Dear all,

Met a mother today who asked that I put this poser to you.  Mum is 43 years
old. Her mother started menopause aged 45 and her grandmother when just over
40.  Mum is breastfeeding her 2 yr 3m old toddler,  littlun feeds about 5
times in 24 hours, sleeps with mum and dad and feeds on average twice a night.
Toddler was prem born on 10 December but due on 22 Feb.

Mum had her first period 33 days after delivery and has had semi regular
periods around a 26 day cycle.  Has now gone 40 days, she feels as if a period
is about to come but has also had nausea.  She has taken 2 home kit pregnancy
tests and both are negative.  She wonders whether this may be a pregnancy or
the start of menopause.  Her question to me was - If I am pregnant do you
think breastfeeding could mask the pregnancy test and show negative when
really positive?
Kind regards,
Helen M. Woodman, National Childbirth Trust Breastfeeding Counsellor UK