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Childbirth/Period after pregnancy
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Question
Hello,
I have a baby who is 3 months old. I am strictly breastfeeding and I got my first menstrual cycle when she was about 10 weeks old. That was 31 days ago...and I have not gotten another period. I am using birth control and I do not believe that I am pregnant, but I am still wondering if it is "normal" to have irregular periods after a pregnancy? With my first child, I got my period at around 10 weeks as well, but it was consistently regular from that point on. I feel like I should take a pregnancy test just to ease my mind, but if if I am going to end up worrying every month unless I know it is okay for this to happen. Thank you!
Lisa,
Yes, it's completely normal to not have a regular period while breastfeeding. You may skip several months, in fact, depending upon the level of hormones in your body.
Many women's cycles will cease for the first year while breastfeeding, or come and go every few months depending upon how much the baby is nursing.
So, as long as you are using birth control correctly, you should not get pregnant even if you don't have a period.
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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