Breastfeeding and Return of Fertility

[Tasha S.]

Hi Moms!

Mama of 3, 3 years-and-under here! I have a question about the return of your fertility during breastfeeding. I got my period back at 6 months postpartum during exclusive bf'ing with my first. With the second, I induced a period using black cohosh capsules at 9 months postpartum--and I had completely weaned my little one at 8 months! So it seemed my period really didn't want to come back after baby #2! I'm 2.5 months postpartum with baby #3, and I keep getting EWCM and my cervix is open (medium height, and medium firmness--I know SHOW is most fertile). My question is did your fertility ever come back a lot sooner than previous times postpartum while you were exclusively breastfeeding? I have a hard time believing I'm fertile this early after my previous experiences, but I know the signs are pointing towards fertility. I also know that my luteal phase may not be long enough to sustain a pregnancy even if my CM is fertile. I'm just looking for some experience here!
Thanks Mamas!

 

[loved2830]

Hi Tasha S... I only have one child and my period came back at 6 weeks postpartum. My doc said it was still bleeding from birth since I bled til week four then stopped and then bled again week 6. I even logged it in my app as a period and since that bleed at 6 weeks postpartum my cycle is 26 days like clockwork and just like it was pre baby.
So YES i think you can be this fertile this early on....

Hope this helps.

 

[smileyfaces]

I got my period back at 6 weeks too. Had another 22 days later. And am on day 14 of my cycle now waiting for my third period. My baby is EBF and about 2.5mo old. X

 

[Tasha S.]

Wow ladies!

Smileyfaces: Our boys are basically the same age! Did your period return that quickly after your two other children? The reason I'm surprised that I might be fertile so early on is because it took a lot longer for my fertility to return after my other children. Thanks! xxx

 

[smileyfaces]

Yes it did return just as quickly but they were formula fed. I truly expected it to stay away much longer whilst I was breastfeeding bit alas i was wrong lol

 

[smileyfaces]

Tasha according to our tickers they are the same age...3rd November??

 

[Eleanor ace]

1st child: 6 weeks
2nd child: 9 weeks
3rd child: 8 weeks

They were all exclusively breastfed and my period always came back and was regular from then on.

 

[tommyg]

With DS1 he was 10 months before I had a period however but MW and HV have told me not to rely on BFing for contraception and that you can be fertile 21 days after birth.

 

[Natasha2605]

Freya is now 9.5 months and I've still not had a period. We still BF although she now goes long periods without feeding- especially if I'm on an 8 hour shift.

We're also relying on BF as a contraceptive. Not overly fussed if we fall pregnant.

 

[Tasha S.]

Tasha according to our tickers they are the same age...3rd November??

YES!! 3rd of November! It was a good day!

HAHA! Your ticker looks one day ahead to me, but I'm sure it's because you're on UK time, and I'm on the other side of the pond!