Just a personal anecdote,

My cycles returned regularly at 17 months PP, but we did not get pregnant,
despite trying, until my daughter was 31 months old (and now we are
expecting a baby in March).

We night weaned at approximately 28-29 months old and that (and flaxseed oil
to increase cervical fluid) seemed to be what my body needed.

I believe my body is very sensitive to the hormones of nursing, especially
night time nursing.  My cycles stayed away until 17 months PP even though I
work outside the home full time, I believe because we co-sleep and nursed
consistently through the night.  17 months was also when I stopped pumping
at work.

Feel free to pass on my message.  Good luck to your friend.

Alexis


>Date:    Wed, 4 Sep 2002 16:31:19 -0400
>From:    Diane <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: fertility and toddler nursing
>
>This is from a woman who already knows more than I.  Any thoughts?
>
> >My son is 29 months old and still breastfeeding regularly during the day
>and
> >night.  My periods returned when he was 19 months old.  I've been
>charting my
> >cycles for the last 6 cycles and trying to conceive each cycle.  I have
>more
> >days of fertile mucus (~5 days) and a short lutual phase (8 or 9 days).
>My
> >cycles range from 26 to 28 days.
> >
> >My understanding from Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition is that with
>longer
> >periods of fertile mucus and short lutual phases (implantation cannot
>occur,
> >there's no time) that is right in line with high levels of prolactin.
> >
> >Another great source of info is from K. Dettwyler
> >http://www.prairienet.org/laleche/detfert.html.  She discusses the slow
>return
> >to full fertility in breastfeeding women.  Each woman has varying
>sensitivity
> >to the hormone levels.  You can have "normal" looking cycling and still
>be
> >unable to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy.
> >
> >It seems that, for some, fertility does not return completely until
>weaning is
> >complete.  My son makes it very clear that all his current nursings are a
>real
> >need.
>

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