I have a one-year-old who is breastfeeding and I have been taking Micronor (a prescription contraceptive) since he was six weeks old. I have never gotten a period the entire year. I was wondering if this is because of the Micronor or due to breastfeeding. If it is due to the Micronor, if I stop it how soon should I expect to get my period back?

--Rebecca

First, congratulations on your child -- and for breastfeeding for this first year. You are providing your baby with the best nutrition available plus important disease-fighting antibodies. Breastfed babies also get fewer colds and ear infections and are less likely to develop allergies. Remember, though, that much of what you ingest, including medications and alcohol, is transmitted to your baby through your milk; if you require medicine for anything, be sure to remind your doctor you are nursing.

Now, to get to your question: Your lack of periods can be due to either the breastfeeding or the Micronor -- or to the combination of both. It is NOT a problem to not have a period under these circumstances, but because breastfeeding promotes a state of low estrogen, you should be consuming 1,200mg of calcium daily. Unless you wish to use something else for contraception, you may continue to use the Micronor while you are breastfeeding. (Breastfeeding by itself is not an effective contraceptive!)

As to when your periods will resume once you stop breastfeeding, that varies. Most women will begin cycling again within the first three months after weaning. If your lack of periods is due to the Micronor, again, you will likely begin your period again within three months after stopping. But your periods may return sooner than that or later.