What Birth Control Should I Use While Nursing

My doctor DR. Mills and the Renessaince womens put me on the Nuva ring. I really like it. I didn't gain much weight from it. It didn't seem to have any affect on milk production and she said it was safe. I think she is one of the best and I trust her and have been on the ring for 1.5 yr now. It's great.

Stick with condoms. They are the safest protection. My husband and I researched information about birth control after infertility and found so many dangers that doctors never seem to warn you about, such as potentially getting pregnant and losing the baby. Not to mention the negative and sometimes dangrous side effects for you. Condoms work great!
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I believe that the device you are speaking is an upgraded version of the IUD. I used one of these devises for over 10 years with absolutely no side affects. If you fall under the catagories they insist on, I believe it is a wonderful device and it has gotten a bad rap because of something that happened in past versions and because it is a form of birth control that you don't have to continue paying for all the time. It is uncomfortable to have inserted but compared to the baby you had, it doesn't come close.

Just a quick note: nursing is not an effective method of birth control. Nursing sometimes leads to no periods, but it isn't impossible to get pregnant (My sister found out quick after her first son was born- and then came another). I use the nuvaring. I really like it, because I know I used the depo after my first daughter was born, and I too noticed I was very moody. I am horrible about remembering to take pills, so I knew that pills weren't right for me. A lot of my friends use the ring and we've all had success. I nursed both of my daughters and found that neither method of birth control really effected my milk supply. I had to go back to work with my second child, so that was a little stressful as far as keeping my supply up.

I use Mirena, and I am not going to try to talk you into using it. I have not been pleased from the start. While thus far it has done its job, it has not been worth it. First of all, for anyone who is considering it, check with your insurance company first. It is not covered on most as it is considered an IUD and not a prescribable birth control. So that could leave you with a $700 doctor bill easily. Second, the worry. I constantly worry that it is going to come out. While my doctor promised it was in there good, I have still heard and read stories about it coming out. Our youngest is one, and I am really not ready for another yet, and worry all the time...what if it came out! Lastly, since having it put in I never know if I am going to have a period or not. I went for almost 10 months with out anything, and then all of the sudden one day...BAM! I bled one day, spotted a second and then nothing for a month or more. Then it hit again, and went longer.

So for anyone out there considering Mirena, I personally would not recommend it. If and when I ever have to try another form, I guess I will just go back to the pill.

So I am sorry I could not offer you any suggestions about what to do, but just wanted to let you know from experience that Mirena is not as good as it advertised to be.

The "mini pill" is fine to take while nursing and keeps pregnancy at bay. The brand name is Nor-QD tablets. I nurse and it's what I use. I have no side effects what-so-ever and I'm happy with it. The only thing is that you must take it at the exact same time everyday. If you fail to do so within a three hour window, you'll have you use backup protection for the next 48 hours.

Talk to your doctor about mirena... it's an IUD and available to women who have had childen. IT lasts for 5 years, but can be taken out at anytime. It's not right for everyone, though.

Good Luck!

R.,

I use the Mirena IUD & I wouldn't trade it! I was on birth control pills for years before my third (& last) child, but now that I'm done having kids I wanted something more permanent without going through the tubal ligation. I got the IUD 6 weeks after the birth of my third child. I think it is great. I didn't feel anything when the Dr. inserted it (it's done right there in the office) & I will have it removed in a few months & another put in because it's been 5 years. You only have to replace it every 5 years, I have only had about 5 periods a year & they are much, much lighter (like only 1 or 2 days each) & absolutely no cramps or anything.

That's my opinion. Good Luck with whatever you decide!

A Little About Me: I am a High School Special Education Teacher with 3 kids, all of whom I am super proud of; my oldest daughter just turned 20, my son is 16, & my youngest daughter will be 5 in May.

