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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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My husband and I have a 10-month-old whom I have been breastfeeding. My periods have not returned and my BBT charts are difficult to interpret. We are trying to have another baby. Is there anything that can be given to restart my menstrual cycles? Someone told me I could be given a shot of progesterone to get things going again?
Breastfeeding delays the return of fertility after childbirth, in order to protect the breastfeeding for your child and to allow your body time to recuperate from the first pregnancy. According to the Lactational Amenorrhea Method of child spacing, your chances of fertility returning increase after your child is six months old, after your menstrual period returns, and after the baby begins taking longer stretches between feedings.
Many women do not resume their menstrual periods until the baby is one year old or older. Many women get pregnant while nursing, but occasionally women will not be able to achieve pregnancy until the first baby is no longer nursing. You will need to consider the needs of your first child. Talk to your health care provider about your plans. I am not a physician, and cannot recommend any type of medical treatments.
Your chances are good that as your child grows and matures and begins to decrease nursing, your fertility will return quite naturally. Best wishes to you and your family!
Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC
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