Looking for insight

katiezab · July 2014

So I know I might need to call my dr if this continues, but I'm unsure of what might be going on. I have two children already and have not yet had a cycle since having my 11 month old. After I had my 2.5 year old, I ovulated once which is when I got pregnant with my second. I have never actively ttc and, while I am learning, you ladies are far more knowledgeable on the topic.

DH and I dtd 12 days ago unprotected. About 5 or 6 days later I had some mild cramping, similar to what implantation has felt like to me before. I had no bleeding or spotting though. I have also had other changes in discharge and wetness (sorry, way way way tmi). And uncomfortable sex.

When I began cramping I thought surely I'm either pg or I'm having my first cycle. Well no cycle and my test was negative. Is it still far too early? I would think if it was my cycle, I would have had my period by now.

I appreciate any insight you ladies might have for me.

dmsmth · July 2014

Are you breast feeding?

katiezab · July 2014

Yes I am still nursing and after I had my first baby, I ovulated when he was 11.5 months, but I was not nursing him. So I realize it could be normal. I'm just not sure if these symptoms are normal if I am both not pregnant and not going to have a period.

katiezab · July 2014

Btw that is the only day that we dtd since it has been uncomfortable for me

katiezab · July 2014

I know this is a little off topic for this board, but I am impressed with the knowledge I've seen here.

catahoulatte · July 2014

I had some weird cramps and stuff going on when I was BFing before I weaned DS (14 months old). I had my first PP AF when he was 11 months old, but before then and again after, I had weird twinges and cramping that was just my body being strange, apparently, since I didn't get pregnant again then.

katiezab · July 2014

Okay then it could just be a nursing thing. Awesome... Kind of lol. Thanks!

gscoville · July 2014

There's no need to call your doctor, I'm not even sure what exactly you would be asking him about at this point? You're still BFing, which is usually very disruptive to a woman's cycle. Weird cramping, lack of periods, wonky symptoms, all are pretty standard while your body and hormones are still dealing with the effects of BFing. Your best bet would be to get an account with Fertility Friend, do the free tutorials there, and grab a BBT thermometer so you can temp/chart. Even if you're still night waking with your LO you can temp accurately, many women here have done it, and you'll very likely get a clearer picture of what is going on with you cycle-wise.

katiezab · July 2014

Okay then it could just be a nursing thing. Awesome... Kind of lol. Thanks!

BillyHorrible · July 2014

Just an IME - when I was still nursing I felt like I was going to start my period all the time. I'd have cramping and think it was either ovulation or my period about to start. That went on for months. I think I read that to start your first pp period, you have to hit a certain hormone level to ovulate, so you could have several false starts before that. I liked to think of it as a wave getting over a tall jetty. Sometimes it comes close, but there's not enough water or force to get it up and over.

katiezab · July 2014

That makes sense. Meanwhile I'll just remain thankful that I don't have to deal with that every month!

URMySunshine77 · July 2014

BillyHorrible said:

Just an IME - when I was still nursing I felt like I was going to start my period all the time. I'd have cramping and think it was either ovulation or my period about to start. That went on for months. I think I read that to start your first pp period, you have to hit a certain hormone level to ovulate, so you could have several false starts before that. I liked to think of it as a wave getting over a tall jetty. Sometimes it comes close, but there's not enough water or force to get it up and over.

I agree with @BillyHorrible and the others about nursing's effects. I had to wean at 13 months to jump start my regular cycles.

dmsmth · July 2014

Some ppl dont get af until they wean. I got mine 4.5 mo pp but was not ovulating. I know this because i was charting. I o'd for the first time 2mo after i stopped bf.

PrimRoseMama · July 2014

Negative HPT = not pregnant right now.

I got my first PP period at 11 months on the dot (July 3). I was cramping & feeling cruddy (nausea etc) I was concerned I could be pg. negative tests & the next day My period arrived. I am also BF but DS has been STTN for 3 months now.

So, if your kid sleeps through (minimal night feedings) then your cycles can start back. Much like the average period it's somewhat unpredictable & annoying.

If you are still absent your period in about two weeks take another HPT. If that comes back negative then just chalk it up to PP hormone flux.

Yes, it's annoying & yes I am right there with you. Are you trying to get pregnant? I'm NTNP (most of the time) so if you aren't looking to get pg re-evaluate your birth control.

Carebear7777 · July 2014

I didn't get AF back until a couple months after we started solids at 12 months old. I had random occasional cramping throughout those 12 months, with no AF or PG.

katiezab · July 2014

He still wakes 2-3 times. We aren't trying. If it happened that'd be cool. Last two times I literally got pg the first time we didn't use any bc so I was minorly freaking out. Like I said, my 11 month old still wakes 2-3 times; mama needs some sleep before #3!!

katiezab · July 2014

^ right?! DS1 was STTN at 3 mo, but he was formula fed....

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Montgomerysmomma · July 2014

Sorry to thread jack but I've seen some of you suggest using FF and temping to BF moms. I'm not ready to TTC yet, my son is EBF and almost 7 months. I tried to start a chart on FF but without a LMP it says to try after a cycle. I'd love to start getting a feel for what my body is doing before we start trying but the app needs a LMP. Which for me would be 2/24/2013 thanks to Lo and the bfing. Is there a way to override the app that I'm missing? Additionally LO STTN and still no cycle.