Repeat from AP board: SHOCKED by return of my period :(

pghwedding10/08

I posted this twice because I am so desperate for some reassurance!!

I woke up this morning in TOTAL SHOCK with the return of my period.  I BF 85% of the time and the other 15% my son gets EBM (I work 16 hours a week-split into 3 days-so I am never gone more than 6 hours).  We also give solids very rarely and are no where near night weaning.  I still nurse on demand and bedshare-nursing ever 45mins-2hours at night!!  I was under the impression that my period would not likely return until DS was at least one maybe later??  For some reason I feel really disappointed.  As if, this signifies some deficiency in my nursing or will impact my supply negatively.  Did anyone else get an "early" first postpartum period?  I am truly sad about this-maybe I am just "hormonal"

The_Spanish_Inquisition

Delaying a period for more than 6 months is actually pretty uncommon. Your period is really only impacted long term if you exclusively breastfeed, on demand, and generally don't use pacifiers. Even then, most women get their periods back before their LO turns1.

It's not a deficiency in your nursing. It's just normal

snowflake19

I got my first PP at 10-11 weeks when I was EBF on demand and using no bottles....

Edit: I should add I am on my 3rd cycle and although I have noticed a dip before AF it does come back up.  I have continued to BF without any real problems.  I also saw a link somewhere about calcium supplements to help prevent the supply dip associated with AF.  I believe it was on kellymom? GL to you!

kds24

I got AF back at 7 months pp and even though DS had some solids, it was a false start and he only had some avocado and sweet potato a handful of times and we waited to reintroduce solids.  I definitely wouldn't be shocked by the return of AF, even when EBF on demand, it's far from unheard of so don't worry.  I remember I was just shocked when I woke up and wiped and was bleeding, it took me a second to realize it was AF and I wasn't dying!

katlizabeth

I don't think 6 months is very early to get a period...I got mine right at 7 months and I ebf...and ds at very little solids until 7 months.  I wasn't thrilled, but I'm still bf'ing at almost 11 months and have had my period several times.  It effected my supply each time, but it jumps back up, and I've never had to supplement with formula.  There's no reason to think that this is the end of nursing for you!

Mrs.Greg

I EBF also and got my first PP period when DD was about 6 months old.  I was under the impression it would take longer since I was EBF but when I posted about it on these boards, I found out I was lucky it didn't come sooner.  I'm still EBF and have had no supply issues.  I've had 2 PP AFs so far. 

ourbaby08

I just got my first PP period last week.  I am EBF but I've built up a large freezer supply and decided that I'm done with the pump.  I'm only nursing at home.  Plus my baby is now eating a lot of solids, so I figured this was coming.  It was a lovely 19 month break though.

gotchagomo

AF returned for me after my first daughter around the 6 month mark, and I exclusively BF.

Boho_Mama

I got mine back after 1 month and I exclusively breastfed.  That was a shock!!  I was really looking forward to having a few extra months off at least.

 I guess it's no guarantee.

maramarrie

Mine returned at 6 months as well and I really hoped I'd be one of the BFers that wouldn't get AF until I stopped BFing. Unfortunately it came back. There are many EBF moms who get their AF at 6 weeks or earlier, so 6 months, I guess, is pretty good. I'm sorry you are dealing with it and the hormonal changes that come along with it. It may impact your supply, but likely only for a few days when AF starts. Drinking plenty of water can help some and just letting those days pass without stressing too much should be fine. DS did just fine, even on low supply days, and I never needed to supplement with my freezer stash to make sure he got enough.