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Childbirth/Postpartum menstral cycle

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Expert: - 12/26/2008


Question
QUESTION: I gave birth to my daughter almost 3 months ago and i haven't gotten my period yet. I breastfed for 2 weeks and i heard that can prolong your period but not for this long.
Talked to my doctor but all she said is they will give me a pill to make me start my period but i want to know why i haven't gotten it. what is wrong with my body?? PLEASE HELP!!

ANSWER: Lauren,

Why do you think something is wrong with your body just because your cycle hasn't resumed yet, after only 3 months?

Pregnancy and birth take a lot out of your body.  Typically, your cycle doesn't resume until your body can handle another pregnancy.

Usually, your hormone levels may still be too high after giving birth for your cycle to resume.  I just spoke with another mom who never breastfed at all whose cycle still hasn't resumed after 8 months.

Your prolactin level, which rises with breastfeeding, can prevent your cycle from resuming if it remains too high.

So, just because you haven't had a new cycle doesn't mean that anything is wrong with you.  It typically means your body just isn't ready to handle another baby yet.


You can take medications to force your body to resume its cycle or you can choose to let your body tell you when it's ready, whichever you prefer.



Best,
Catherine





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My doctor prescribed me a medication to start my period. will it mess my body up if i take it? is it better to let my body start on its own??

Answer
Lauren,

When possible, the preferable course is to let your body start on its own.  Medications force your body to respond in a certain way, which can often have side effects.


The choice is up to you on what you want to do, but the medications typically don't cause lasting problems.


Best,
Catherine

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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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