Your experiences with breastfeeding and FAM?

[felize]

I have only had a few cycles since I began menstruating again at 16 months postpartum, but already I've noticed that I have a short luteal phase. A VERY short luteal phase - the last one was only 5 days long! I tend to ovulate a bit late, around CD 20 - 25, and have had an anovulatory cycle as well

Comments

[felize]

Thank you for this comment - I didn't really realize that all the things that are different about my cycle are what tends to be normal for people who are breastfeeding.

[storychick]

In addition to what lunadragonfly said, I'd like to add the info at http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html#transition -- its totally normal to have cycle wierdness while nursing. Nighttime nursing is particularly disruptive to the cycle.

In my personal experience, after my cycle resumed it was normal length for me and I ovulated every month but I did have a slightly short LP, though I tend to one anyway so it was really only a day or so shorter for me.

[felize]

Thank you for that. :) My daughter definitely does nurse at night (a LOT). Thanks for the link!

[jilflirt]

I could have written this post! I got my period at 16 months pp, had 4, 7, and then 9 day lps (after taking b6). I got pregnant my second cycle, but it didn't take, no doubt thanks to the prolactin. I am considering trying progesterone cream this cycle, but others have advised me just to relax, that in time I'll be back to normal.

[felize]

I'm sorry about the unsuccessful pregnancy. I'm sure I'll go back to normal (and that you will too) in time, especially when my daughter weans, but, like you, I am thinking about my next child, and am disconcerted by my cycles not appearing very fertile...