by Michelle Stein posted in Parenting

I chose to breastfeed my three children for the numerous benefits to both mama and baby. Not to mention, breast milk is free and easily accessible. I also liked the fact that it kept Aunt Flo at bay for the duration of my nursing journeys.
Except this time around, Aunt Flo apparently missed the memo on my ongoing lactation. Because I've definitely started my period.
Last month, when my baby was 11 months old and still nursing strong, is when my crimson visitor first reared her ugly head. It was light and only lasted a couple of days, so I was hopeful it wouldn't be a regular thing just yet. Wrong. When this month rolled around, my body made it clear this whole period business is back and here to stay.
I realize plenty of women get their first postpartum periods (and even get pregnant) while still breastfeeding. I just assumed my body would continue in its predictable, non-bleeding ways with baby number three. Aunt Flo left me alone for the entire 15 months I nursed each of my first two children  -- and then for a solid two months after weaning. This time, though" My body's all like, "Oh, your baby started eating table food" Guess I'm moving back in, old friend! Never mind that the baby still nurses at least three times during the day and practically all night long. I'm baaaccckk!!"
I thought we had an agreement, Aunt Flo, you big pain in my uterus. I grow and then feed babies with my body while you go off ...