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hi i had a little girl november 8 07 and had no period since january and i went to the doctor to get a pregnancy test and they tested me 3 times and they were all negative, what should i do?
Andrea,
Congratulations on your little girl! It's quite common for your cycle to stop after you've given birth, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Many women won't resume menses for the first year. It took 13 months for my cycle to return with my first and 10 months with my second.
There's really nothing to "do" or worry about. If you've had 3 negative tests, then you can safely assume you are not pregnant. If you're still breastfeeding, then once the baby is nursing less during the day (over a 4 hour stretch) and has a gap of 6+ hours at night, it's much more likely that your cycle will resume.
If your cycle still hasn't returned by the first year, then you can talk to your doctor about other methods to regulate it, which may include some type of medication. However, in the vast majority of women, it will resume in its own time without assistance.
Best,
Catherine
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Answers by Expert:
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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