kinda ttc and wanting to know when to check for bfp

Hi. I was hoping that other moms and moms-to-be might be able to help me figure something out. I don't know how to tell if I'm late or not. Before my first pregnancy my cycle was semi irregular. (AF would show up about every 5 weeks, though it wasn't always the same interval of time between occurences. I've had my periods as close as 21 days and as long as 47 days apart.) The pregnancy ended happily with the birth of my little girl this past Memorial Day weekend. My husband and I have chosen to forego birth control for now, I haven't gotten my period back yet, and I am breastfeeding. My question is when might I expect my period to return or how might I be able to gauge if I'm "late"? Does anyone have some good sources I can check out on breastfeeding and ovulation or post partum fertility?

alot of people dont get it when they breastfeed- though my sis in law did at 4 months pp. breast feeding keeps u from ovulating so u might not get a period till u quit

You may not get your period at all while nursing. I have been nursing for over 13 months and still no period. My last one was September 2006   Some women get theirs back when they start nursing less. I'm not one of them. I only nurse in the morning and before bed, otherwise she gets cows milk and still no AF

You can monitor your temperature and CM through fertilityfriend.com. Or use OPKs

I breatsfed my daughter for 7 months and my period didnt come until she was a little over one. Its kinda tricky when breastfeeding. If I were you I would take a test anyway just to see--it wouldn't hurt.

Check out the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility from your library. Excellent book. (You may want to buy one of your own if you find it really interesting like me but they can cost up to 30.00.) There's a section in there devoted to breastfeeding, telling what fertility signals to look for when breastfeeding. You can know ahead of time when you will be fertile. The rules for natural birth control when breastfeeding are: 1 breastfeeding exclusively, 2 baby younger than 6 months, 3 no bleeding other than your post-partum bleeding. If you fall within these guidelines your natural protection is 98%. You're more than likely not pregnant but take a test if you need to reassure yourself.

If you want to know more I'll try to answer any questions. 

I just want to say thanks to everyone for their counsel. I think first I'm going to try that book you recommended, Mrs. Z. I just wanted to let you all know that your responses are appreciated. Good luck to you all.

-Jacquie