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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
 |
My husband and I have a 10-month-old who 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 orderto protect the breastfeeding for your child and to allow your body time torecuperate from the first pregnancy. According to the LactationalAmenorrhea Method of child spacing, your chances of fertility returningincrease after your child is six months old, after your menstrual periodreturns, and after the baby begins taking longer stretches between feedings.
Many women do not resume their menstrual periods until the baby is one yearold or older. Many women get pregnant while nursing, but occasionally womenwill not be able to achieve pregnancy until the first baby is no longernursing. You will need to consider the needs of your first child. Talk toyour health care provider about your plans. I am not a physician, andcannot recommend any type of medical treatments.
Your chances are good that as your child grows and matures and begins todecrease nursing, your fertility will return quite naturally. Best wishesto you and your family!
Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC"
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More Answers by this Expert
- My breasts are so large now, I am worried I will smother my baby if I try to breastfeed. Also, will my breasts return to their former size?
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