Confusion and cycle tracking question

[serpentine85]

Honestly! Just as I think I've almost got a handle on my cycle, it throws me a curveball.

I had what I assumed to be a period two weeks ago - four days of mild-medium flow. It seemed a little short & a couple days early (based on my guestimates anyway) but I've never been regular so I didn't think much of it. I've just started bleeding again. I must have been mistaken by a breakthrough bleed, I guess. The other alternative is that the change in little S's nightime nursing (for comfort whilst she's teething) is affecting my cycle (what do you think?)

I'm just curious. Those who track their cycles, how do you differentiate between a period and spotting at the start/end of your cycle? I bleed for several days and then have several days of mid-light spotting and sometimes, I'm not sure where to draw the line. Any advice?

[sdfonz619]

I would suggest using Fertility Friend, it is the best way to keep track of your cycle IMO. If it is just spotting, I mark it as such and if there is a flow (light-heavy) I do the same.

[mahler5]

I can't remember exactly when I got my period when I was still breastfeeding c. I think around 11 months after I had been slowly weaning C. I do remember it was off a month or two. So, not sure what to tell you but if you are weaning it should get to normal soon. If you aren't weaning I don't know. It seems like an increase in feeding might affect it.

Anyway, good luck figuring everything out. I had to wean to start IVF treatment for number 2.

[serpentine85]

sdfonz619 I've heard good things about fertility friend. At the moment, I just have a free app on my phone - can't remember what it's called now - that tracks periods, cm and some symptoms. My problem comes when I try to identify when my period ends and the spotting starts - am I seeing heavy spotting or light flow? Some days it's hard to call.
Anyway, I'll look into fertility friend. Thanks for the tip.

mahler5 S is nursing 3 - 5 times a night now. She's only feeding once or twice in that time. We're not deliberately weaning, she's just not bothered in the daytime because she eats 5 times a day (v.hungry baby) But I was wondering if nursing would have the same effect as repeated feeding? We weren't planning on weaning any time soon - figured if I got pg, that she would self-wean when my milk changed.

[calsurb]

I find that breastfeeding and my cycle are all sorts of crazy. I'm 9 months post partum and I have my period for about 4 times all at irregular times when charting said I wouldn't. I've sorta just let go over tracking it because I know it will be out of whack the whole time I bf.

[karlamo]

From an RE's perspective, it's only considered a period if there is a flow to it. Otherwise it's just spotting. They also told us that you need to have a flow before the afternoon to call it CD 1, otherwise the following day is CD 1. This is probably too much info for someone just looking to track periods, but if you're TTC, this may be useful.