Short luteal phase and breastfeeding

I've been charting for the last 3 months or so, after trying to conceive our 2nd child since March. Going by my charts, Fertility Friend has given me luteal phase lengths of 10 days and 7 days for the last 2 cycles.
Since I'm still breastfeeding my toddler, I'm wondering about the effect of breastfeeding on luteal phase length - I've heard it may affect progesterone levels?
However, the fact that my toddler still wakes during the night and needs a BF to get back to sleep, obviously disrupts my sleep and probably affects my temperature readings. So how much stake should I put into the accuracy of my temp readings, and therefore also FF's ovulation dates?

I guess I'm unsure whether I should be consulting a doctor about this, or if I should look into supplements or something. Is there anything safe I can take that may be of benefit if I do have a short luteal phase, that's alright to take when breastfeeding? I've heard that Vitex and B6 can help, is this true?

I'm very confused!

I had irregualr cycles and have been on Vitex for 6 months- they are now very regular, around 28 days. I also had short luteal phases and they have also lengthened.

I think as long as you have a solid (more than 3 hour block) of sleep your temps should be reasonably accurate.

Accupuncture can also help with luteal phases.

Hi WW, I recommend Vitex too. I took it after my m/c coz my cycles were all over the place (and pretty sure I didn't ovulate for a few months) and got pregnant with Chelsea on the 2nd cycle of taking it
It was a naturopath who got me onto taking Vitex, probably best to talk to someone like that before taking it (although you can just buy it off the shelf).

With regards to BFing, I didn't ovulate at all until after Chelsea completely weaned, so at least you are ovulating, but as I understand it your luteal phase needs to be AT LEAST 10 days in order to sustain a pregnancy. (someone please correct me if I'm wrong)

Hope that helps

ETA as for wakings and temp taking, I was still getting up to Chelsea most nights (although not BFing anymore) so sometimes wouldn't get 3hrs solid sleep, but I found that as long as I'd had some sleep my temp was still in the normal range, whether pre-ov or post-ov so could still see when I ovulated. Could be different for other people though!

Edited by rachelsea

You should be able to get it from the Pharmacy or health shop.

GL

Yep Nutella, according to FF lessons and advice, 3 hours is the magic number

That gives me hope, Mel! Now just gotta get hold of some Vitex and B6!

I spoke with my natropath.. GP's and herbs?? Not a likely mix.

Ignore google, vitex is given to mothers to boost supply, it is fine! Personally I would just try 50mg of B6 for 3 months or so first and see if that lengthens your LP hun and if it doesnt then think about adding vitex to the mix

GL

For info. I've been taking Vitex since April 2010 and 150mg/day of B6 while BF my DD, to try and lengthen my LP.

For me, the short LP was an issue prior to conceiving my DD, so it's taking some time to sort out. The Vitex/B6 combo has helped lengthen it, and remove some PMS symptoms. I'm also ovulating earlier (around CD15/16) than I was before Vitex. But at the moment, aside from two cycles with a 12/13 day LP, I'm still around the 8/9 day LP range.

However, what worked for me when TTC#1, and what I'm trying now, is acupuncture and herb treatment. I'm still taking the Vitex and B6 as they're also helpful, but for me, not enough on their own.

Vitex takes 3-6 months to become fully effective, so don't be discouraged if you don't see changes instantly. B6 should start working in a cycle or two depending on the dose you take.

wow, made not difference to mine I must say... they were just as per usual....

Does anyone know if B6 is ok to take while BFing?