Minipill and breastfeeding

[littlehedgehog]

DD is 7w and ebf. Am due to see doc next week for check up and considering minipill but very worried about side effects. Have relied on natural birth control after dc1 and dc2 but could not cope with another child and so do not want to risk it. DH will have the snip but still need to organize this. I know the minipill is not as effective as other hormonal contraception and am wondering if it is more effective that ebf alone?

As multiple posters will tell you, EBF is not a reliable contraception method. If you don't want another child, you need a proper contraceptive.

If you don't want to use hormonal methods, can't you use condoms?

Though I am on Cerazette with no problems for me or DS.

Not a fan of condoms, so will try the minipill. Just wasn't sure if it is more effective than ebf in the early stages. Probably just wishful thinking

There's a thread on here at the moment about how many people fell pregnant whilst EBF. The answer is: a lot

as long as it is taken properly the mini-pill is around 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.

according to kellymom breqastfeeding can give up to 99.5% protection against pregnancy but only if several conditions are met.

I was worried about side effects so have diaphram. Not ideal in the long run (as its not as reliable as the pill) but combined with EBF and spermicide think should cover it.

Thanks ladies. Kellymom link very useful.

MumNWLondon - Tried the diaphram in the past but decided my gp must have sized me incorrectly because couldn't get it in for the life of me . It seemed like an ideal option to me but could not face going back to the gp.

I'm on cerazette and so far it's going fine.

Still have plenty of milk to feed 5.5 month old DS and I'm not pregnant

Can you get the nuvaring in your area? It's hormonal, but very low dose as it's a kind of rubber ring you put up your fanjo and the hormones are absorbed directly. You take it out for a week to have your period.

It's been used in the US for years but is just starting to come over here. Not sure whether it's advised for use with breastfeeding or not, but couldn't hurt to ask?

I am on cerazette and it's been great. Don't get fobbed off with one of the other minipills which needs to be taken within the same 3 hour window every day, as I found remembering this wasn't realistic for a new and EBF mum. Couldn't believe it when I went to discuss alternatives and cerazette was offered immediately - they just don't tell you about it initially because it is more expensive than the others.