I use the mirena. I have never had a problem with it at all. neither have any of my friends. It doesn't hurt to have it put in (if anything it's like a little sting when they clamp their tools on you...) but that's it. I love it. I do have a little bit of a problem with low progesterone but I aply a cream from aurbone(sp?) for the two weeeks before my period. I am not sure if this will help you with your decision but I just wanted to let you know that I sing the mirenas praises and recomend it to anyone!! There is always a posible side affect to anything you use. and the makers have to put that warning on... I wouldn't worry about it poking your uterine wall.
just my opinion :)

I thought I would add that I have had mine for two years now. also they say that if you do expereince any difficulties with the mirena it will happen within the first month or two. also I know that a lot of the time people confuse the two IUD options and that the one with copper (I am not sure of the official name) is the one that might hurt. It lasts for ten years though. (I HAVE heard of complications with this method of IUD and that is why I chose the mirena :)

good luck choosing

Hi R., how are you? Some may not agree to this response, but I felt lead to respond to your request. It's funny that when we get married that we forget why God gave us the pleasure of sex. It was for the married and not the single people to replenish the earth, because people are always dying. These days the world is being populated by both single and married. It is a blessing from God to have children, because some women can't. I am not against birth control, if and only if there are those disobedient children that are having unprotected sex. As for the married couples, I feel like we should trust God to space out our children and not rely on birth controls. He will and can space them out for you. I am a living witness. Birth controls have so many side effects that there really is no birth control better than the other when it comes to how it affects us women or our babies. Yes you should be able to take care of them, but lets remember that God is the one that supplies all of our needs and if we are blessed by him to bear a child he will make sure that we are able to provide for them. Don't even think about tying your tubes, because you may decide at that point that you don't want anymore, but whose to say that your feelings might change afterwards. Then it goes back to the complications that you have after you do it. I would just say to pray about you decision and acknowledge God and he will direct your path. He knows how much we can bear and wouldn't put no more on us than we can bear. May God bless you and your family and take care.
Love,
Q.

Hey there. We have two children and haven't figured out anything more permanent in the way of birth control at the moment than condoms. But I have to suggest that while you are using condoms, the only ones in my opinion that are worth using are the Trojan Naturalamb. They feel way more like not using anything than any of the others. Pricey but worth it!

Hi you said something about Mirena, I'm not familuar with that one, but I have a I.U.D. I think it may be kind of the same thing. I love my I.U.D. I have had since ^ months after having my twins who are 5 now. My doctor said it was good for 7 years. I have never had a problem with it, I forget it is even there. Best of all my husband and I have unprotected sex and don't worry about getting pregnant. That is just my situation, but I would definetly reccomend one. Especially if you want to have more children in the future. It has NO hormones and if I took it out today I could get pregnant immediately.
Best of luck to you.

They have something called "the mini pill" that won't interfere with breast milk production. Your doctor will know of some good ones :)

There are so many type sof birth control.

Mirena
Depo Provera
Natural Planning Method - monitoring your cycles and abstaining (check out the book Taking Charge of your Fertility -Toni Weschler?)
Birth COntrol Pills
Condoms
Permanent Sterilization -- though it can be reversed, you may not get your fertility back
the Patch - cant recall the name
NuvaRing

Just research and find out which one works the best for you.

I take the mini pill also and have not had problems. I have lost about 19lbs using weight watchers so I think it is possible to get weight off while taking it although baby weight still seems to want to hang around!! Anyway that is what we chose and I have had no problem producing plenty of milk for my little man. He is 9 months old and in the 90% percentile for weight and length! Good luck to you!

I have a copper IUD and I love it. It was a little painful, but that was because I didn't take the ibuprofen before hand. The only way that your uterus is going to get punctured is if your doc is a wack job and doesn't measure your uterus first. I wouldn't rely on breast feeding as a form of birth controll, that's about as effective as the pull and pray method. There is also a progestin only pill, if you're worried about the shot. There's also the nuva ring, and they brought back something like norplant, that get inserted under the skin in your arm, I'm surprised your doc didn't sit down and try to figure it out with you. I hope this gives you some more info on your options. good luck.

I am using the Mirena. My OBGYN recomended this for me because if we decide to have more children it can be removed. I have to admit that it did hurt for a second when they put it in but if you made it through birth this is nothing. I have had mine for a year with no problems. I have 2 wonderful kids a very active 5 year old Boy and a 11mth old daughter and a very Happy maraige of 11 years and its great not having to worry about birth control all the time. I would recomend Mirena. You will have enough to worry about taking care of your new little angle, why worry about bith control to. I had a good freind who was nursing while on the pill and got pregant again. Talk to you Doctor.

