who are well below the 5th percentilein weight. I think they are at less than 1 percent of the population. My first is now almost four and went through so many tests etc the first few years of life. He is doing great now and the doctors have never come up with anything for his small size. Then after number two, who is totally different except he seems to be even a little smaller, now 16 months. From my experience I find that the doctors sometimes get too wrapped up in charts etc.. which are totally biased due to formula fed children who are usually bigger and grow a little differently then breastfed. If you baby is happy and on track developmentally you have nothing to worry about. I just so rarely come across anyone with a baby below the charts, it's nice to know that there are others out there, and my boys aren't the only ones. Sorry to go off on another subject. Anyway, just enjoy the lack of period for now because it will return!!!

I have two boys (2 years & 9 mos.), with the first one he was 8 mos. old when I got my period back and with my second son, he was 5 mos. It is very normal for your period to be delayed, especially while breast feeding. Honestly, why would you be anxious for it to return...what a hassle.

A.

Unless you feel like you have something else going on aside from just not having started your period I wouldn't worry about it. Some women don't have a period at all while they are nursing. I nursed my sons for about 2 years and didn't have periods for a very long time. However, if you feel like there is something else going on you should talk to your doctor about it.
Good luck! :)