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Q. This may take a minute to explain but I really need advice. so, here goes. I had a baby by c-section in July, the baby was premature and I was given a variety of medications before and after a long ambulance ride. I had regional anesthesia for an emergency c-section. before my pregnancy I had very regular periods and very bearable (no cramps, pms, etc) also I should say I am only 18 now. In any case since the birth of my baby I have had very irregular periods and I was wondering if I should be concerned because it has been 8 months. after the initial 6 weeks I had a period then about 2 months later I had my first after pregnancy period. I pumped breastmilk for about 2 months. Then I had another period about a month later I think I had another between then and thanksgiving (which was the next) and around new years but then it went until feb 11, 1998 and I haven't had one since. how normal is that? I don't think we even had sex by the time that I would've guessed I should've gotten it so I really doubt that I'm pregnant so what are other causes for this? I don't have pain, no symptoms of pregnancy, some stress which i have had all my life, not very much out of the ordinary except for my body adjusting to having a baby.

A. Congratulations on your little one.Have you taken a pregnancy test recently? If you are having sex you could very well be pregnant and the fact that your body has been re-adjusting after the birth could mean that you ovulated when you weren't expecting to. You mentioned that you pumped breastmilk for two months. Breastfeeding is not reliable biirth control for most women in our society and it can play havoc with your menstrual cycle particularly when you are weaning or "drying up" your milk. I would recommend seeing your doctor, midwife or nurse-practioner as soon as you can. You will feel better having a chance to talk with them after they examine you whether or not you are pregnant again. Good luck.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.