I would ask your doctor about the different IUD's if that is what you were thinking. Mirena is not the only one out there. I had an IUD before my husband and decided to have a child and I did not have the complications that I have read that Mirena users have. Then again, everybody is different. The last post about the Mirena describes my IUD, however, it was not that brand. I would research it, if I were you. My husband and I are trying for numero dos, and I think that if (keep your fingers crossed) I get pregnant a second time, I will not hesitate to use an IUD again after the second baby.
HTH,
Margaret:)

The "mini pill" is safe, I am taking Jovilette (i think that is how it is spelled) My OB/Gyn prescribed it because I am nursing...The other pills are not safe during nursing...I does not have estrogen, just progrestin. You can also try the 5 year IUD. There is a 10 year one too.

I am a nursing mom and I take Errin. It has not hurt my milk supply at all. It is 98% effective, but you have to take it at the same time everyday. Good luck.

Ask the Lord what He would have you do. Those chemicals are bad for you. He says that children are a blessing and a reward. Now that I am older, I wish I had listened b/c I would have loved to have had more children now that I am less selfish and am enjoying the rewards that He did give us. He says that we are to multiply and subdue the earth - with just one, you have not even replaced yourself. No holier than thou here, just a reflection of regret for being in charge of something that was not really my place and robing my older age of the joy of more children. Pray, and ask.

My husband and I used condoms. I preferred not to go back on the pill (as you may know, it can interfere with milk supply). We have three children. FYI...women who have their tubes tied increase their risk for fibroids. It is much less expensive (about a fourth of the cost) to have your husband have a vasectomy. Your husband would miss only one day of work and wouldn't be able to lift anything heavy for a couple of weeks. We still use condoms.

I have an IUD (Minera) and honestly it hasn't been as great as I had hoped...good but not great. It didn't hurt being inserted, I took some Advil before the appointment. My DD will be one year old the end of this month and I have never had a period...just spotting. A lot of spotting, at least three days a week or so of spotting. And that is tedious to me the constant spotting. Also, it took about 2.5 months to "settle", I had cramping (mild but there) off and on the first couple of months. I know other women who love theirs and haven't had any problems...I like mine, for the not having to think about it...but wish there was another option. If you find a really good one let me know...thanks.

I had the Mirena IUD for 2 years and was very happy with it. I didn't have it while nursing though, but my friend does nurse and has one. I got the IUD out in Oct last year and got pregnant in Dec. I would do the Mirena again. I believe it was best for me. The best thing was that I paid my $20 copay for the insert appointment and $20 the next month so they could follow up. I have different insurance now and paid $213 for my doctor to pull it out. Yes, there was some mild cramping when it was inserted but the pain was gone by the time I got to my car. It was nothing compared to menstral cramps or contractions. When I was nursing my first child I took the mini pill for 8 months. You need to take it everyday at the same time. I would take it at 6:00 pm everyday because I knew I would always be awake at that time. Hope this help.

Have you considered the "sponge" or diapharam. I used both during my child bearing years and managed very well. The cost is low and they are easy to use. Just a little inconvenient as far as spontaneously love making unless you put the device in early. Just make sure that you are not allergic to. the spermicide that you choose.

The Paragaurd. It is an IUD, its non hormonal. I had it put in 10wks after I gave birth to my first and probably only child. It is wonderful. I have had no side effects.Its been in for almost two years. And it will last for 10 years.

I use Nora BE. . . It's the generic for Nora Q something (I'm not sure). My OB GYN says that it's 80% effective, and so is breastfeeding, so we're pretty much covered. She also used it while she was breastfeeding, so I'm pretty confident it's safe. I like it.

I've tryied the mirena twice and i didn't like it because i had bleed for the first 3 months straight and i had bad bad cramps and i just couldnt take it anymore. Right now im on the nuva ring and that is the best birth control i've came across i love it! u where it for 3 weeks and then u take it out for a week so your period could start and it only last about 4 days, so i would recommend the nuva ring to anyone1 hope you find something u like

R.,
Breastfeeding usually is effective IF you meet the following criteria: 1.Your baby is less than 6 months 2.You haven't started your period 3. The baby is getting nothing but breastmilk at the breast 4. And baby sleeps no longer than 5-6 hours at a time (only once in 24 hours).

