breastfeeding and your period?

sunrocklove

i just had my 6 week checkup and everything went fine and they gave me birth control. the BC directions say start taking them the day of your period or the sunday after. ive read that if your breastfeeding your period may not happen for a few months. is this true? and if it is true when can i start taking BC so i can have safe sex?

ncbelle

Some women never get a period while they breastfeed.  Did you tell your provider you were BFing?  You can't take some forms of BC while BFing - only the mini-pill I think is safe.

Meanwhile, condoms are your friend ;-)

LyndsayQ

I didn't have my first AF until DD was 9 months.  I was on the mini pill even b/f AF arrived, but I stopped it for other reasons. 

horn_jm@hotmail.com

Make sure it is the progesterone only pill (POP) or mini pill.  I took this with no problems.  I can't remember when I started it - I think I just started it the day I got it and then put the sticker on that changed the day of the week reminder.  Make sure you take it the exact same time every day, as this is a bigger issue with the mini pill.  I set my cell phone alarm as a reminder.  Also, I believe it is most effective around 3-4 hours before the time you would generally "be active", so most people take it late afternoon.

I didn't get AF until around 18 months, when we were down to one feeding and just before weaning.  Everyone is different - some get it much much sooner.