How likely is it.....

[ekblad9]

OK, so dh and I decided to start using NFP. We're taking a class and doing well so far. However, before we started the class I had my first post partum period. The day after my period ended we, well, you know without any kind of contraception. I'm SO nervous now that I could be PG. I'm tandem nursing but am apparently fertile b/c I got my period. Both my 7 month old and my 2 1/2 year old nurse through the night. I'm terrified b/c I stupidly thought that after your period you were infertile until around ovulation which is NOT the case (hence the reason why I have five kids, LOL). Anyway, any words of wisdom would be helpful here!!

[Jish]

Amy, unless you have extremely short cycles, I wouldn't worry too much. The longest that I have ever heard that sperm can live is seven days -- that is the extreme, most "experts" say around three to five days. It would be hard to tell now, but did you notice that you had fertile ewcm that day? If you did, it's likely you could ovulate soon. If you didn't notice, don't check now because you probably won't be able to tell the difference between seman and cervical fluid and will freak out. If you have 28 day cycles you would ovulate on about day 14, I'm guessing that all the sperm would be long gone by then.

Also, just because you have had a period doesn't necessarily mean that you are fertile and ovulating yet. They typically say that if you get your period before your baby is 6 months it was likely anovulatory. Kenny is only 7 months so you still may not have ovulated yet.

I'm no expert on NFP, but I'm guessing that your instructor will be able to tell by looking at your chart whether or not you are ovulating. I know women who have practiced NFP while nursing and said that it worked fine for them and they were able to tell when they ovulated.

So are you saying that you don't want to be ekblad8 yet???

[ekblad9]

OMG, you made me feel so much better. I can totally tell when I ovulate. I can feel it, it's quite painful. I know I'm not even getting close yet. My cycles when I'm nursing are at least 5 wks apart, usually more. I guess it's just going to take a while to get used to this, huh? I've been doing my temps and charting my cervical mucus, etc. The last two times I got pg was on my actual ovulating day. I guess since it only took once both times I'm ultra freaked out. I'm just not ready for another baby yet. I really want one in a few years but not now. I know it's not totally up to me but I hope I have some say, LOL! That said, of course all babies are a blessing and I would welcome one with open arms! Anyway, thanks!

[mama_kass]

Af came back at 4 months and then at 6 months pp for good. DS is 9 months old and this is the first cycle with an egg. My ovulation HURT this time. I think it might be because it has been so long.

If you are prego your temp will stay high for 18 days.

[ekblad9]

What's considered a "high" temp? Mine jumped from 94.7 to 97.5 four days after the "incidant". It's hovered around that ever since.

[laurata]

Do you mean 97.4 or 94.7? I believe a temp shift is typically half a degree, though it can be less. Plus you'd expect a dry up in cervical fluid.

Anyway, an update?

[ekblad9]

Well, I wasn't pg that time. :LOL But it's fun testing every month! I'm totally paranoid!