Postpartum Cycles

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Postpartum Cycles
« on: August 09, 2007, 08:57:03 AM » by mexmarr

I have always started my period back after 5-7 weeks, even though I breast feed often, and nights too. Once I start, my period is usually pretty regular (between 27-32 days).

Well, this time I started at 5 weeks and then I didn't have another period. It will be 2 weeks late tomorrow. I haven't been that late in 12 years. I thought that surely I couldn't be pregnant, and I have had 4 negative tests, so I don't think so. (If I were, I would likely have a baby 9 1/2 months after Elizabeth, if not sooner, since i have never gone past 37 weeks...)

Do you have any idea as to what could be the reason, or anything that I can do? I want to just start my period so I don't have to deal with the fear of being pregnant right now. I can't handle the thought of 4-5 months in bed rest, my body pumped full of drugs and long hospital stays... again... I have 3 little girls and they need their Mommy.

I have been feeling so emotional.... I bought pregnancy tests in bulk (which I will soon be selling some of,) Assumming that I am not pregnant, any thoughts or suggestions?

« Last Edit: August 09, 2007, 09:25:53 AM by mexmarr »
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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2007, 09:05:30 AM » by wyomama3

oh, mexmarr. My heartrate sped up just thinking about 9 1/2 months! Do you think that maybe your hormones are still trying to straighten out? Remember when we first started our periods how they weren't always regular. Since you are breastfeeding perhaps you won't be immediately regular this time. I am curious to what others think.
I, too, jumped back into a 28 day cycle with in 6 weeks of having my babies. Nursing as bc would not work for me!

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2007, 09:15:29 AM » by mexmarr

Quote from: wyomama2 on August 09, 2007, 09:05:30 AM

oh, mexmarr. My heartrate sped up just thinking about 9 1/2 months! Do you think that maybe your hormones are still trying to straighten out?

Yeah, so does mine!!! My hormones are wacko right now...

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2007, 09:23:33 AM » by ARmom

Mexmarr, Has Elizabeth increased her nursing any? The reason I ask is because when my DS was 6mo old I had started trying to supplement with some cereal. and as soon as I did my period started back. DS however, did not really care for the cereal so we quit and started back with more nursing. Consequently Aunt flo disappeared again for 4 more months. I never knew that could happen. It hasn't happened to me again since and I've had two more DD's since DS.

« Last Edit: August 09, 2007, 09:27:00 AM by ARmom »
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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2007, 09:34:35 AM » by mexmarr

Quote from: ARmom on August 09, 2007, 09:23:33 AM

Wow, I had never heard of starting and then stopping again. We were wondering if I was going to do that. No, Elizabeth isn;t really eating any more than before. SHe has always been an excellent eater. Well, I guess she does eat more in the late evening, but then she sleeps longer at night, too. But she has always tended to eat more often in the evening. She slept until 5 this morning, after eating at 9 pm last night.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2007, 10:18:26 AM » by hsink

Mexmarr-
Could it be that you were feeling good and started being more active around the time you had another period??? My midwife told me that is what probably brought on bleeding for me at 6 wks (I had stopped post partum bleeding a couple of weeks before that). She said that likely it wasn't actually my period but was instead caused by my increase in activity since I felt so good. My period didn't return then for 4-6months after that. Just an idea......

Holly

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2007, 10:27:11 AM » by mexmarr

Quote from: hsink on August 09, 2007, 10:18:26 AM

It is a thought. I only bled 2 weeks postpartum, and that is normal for me. So I had three weeks with no blood, and then what seemed like a normal period at 5 weeks. I had started exercising at three weeks, so it had been 2 full weeks since I increases my activity. If that were from increased activity, wouldn't it have started when I started exercising. In the last couple of weeks, I have been pretty active (did a t-tapp bootcamp) and I am not bleeding. Maybe I will go months with no period, who knows. But with my other 2 children and 3 miscarriages, I was started from 5-7 weeks and was always regular from then on. That is why this seems so strange to me.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2007, 12:08:44 PM » by cecac

Mexmarr,

Sorry if someone already said this as I didn't have time to read--

I don't know how old you are, but things can change over the course of time when it comes to breastfeeding/cycles. I've gotten to the point where, you know, anything goes!! I have never had a late cycle like that, but since you are breastfeeding so much I would think it could definitely happen.

