[shulamit]

I got my period every month even though I was nursing... now I am a week late already and I haven't gotten my period. I did a pregnancy test and it showed that I am not pregnant. Does that mean that I am nursing clean?

[J_9]

I'm not sure I understand you. Could you please clarify your question? Thanks!

[shulamit]

Yes. People say that they don't get their period until about a year after they have a baby-meaning to say that they nurse clean. They also say that nursing clean is like a natural birth control. Not everybody nurse clean-like me. I get my period every month since I had my baby. He is now 8 months old. I have a regular period cycle. Every 4 weeks... now I am a week late already and I haven't yet gotten my period. I did a pregnancy test-result came out negative... well do you think I'm starting to nurse clean? Can that be? Or is it possible that I'm pregnant??

[DoulaLC]

Exclusive nursing can be a very effective form of birth control. However, once a baby starts to skip some feeds, such as sleeping through the night, or when they start to take in other foods and spend less time nursing, it can be enough for the mother to become fertile again.

Some women, like yourself, will find that they have periods even with frequent nursing. Other women won't have periods for quite awhile, even when baby does start to skip some feeds.

It is unlikely that you have started to nurse "clean" since you have been having regular periods already. It may be that your period is just off this cycle, and will show up late, or it could be that you are pregnant, but the test didn't pick it up yet.

See what happens over the next week. If still no period, try another pregnancy test. Make sure you follow the directions carefully. If still negative, wait and see what happens when you would expect your period next month. Test again at that time if necessary. If you suspect possible pregnancy before that time, for example if you start to have other possible symptoms, see your doctor or midwife.