Combined Pill and Breastfeeding. GP says OK. Anyone taken it?

[suiledonne]

I saw my GP this morning as I am feeling very tired and unwell lately.

Periods returned when dd was 10 months old and my cycle is very short. Only 20 - 21 days.

GP feels this is contributing to anaemia and says combined pill would regulate periods.

I am still feeding 15 month old dd2.
It was my understanding that you couldn't take this Pill when breastfeeding but he says once breastfeeding is established it is fine.

I am concerned about the effects on dd2.

I am exhausted to the point where I am weak, dizzy and having headaches and am considering giving up breastfeeding. The main problem is that dd2 wants to feed all night. I am co-sleeping but her latch is not good so don't feel I can sleep while she is feeding as she can end up nipple-feeding which really hurts.

DD2 seems in no hurry to stop and I really want to consider what is best for her.

Anyone any experience?

i took the mini pill when breast feeding, can't remember what it was called (sorry) but it is fine to take.

I am on the mini pill, after attempting the coil (dont do it!!), i was on it last time, it is fine to take while bf, it is the normal 21 day pill that is not to be taken while bf.

AFAIK that's right: once BFing is established, or as in your case well established , taking the combined pill should not make any difference. The main concern in regards to taking it right after delivery is that it interferes with milk production and supply.

If all your symptoms are due to anaemia a combined pill would be an option; or how about Mirena/Depo Provera/Implanon if you are also needing contraception. I presume you are already taking an iron supplement?

Hopefully somebody who has actually taken a COC pill whilst BFing will be on soon.

Some more info here - you need to scoll down.

I cannot find the original studies in a hurry, sorry, but whether or not it will affect your milk supply seems to vary a lot from woman to woman.

HTH a bit.

Can't comment on combined pill but, following on from Pacific's post, I had Implanon (the contraceptive implant) inserted when I was still bfeeding 9-mo DD3. Was no problem at all, and fed her for a further 7 months before I decided it was time to wean.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Will have a read of the article now thanks

The GP thinks that the mini-pill would not be effective at regulating my periods so that is why he recommended the combined pill.

Supply is not really an issue. DD2 is eating well and also drinks formula a couple of times a day.

The breastfeeding is more a comfort than a food thing for her now which is why I don't want to stop abrubtly and upset her if I can help it.

Pavlov I have heard only negative stories from people I know who tried the coil so definitely not an option I am thinking of but thanks for the warning

i had the implant too. I had no periods throughout the time I was on it, and no side effects that i can identify specifically, and when i had it removed to ttc, i conceived the following month, only reason i am not on it now, laziness in getting down to the fpc to get it done! GP said it was fine for bf'ing, but look into it more.

Yep, major advantage of Implanon is that fertility returns really quickly once it is removed.

All progesterone-only methods are suitable whilst Bfing, but what will happen to your cycle is simply less predictable than on a combined pill: most women will not bleed at all or have irregular but mild spotting.
Mirena seems to really devide opinion: some women love it, others hate it.

Personally, I've also tried Implanon in the past and liked it, had no periods. Libido was maybe not so hot, though...

Hope you find something that suits.

Anyone around who has taken the combined pill while breastfeeding?

Bumping this for you.

I am quite interested in the answer now myself...