JMHO, perhaps you ought to chart, use a ladycomp or something so that you can set your mind at rest for a bit.

I personally would have a real hard time charting in your shoes. I am not there right now, but I was about 14 months ago, and I didn't have near the complications you've had. We are, if I get to be pregnant again, going to get a ladycomp for the after times. I do not handle the pressure of charting and caring for my family in the first six months to one year postpartum. And I didn't even breastfeed last time (losing sleep with breastfeeding would compound your emotions, IMO.)

As to doing something, wouldn't a mama's tea be good to try and regulate hormones? (I mean, you really have time to make tea, right?) There are also herbs to help with beginning menustration, but perhaps that would be a worry to you if you and your husband are not using any sort of child spacing. I believe those herbs would also be abortifacient (sp?).

Just some thoughts. May the Lord bless you with wisdom, peace, and faith in this time.

Cara

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2007, 01:13:27 PM » by mexmarr

I don't think that it is age! Shocked

I am only 27. Even my mom is still as regular as clockwork. My other kids are 2 and 3, so not a lot of time has elapsed.

I never got the hange of sharting with themometer, but when I am not breastfeeding, I can pinpoint my ovulation by my mucous. But I can't while I am breastfeeding... But I "shouldn't be" pregnant.

Maybe I should try the Red Rasberry tea.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2007, 01:21:44 PM » by skelliott2

Mexmarr, you mentioned you bought your pg tests in bulk. What type of tests did you get? Before my last baby, I got a bunch of these from Ebay in bulk, they were just little sticks with no plastic around them, and they all gave me negative results. I got a cheap one from Target, and it gave me an instant positive! Hopefully, this isn't what's happened with you, but I thought I'd better mention it.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2007, 02:13:44 PM » by mexmarr

Quote from: skelliott2 on August 09, 2007, 01:21:44 PM

That is interesting. The 4 negative tests I did were all from the drug store and were not cheap. That is why I bought the bulk ones, which I should receive in a few days. I have used a bunch of those before and they have always been accurate. Mostly negs when I was a day or 2 late. But when I was pregnant they were positive. They've worked for a number of friends, as well.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2007, 08:27:40 PM » by skelliott2

Maybe I just got a bad batch! Tongue

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #12 on: November 02, 2007, 02:31:20 PM » by joshs_rebekah

I don't have any answers for Mexmar just a question or two of my own.

With Ruth, and now with Shalom, even though I am nursing, I began ovulating shortly after the Lochia stopped - but no period...that would be how Ruth and Shalom got to be so close in age. Any thoughts?

That isn't really a question, I guess I am looking for someone to tell me that I am not crazy or weird (which is alway questionable Grin

). Is anyone else like this? Shalom is getting no other food besides breast milk, yet I am ovulating already, and have been since the beginning of Sept - making this my third "cycle."

Rebekah

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #13 on: November 02, 2007, 03:06:00 PM » by MamaSong

Quote from: joshs_rebekah on November 02, 2007, 02:31:20 PM

). Is anyone else like this? Shalom is getting no other food besides breast milk, yet I am ovulating already, and have been since the beginning of Sept - making this my third "cycle."

Rebekah

Just curious...how do you know you're ovulating?

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #14 on: November 03, 2007, 08:37:37 AM » by joshs_rebekah

Mostly the mucus...PLUS...I become a gigantic grouch toward my husband (even before kids I would PMS when I ovulated NOT when I am actually bleeding). Sometimes it makes me wonder why he keeps me around actually. But I am getting quicker at identifying what is happening when the "Mona the Grouch" enters our family times.

Rebekah aka Mona the Grouch - sometimes

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #15 on: November 03, 2007, 10:03:01 AM » by MamaSong

Quote from: joshs_rebekah on November 03, 2007, 08:37:37 AM

If you're concerned and want to space out your children a bit, I would get a ovulation detection kit or start charting your basal body temperature. You may not be truly ovulating. Charting is the most accurate method, as your temperature will remain elevated for the rest of the month and will drop on the day your period is supposed to start. Though, I will admit, I don't think I would be able to chart while nursing a baby!!

My ovulation sign is a backache. The only reason I've ovulated and not had a period while nursing was because I was pregnant again!

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #16 on: April 18, 2008, 09:22:41 AM » by grocerygetter

I'm having my first "." postpartum. Well, really 3 1/2 years since my last "." As I was preggo, b*feed, preggo again, b*feed

Any who, it's super bright red and I'm exhausted...Is this "normal"?

