Breastfeeding and Confused
Question
Hi, I am fully breastfeeding my almost 7 month old baby. My periods have not returned. However every so often I have light pink spotting. I am up and down during the night with my son and am unable to get correct temps for charting. I seem to have EWCM almost all the time and am confused as how to chart, and know if I am ovulating during this time. Thank you.
Answer
Last Updated: July 24, 2013
It is not uncommon for nursing mothers to experience a constant, unchanging cervical mucus pattern (M). Sometimes it is mistakenly reported as EWCM because it is greater in quantity than was noticed prior to pregnancy, even though it is not transparent in color or as slippery as true EWCM. Make certain you do not have yeast infection. What is most important from a charting perspective is any observation of change from day to day in the cervical mucus pattern, whether it be improved clarity or increased stretch/quantity. This is the best indicator of returning fertility. The pink spotting must always be charted as fertile, and intercourse avoided for 4 successive days (Pk+4 or Basic Mucus Rule) if the family planning intention is to avoid pregnancy.
In your case, it appears your fertility may be returning. You do not have to have a full night’s sleep to take your temperature so I suggest you make an effort, even though it is inconvenient. Try taking it while nursing, if necessary, and after at least 2 hours of sleep. A sustained temperature rise can indicate ovulation as well as determine infertility with certainty and give you peace of mind.
Debi Hoppe
NFP Instructor
Sympto-Thermal Method
In your case, it appears your fertility may be returning. You do not have to have a full night’s sleep to take your temperature so I suggest you make an effort, even though it is inconvenient. Try taking it while nursing, if necessary, and after at least 2 hours of sleep. A sustained temperature rise can indicate ovulation as well as determine infertility with certainty and give you peace of mind.
Debi Hoppe
NFP Instructor
Sympto-Thermal Method
Answered By:
Debi Hoppe
Debi Hoppe, Professional Member of CANFP, Debi, and her husband Mark Hoppe, are from the Orange Region. When not advocating for NFP, Debi enjoys spending time with her children & grandchildren, studying Catholic apologetics, and reading about the lives of the saints.
