Hello! Intro and question about cycles

Fintinandme

Hello there! DH and I are just starting TTC which, (fingers crossed!) I hope won't be too long I am a new SAHM, was active duty military, but decided to get out to spend more time with my crazy but sweet little 15 month old son. I got pregnant very quickly with him...ahem...honey moon baby (ie first few times ever without protection). But we weren't trying then so i'm pretty sure that now that we actually are planning this baby it won't be that quick. That's life right? 

I just had a question about cycles. Before having DS my cycle would be normal for a few months then really long, like 40 something days, then would go back to 30ish days. I've been breastfeeding and just started my cycle again in April and it seems to be doing the same thing. Does ovulation usually change with your period length or does it usually stay consistent, as in always 14 days or whatever after your period no matter what your cycle length is? I want to stay somewhat relaxed about this and hopefully avoid testing for ovulation every month. I watch my CM, but I really to point at calendar and say "these days are best!". I guess what i'm asking is if testing and doing my temperature one month would help me figure out my cycle for every month or does it always change a little? Thank you!!

Fintinandme

oh! also, i'm still breastfeeding maybe 3 times a day tops. Does that affect my cycle now that it's started again? 

Mei&Mei

Your ovulation date can change, which affects how long your cycle is. Some cycles, you might ovulate around day 16, others may be way later. When you ovulate actually determines how long your cycle with be, because your luteal phase (the time between ovulation and period) is usually pretty consistent. So, you O late, your cycle will be longer. 

It's pretty normal to have wonky long cycles caused by late ovulation from time to time. You can not be sure of ovulation unless you do charting and temping, because it is normal for your cycle to vary. After charting for a while, you may be more familiar with your own cycle and your bodies signals which can help you make a more educated guess as when you might ovulate. Still, you'd have to be charting each month to really be certain as to when you actually did ovulate.

Edit:  I think your cycle is more likely to affect breastfeeding than vice versa. Many women notice a dip in their supply before or during their periods.

cateyes543

@joy2611-that's like the best, most concise and nicest answer I have ever seen in here! It should be like a post of it's own for people who won't read the whole newbie blog!