Where is AF???

[Tannis]

AF returned at 4mths post partum even though I have been BF'ing, firstly I felt very ripped off as it didn't return with DS until I had stopped feeding him completely even when I was only feeding once a day. Beside that though I would have been due to get AF again on xmas eve but haven't had any signs of it coming, I like that it hasn't come back but I don't want to be caught out either! The last AF was pretty light and only lasted 3 days.
My question is once AF returns whilst still BF'ing, should it come back normally ie every month or can it come and go as it pleases?
DD has decided to wake earlier for a feed (3-4am) so could AF be keeping her distance because the overnight feeds have started again?
TIA

[The[cookie]Doctor]

My question is once AF returns whilst still BF'ing, should it come back normally ie every month or can it come and go as it pleases?

Come and go as it pleases. The levels of prolactin can fluctuate largely and frequently depending on how much you feed so it will do whatever it wants .

DD has decided to wake earlier for a feed (3-4am) so could AF be keeping her distance because the overnight feeds have started again?

That is most likely the reason, if she is having an extra feed your body produces more prolactin which may just be enough to keep her at bay.

The best way to get an indication of whether AF is coming (I found at least) is to keep an eye on your cervical mucous. When I had what I could assume was EWCM I knew to calendar it down for 2 weeks later.

I got AF very infrequently after getting back at 5 weeks post partum (*sigh*) and it has only been 'regular' the last two cycles since breastfeeding was reduced and finished.

HTH.

[~Raven~]

DD has decided to wake earlier for a feed (3-4am) so could AF be keeping her distance because the overnight feeds have started again?

Possibly!

[Tannis]

Oh no Ash! 5wks is way too early!

Thanks for all the info, that makes sense. I did have more CM a little while ago (not sure how long, maybe 2 or 3 wks ago) but still nothing and the past couple of days its been more so maybe 2 weeks from now?? I'm glad its stayed away over xmas and NY's after that I'm not worried.

Ash, did Alex get fussy leading up to AF? Ashlea did but I didn't realise that was why until after AF arrived, I thought that might be another way of telling when its coming.

Anyway thanks girls

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Yes he tended to get fussy around ovulation and then when AF as well. I think it makes the milk taste a little different (cant remember where i read it) but I dreaded AF coming because he was a horror to feed for three days. I would always have a lessened supply around that time as well. Quite frustrating!