Postpartum Period Return After Limited Breastfeeding: What to Expect

Question
Hello:

My wife gave birth to our first child on May 7th, 2004.  She has tried breastfeeding but doesn't produce that much milk.  She has been pumping even since she gave birth and we mix it with the formula.  She is now down to producing almost no milk.  She has tried everything there is out there to produce more milk.  She has even been to see a lactation doctor.  Anyway...that was just her history.  Our question is, how long until her period comes back?  I know that every woman is different but is there a normal range of time?  Or, will she not get her period back as long as she continues to pump?

Thank You,

Paul

Answer
As long as she is lactating, it is possible not to have a period or to have irregular periods for up to one year after she stops nursing. If she has stopped nursing and wants her period, her doctor can induce it for her using Provera 10mg tiwce a day for 5 days and she should get her period within 10 more days.