Contraception when BFing

[JollyGoodFun]

DS is nearly 13 months. After he was about 6 weeks I went on the progesterone only pill, which was a disaster as I am rubbish at remembering to take it within such a short time window and the one with the longer time window is not prescribed in Scotland except under pretty specific circumstances.

Now I'm on the implant and have been for about 10 months. For the past month I've bled almost every day so the implant is no longer for me! (Was on it pre-DS too and it was fine for the first 5 years then I started irregular, frequent bleeding).

Anyway, BF is clearly firmly established, DS feeds morning and night still and enjoys it, but he also eats lots and lots of solid food (so much that I have no idea where he puts it all).

So what contraception should I try next? I don't fancy the IUS/IUD/coil much but will go for something like that if the combined pill is likely to cause supply issues. Kellymom confused me somewhat on this as it seems to say that although oestrogen containing contraception is okay when baby is 'older' that it can have a 'dramatic' effect on milk supply.

Thank you for your help!

UK medical eligibility criteria - this is the guidance HP use, basically category 1 is safe, 2 means benefits of contraception outweigh risks, 3 - risks outweigh benefits and 4 - absolutely avoid. So no problems with COCP after 6 months of BF. Not entirely sure on supply issues sorry, not had experience.

Shame you can't get cerazette (pop with 12h window) as I think it's great. I had an implant previously and had the same problems, though were resolved by taking low dose COCP in addition to implant (bit of a faff but at least didn't have to worry if I missed one as implant was covering contraception). Also you don't have to have a 7 day break anymore so can run packets together and never have a period :) Went on to cerazette after implant removed (after 3 yrs) for about 1 yr before ttc. No bleeding, no periods, no moody side effects - cant wait to go back on it! Can you get it on private prescription?

In terms of coils - Mirena IUS (hormonal coil) is probably most like having an implant that lasts up to 5 yrs. Bleeding will be lighter, and for some it will stop but there's also a risk of irregular bleeding as with an implant. Copper coil is effective but will make your periods heavier. Both absolutely safe with BF.
I'd suggest going to your family planning clinic to go through the various options - will have more time and possibly more experience than your GP. As first line would suggest adding a low dose COCP AND keeping your implant in (provided COCP won't affect your supply). Sorry for rambling, hope this helps a bit x

I had a nightmare with contraception during BF and ended up with an unplanned pregnancy, along with severe mood swings and major hormonal monthly madness. I've been backwards and forwards to the GP loads of times trying to work out what next and have decided on the coil, even though I desperately don't want it I think it's the only thing that's going to work.

Thanks folks. I'm leaning toward the combined pill, but pop on top of implant might work.

Copper coil does not sound good as I've previously had very heavy periods.

Thinking about TTC later this year so the injection is certainly out.

I'm curious to know why Scotland won't give Cerazette? Interesting.

I'd always been on the combined pill, which I came off to ttc. After DS was born I went on Cerazette when he was about 2 months old. Was great, no bleeding, no unwanted pregnancy, milk supply was grand. Then pretty much as soon as he turned 9 months I started to bleed, and bleed, and bleed. Bled constantly for 10 weeks, so much so that the GP did a blood test to check I was anaemic and to check my iron levels.

This sealed the deal for me and I came off Cerazette when DS was 11 months old, which was when I gave up bf and was happy to give up bf at that stage.

Now I'm pregnant with DC2 and I'm a bit baffled about what to do for contraception when I bf this baby.

Sorry I can't be more help (or actually any help) but just wanted to give another experience.

I live in Scotland and was on Cerazette for over 3 years - no issues with getting it although I had tried 2 mini-pills before that that didnt suit me. I now have the mirena coil and am getting on ok with it so far (only had it about 2 months). I am not bf-ing but cant take the combined pill due to BMI and age.

Thanks - I think cerazette is only prescribed in Scotland when other options have been used up, like Seona's situation. Definitely read that the guidelines are different from the NICE ones, but can't remember where I read it.

Well if you're very forgetful and unlikely to take usual pop in 3 h window...then better the more expensive drug than an unwanted pregnancy
If you think you might be wanting to ttc later this yr then definately don't bother with any type of coil, either add something to implant you have or plead case for cerazette (fwiw GP's here are reluctant to use it 1st because of cost but if a 3h window isn't going to work they don't have much choice). x