New chapter in life

Okay, so the title of this blog sounds kind of dramatic, but it's not really. This weekend much to my surprise and relief, my monthly cycle finally returned. After a year of waiting it's finally back. I am relieved as it means no more uncertainty about, fertility or pregnancy. Most pregnancy guide books tell you your cycle will come back in 4-6 months postpartum. Even my midwife said this as it was her experience. Several of my friends who have had babies, also had theirs' return at this time. So when six months came around and then eight months and then twelves months, I was getting a little worried. I was taking a pregnancy test like every week.

At ten months with out a period I decided to do some research about extended breastfeeding and the return of your cycle. It would seem that If you are feeding on demand without any substitutions like a bottle, pacifier or even pumping, then it could take up to a year or more for your cycle to return.

From reading through the Mothering forums, it seems a common occurrence with co-sleeping moms to have a delayed return of your cycle. Co-sleepers often have babies who will be all night eaters. When babies breastfeed the sucking action suppresses the hormones needed to jump start ovulation. Because this hormone is released mostly at night, between 1-6 am, if you have an all night eater, you will likely have long delay in the return of ovulation. Which is fine as it's a natural form of child spacing. It's a little unnerving to go so long without your cycle though. I'm very happy it is back.

Which leads me to the next part and the answer to a very frequent question, "When are you going to try for the next one?" My answer was always "I'm waiting for my period to come back." The answer now is yes, we will start trying for number two. I know it will be tough with two little ones, but I'd rather stay in baby mode while I'm already up to my neck in it.