The recommended hormonal birth control bill for breastfeeding moms is progesterone only...no estrogen combo pills. Estrogen can affect milk supply.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
M.

I used Mirena and really liked it. I love the fact that it has such low hormones, which definately was a HUGE bonus for me since I tend to gain weith and have HORRIBLE mood swings on hormone b.c.

As far as it hurting upon insertion, I'd say 3 out of 10. It's not much worse than kicking the nightstand in the middle of the night and it goes away pretty quick too. Take Motrin before you go in if decide on it.

Removal is nothing worse than a regular vag exam/pap smear, not bad at all.

Mine did move after placement. My son was 9#11oz when he was born and I probably should have waited longer than the 6 weeks I did. The Mirena ended up sitting at the top of my cervic instead of in my uterus for most of the 2 years I had it before removing it to try for another baby. Even though it wasn't where it was supposed to be, it wasn't uncomfortable and it was very effective.

I definately think the Mirena is a good, super low hormone way to go. I have 5 girlfriends who have all used it and the rave about it too.

Good luck.

My sister and I both did the 3 month shot. We both loved the shot. My sister has been on it for 9 years and she only has one kid. I use to use it. I was on it for 3 years. Benfit of it for me was no periods, as well as my sister. It helped my sister with major cramps. It helped me because I was very fertial. I no longer use it because I had to have a hystro, due to all the damage having my 3 kids. First kid came with using a condom, second with the daily pill, third came a year after I stoped using the shot.
The shot is very easy, you just have to make an appt, go there, have a little testing to make sure everything is ok, get the shot and your good for 3 months.

I dont know about while nursing but you can ask the doctors, they will be able to help you make the right decision for you and for your baby girl. If you let them know that you really need their help in explaining all the different methods and the effects they will be more then happy to help.

Hi R.-
I looked into the pill when I was nursing my son. My OB/GYN recommended only taking the mini-pill while I was nursing and then going with something else once I was done.

I ultimately decided to not take anything while I was nursing but then as soon as I stopped, I got a Mirena and I LOVE it! It didn't hurt at all when it was inserted. I did have some cramping and bleeding for about 6-8 weeks afterwards, buy my periods are so much lighter now and its great not having to remember to take a pill every day! Its also nice that it lasts for 5 years and that you can have it removed anytime if you decide you want to have another. Plus my insurance paid for it 100%! :)

Good luck!

I personally used Depo for 4 years and was given a bone density test at their request, and ultimately found out I had osteoporosis. So my suggestion is that it obviously is not intended for long term use. I used the "ring" for some time and absolutely loved it! The only annoying side effect was some discharge, but over all I would highly recommend it! Good Luck!

Hello R., I know of a way for you not to have to take any meds. I used this method and I never got pregnant until planned. You have to "know" your cycles well. You need to chart when you start your periods and how many days till the next one. I was a 28 dayer. I usually started around the 1st of the month. Once you have "charted" that it can be pretty easy. When you know the day you should start your next period count back 14 days from that date and that should be the day you ovulate. You will be able to get pregnant 2 days before and 3 days after. You will also need to watch your vaginal discharge. When you are getting ready to ovulate it will be cloudy, then turn clear. Good sign you have ovulated. I also had cramps in my side when I ovulated. We only used condoms because I breastfed also and I did not want to mess with my cycles. They were created for a reason.
I hope this helps. If you need to ask me any more questions leave me a message and I will be happy to help. By the way your daughter was born on my birthday. Have a wonderful day. Leah

Don't rely on breastfeeding as a "natural" birth control. I started my period when my daughter was 6 weeks old and was and am breastfeeding. You don't always stop ovulating while breastfeeding. I am on a progesterone only pill and you are supposed to take it around the clock with no week break and not have a period maybe only "spotting". yeah right, not me I am having normal periods anyways. :) My OB just told me I was very fertile which I guess I should be grateful for because I only have my left ovary and Fallopian tube. (0varian cyst) I like the pill ok, not the bad effects on me as the regular pills do and I am not gaining any weight from it !!!! Yeah.

I agree with the mini-pill MOMS I took it the whole time I nursed with no problems and loved it! As far as the weight goes sparkpeople.com It is not a diet it just helps you with porion control and gives support and great ideas! Lost 20 pounds already!

