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Biochemistry
I know nothing about biochemistry but my BIL with the PhD always made it sound very interesting. He used to tell me stories of germ-fighting T cells roaming the body. looking to rid their world of invading viruses and so on. A T cell would encounter a virus and sound the alarm, sending thousands of other agents to swarm the invaders. It all sounded very cool.
Anyway, here's what I really wanted to post.
First, I had my 6 week follow-up with my midwife yesterday. Everything is fine, or at least normal. One interesting thing she told me is that while I am exclusively breastfeeding, my estrogen levels are at "rock bottom". I suspect this explains my menopause like symptoms (hot flashes and other less pleasant things). Not a big deal, but interesting from a "how your body works" perspective.
I also got the "back to birth control" information yesterday. It's sort of interesting because we haven't used any birth control in forever. I was off the pill for a total of 3 years before Ellie was conceived. Needing birth control sort of amuses me, given that I will have spent over a year without sex. Joe won't be back until October at the earliest. We *do* want to have more children and don't want to wait *too* long, because neither of us is getting any younger, but I'm not sure how close together. Anyway, I'd be curious about the experiences of anyone on my flist in a similar situation. What did you do for post-baby birth control? How far apart did (or do) you want your children? If breastfeeding, how long before you were ovulating again?
Anyway, here's what I really wanted to post.
First, I had my 6 week follow-up with my midwife yesterday. Everything is fine, or at least normal. One interesting thing she told me is that while I am exclusively breastfeeding, my estrogen levels are at "rock bottom". I suspect this explains my menopause like symptoms (hot flashes and other less pleasant things). Not a big deal, but interesting from a "how your body works" perspective.
I also got the "back to birth control" information yesterday. It's sort of interesting because we haven't used any birth control in forever. I was off the pill for a total of 3 years before Ellie was conceived. Needing birth control sort of amuses me, given that I will have spent over a year without sex. Joe won't be back until October at the earliest. We *do* want to have more children and don't want to wait *too* long, because neither of us is getting any younger, but I'm not sure how close together. Anyway, I'd be curious about the experiences of anyone on my flist in a similar situation. What did you do for post-baby birth control? How far apart did (or do) you want your children? If breastfeeding, how long before you were ovulating again?
no subject
I breastfed exclusively until about 5 months, and heavily (inlcuding pumping at work and several middle of the night feedings) until 13 months. I got my period back when Casper was 16 months old. My understanding is return of fetility varies a lot, and can come back much earlier if you give up night feedings. Also, of course, you can get pregnant without having had a period yet.
I want my children spaced about 3 years, to have a small child rather than a baby before the next baby comes along. This may be colored by the fact that my siblings and I are spaced 3 years apart.
My workplace is full of people with BarBri manuals! I think of you.
no subject
My midwife gave me a prescription for the pill, but I don't want to go back to that. I've never had problems with it, but it seems like a pain. Plus, I guess I'm just not that worried about it. After 2 years of trying, an accidental pregnancy sounds like fun (the *not having to try* part, I mean).
Anyway, thanks for the info.