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #17 on: April 18, 2008, 09:23:39 AM » by westernmama

Quote from: grocerygetter on April 18, 2008, 09:22:41 AM

I'm having my first "." postpartum. Well, really 3 1/2 years since my last "." As I was preggo, b*feed, preggo again, b*feed

Any who, it's super bright red and I'm exhausted...Is this "normal"?

How many months postpartum are you?

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #18 on: April 18, 2008, 09:24:21 AM » by Roehrmomma

Quote from: grocerygetter on April 18, 2008, 09:22:41 AM

..Is this "normal"?

Was for me.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #19 on: April 19, 2008, 01:20:59 PM » by grocerygetter

Quote from: westernmama on April 18, 2008, 09:23:39 AM

Quote from: grocerygetter on April 18, 2008, 09:22:41 AM

I'm having my first "." postpartum. Well, really 3 1/2 years since my last "." As I was preggo, b*feed, preggo again, b*feed

Any who, it's super bright red and I'm exhausted...Is this "normal"?

How many months postpartum are you?

1 year postpartum. 3 1/2 year since my last "." I had two back to back pregnancies.

So, This morning I had *severe* cramping. It radiated to my back and hurt *so* bad. I could hardly even stand to pour hubby's coffee this morning. Then I took some advil out of desperation and all pain ceased 40 minutes later.

What herbal supplements could I be taking to help my body out this week?

I've been drinking lots and taking my Supermoms and making sure I sleep enough.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #20 on: April 19, 2008, 02:06:58 PM » by westernmama

Grocerygetter,
If you have any Red Raspberry Leaf available, I would start with that. But I wouldn't worry about the bright red blood - my periods are often like that. AND painful cramping, throbbing vericose veins, etc. Never much fun. Cheesy

Hope you get to feeling better soon.

Kendra

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #21 on: April 19, 2008, 02:59:36 PM » by prolifeguyswife

I think it can be normal. It is for me! My first postpartum "." was very normal and came exactly 9 months after my first daughter was born. This time, I've had several times when I thought that my cycle was returning, but the doctor classified it as more postpartum bleeding, which can continue through 1 year! A friend of mine who teaches NFP said that while you are breastfeeding, your hormones are warring with each other - one set is trying to establish your fertility, and another (from breastfeeding) is fighting to keep you infertile. She said it absolutely is possible to have it seem like you are starting to be fertile when you are really not.

Now that my daughter is 11 months old, I've had two cycles (horrible and painful that they are) that have come at regular intervals, so I'm pretty confident that I am fertile again. I definitely second the idea of charting and watching for fertile signs so that you know for sure if you are ovulating.

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #22 on: May 17, 2008, 10:38:40 PM » by momofkings

I am 3 months post partum and I feel like my body has "tried" to start a period a few times, but can't, if that makes sense.....

I had what I thought was a period about 1 1/2 months ago, lasted normal time, then stopped. Then when it came time for another one--nothing except very very light spotting for a few days. Now it is another month later and I have had very light spotting again. (and I do mean very light-like I wouldn't really even need a pad.) I even thought I was a little crampy this morning, but then that stopped too.

This was my 6th pregnancy, normally I start pretty early, within a few months, and continue each month. This time has been very different. I do breastfeed quite often, by the way.

Any ideas what is going on with this body of mine?

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #23 on: August 22, 2009, 09:18:48 PM » by denisew

So what's the longest you ladies have gone before your "." started back? I'm now at 18 months and wondering if this is normal......

Denise

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #24 on: August 23, 2009, 09:28:02 PM » by Darcy

8 weeks.

What I wouldn't do for 18 months!

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #25 on: August 24, 2009, 09:23:35 AM » by denisew

My last baby I started before he was a year old. This baby is not very interested in food yet. But I usually only nurse about 5-7 times a day....

Denise

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Re: Postpartum Cycles
« Reply #26 on: August 24, 2009, 10:18:21 AM » by floydian

I nurse exclusively for one year.

The more children I have and the older I get, the later I start back again. This last time, I spotted on and off, here and there, but I didn't actually start again till sometime after his first birthday. And then they were about 6 weeks apart for a little while.

The older I get, the more unpredictable the after events of birth become.

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