I used the mini pill while I was nursing. It only has progestrogen(sp?) and not estrogen. So it's like the Depo shot but you don't get the weight gain. If you did go back on full birth control that had the estrogen in it you could get on a low dosage and it might not affect your milk supply. I liked the mini pill and it didn't have any side affects.

Hope this helps!
M.

just wanted to add to the other who are using the Progesterone only pills. I am nursing also, so my doctor got me to use that, and I haven't had any side effects. I just hate taking the pill every day, and having to go get new ones every month. I went in to get the paragaurd IUD, but my uterus was tilted so I wasn't able to get it, but if you're able you should check that out! All my friends and my sisters have them and they love it. It can stay in for 10 years! I'm so bummed that I couldn't get it. :(

Honestly, I would avoid taking any kind of anything that you take by mouth or wear. Many doctors will tell you those things are safe but they don't actually know yet. I would just use condoms.

B.
www.MoreForMyBaby.com

Hi, I am a full time student and a mommy of a beautiful 4 month old baby boy. I nurse full time and also had the problem of what birth control to take... I chose Mirena and I LOVE IT. There is no chance of forgetting to take a pill and this allows for total spontaniosity in me and my hubbys love life, dont have to worry bout condoms or pills or anything else. My son came a little early and was unexpected as well.... I was on the pill. That is part of the reason I chose not to go the pill route again. My iud was inserted at my 6 week checkup and I hardly felt anything. I didnt have any cramping afterward and havent to this day. The only was I could tell the iud was in after it was inserted was I had a little spotting for about 2 weeks. The other great thing is I havent had a period since the iud was inserted yippeee. I also love the fact that once I am ready to have more children all that has to be done is remove the iud. I wouldnt trade this form of birth control for the world.... absolulty love it.

I also used a progestrone only pill while nursing. I believe that is pretty much the only hormone that is acceptable while nursing. Breastfeeding alone is about 80% effective as a birth control but in order for it to be effective you have to nurse every 2 hours, so alone it isn't a great way to prevent pregnancy. There is also natural family plannin in conjuntion with breastfeeding, if you do not want to take a pill or use hormone therapy. This works for a lot of women, but it's also a lot of work.

The best thing to do is discuss it with your OB and see what she reccomends. Also a good resource is www.babycenter.com there are a lot of articles plus bulletin boards and a place to chat with other moms.

Good luck!

Just tell your Dr. that you are nursing and she'll put you on the one that's for Breastfeeding, Just make sure when you go and pick up your pills from the Pharmacy, you ask them to make sure they are right for breastfeeding also....
Double check that's pretty much it....

My OBGYN put me on a birth control right away when I left the hospital that is designed for nursing women. I stayed on it the whole time until I quit breastfeeding.

From my understanding, you don't need birth control while nursing, but you might want to check with your doctor...don't take my word for it.

Dear R.
Forget what you've read about Mirena and go for it!
I doubt you will regret it.
I know several people who use it and have never regretted it for an instance.
Tell you doctor you are afraid of the pain of insertion and he will either set your mind at ease or give you a relaxant if you are very tense about it.
If you have a good ob/gyn, there is not need to worry about puncturing the uterus - in good hands, the chances of this happening are minimal!
Mirena is wonderful in that it will not interfere with your weight, your will have a much more free sex-life with your husband and you won't have to experience the ups and downs of emotional swings with Depo and other birth control medication.
All the best - don't be afraid - just bungy jump!
Kind regards
Jewel

I used the pill a low dose progesteron(sp)but I have to tell you. I had a great Milk supply at first, then after 2 months of the pill I was feeding an 6 month old just as much as a newborn and its because I wasn't producing enough milk. The pediatrician said this was probably because I had gone on birth control. Next time we will just have safe sex. I don't want to not have enough to feed my baby and it was crazy all the extra feedings because he was starving when he should have been sleeping through the night. I had to stop nursing all together at 10 months because he wasn't gaining sufficient weight and when I went to forumula he was full and satisfied. For awhile there it made me feel like a bady mommy. So talk it over with your doc on how it affects your milk supply, how long are you going to nurse, and then also ask a lactation consultant. They seem to know more about the breast (its their job) :) Goodluck, and I know the pill is a pain but my doc said the low dose was best.