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Childbirth/Menstrual cycle after child birth

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Expert: - 12/29/2008


Question
i had my baby on 06nov 2007 and i had bleeding for 35days
after delivery. Till now i am not getting the periods as i
am breastfeeding my baby till now and my previous cycle was
irregular.What is the time limit.till what time it is
normal to have the menstrual cycle as its been 14months
since my delivery.

Answer
Neelu,


It's completely normal to not have your cycle resume while you are breastfeeding, even 18 months or more.  When breastfeeding a hormone called prolactin remains high in your body which prevents ovulation and your cycle from returning.


Typically, your cycle won't return until these levels drop far enough, which can occur when the baby is nursing less frequently during the day (about 4 hours or more between feedings) and is not nursing at night or with a gap of at least 6 hours.



Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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