Post birth options...

[Julieb85]

Not sure where I should post this...but...I'm currently 22 weeks with DC2 and me and DH have just started chatting about contraception post birth. After Ds 1 we didn't use any formal contraception as I had some cycle issues due to the pull which caused issues TTC. We're both agreed that this is likely to be our last baby so just considering our options...

Does anyone recommend/have any advice on contraception post birth?

[Rpj16]

Can DH get a vasectomy ?

[Julieb85]

He has offered but he's not even 30 yet so I think that's a bit young...Im happy to take the contraception burden for us 😉 X

[Rpj16]

you could go back on pill for the forseeable future and then in 10 years he could get one! I'm on cerazette 4 months post partum.

Congrats on DC2 btw :)

[Julieb85]

Thanks...I'm used to the pill but if I remember correctly after DS1 they were really pushing for me to get the coil for some reason!

Thanks 😁

[Slothlikesundays]

I had the coil pre-conception. It was fab and will be getting it again post-baby. I've tried the pill, the implant and injection in the past and the coil had the least side effects, I had no periods and no weight gain. I was a bit moody but I think this coincided more with having it at the most stressful period of my life to date rather than my contraception.

[PotatosMum]

I'm planning to look at getting a coil after I've popped. I know loads of people who've had them and all but one had a positive experience (the one who didn't had fairly extensive abdominal problems though which was probably why she had problems)

[GinnyHendricks]

Oo you read my mind! How soon after the birth can I get the coil fitted? I'm planning to breastfeed so wanted something nonhormonal if possible

[superwormissuperstrong]

My plan is copper coil...
I'd had problems with hormonal contraceptives before pregnancy and tried the coil but my shape meant that it was almost impossible to fit - but the docs indicated that it would be much easier after I've had a child.
As we knew we wanted children we were happy to use the notoriously unreliable withdrawal method but after #2 pops out I definitely do not want anymore pregnancies or children so need something reliable.
Vasectomy would only be a last resort if the coil doesn't work.

[Julieb85]

Does anyone know how long a coil lasts for? Do you still get periods with it? I'm hoping there's a wonder method out there that is 100% effective, stops periods and doesn't cause hormone craziness! 😂 X

[Jenjen85]

Iv had both coil types merine and copper. The merina has horemones and i bled constantly for 4 months had it removed and a copper one put in had regular periods with it in. Had it in for 2yrs before having it removed to get pregnant. The copper coil lasts 5years not sure on merina one tho. Had another copper coil put in after DD was born. Once you've had your 6week check you can have it in. I had it in until November just gone when i fell pregnant with it in. Im that 1% statistic currently 28weeks now. I would have it in again as i think i was just unlucky as it had moved so wasnt protecting me and horemone contraception doesnt suit me. Sorry if iv scared anyone with my story

[Jenjen85]

Husband is 100% having a vasectomy after DC2 is born as there is definitely NO more children coming out of me

[thatorchidmoment]

I think your GP would be happy to fit a coil for you once your bleeding has stopped post partum. Before that, there is a higher risk of a womb infection as there is essentially an open wound where your placenta used to be.

It has a really low failure rate and you don't have to remember to take it, which is why it is pushed heavily. The hormonal one (mirena) lasts for up to 5 years. I think the copper coil lasts about 3 years. You tend to get normal or heavier periods with the copper coil: the mirena will stop periods in about a third of people, have little effect on them in about a third, and cause unpredictable bleeding in the rest iirc.

If you are happy with the pill and are good at remembering to take it, by all means request it. If you are breastfeeding, it's better to go with a minipill which has a progestogen rather than the combined pill. Cerazette is the one I took, and it is good because it has a 12 hour window if you forget to take it at the same time each day. Most mini pills have a window of 3 hours.

[thatorchidmoment]

Sorry, I think copper coil can work for about 5 years as well. I was getting mixed up with the implant which I had before!

[Julieb85]

Wow! Thanks for all the info!! If rather not have to bother with the pill to be honest...I'll speak to my GP at my next appointment and get some more info! Thanks everyone! X