Contraception options for 36yr old soon to be mum of 4!?!

[morethemerrier]

As title really, 32 weeks pregnant with DC4, our final addition and as it has been some years since we really were trying NOT to get pregnant we will be needing a reliable contraceptive after this little one arrives!

So, I just wanted to ask whats available these days for the over 35's? I seem to recall that the pill was not recommended?

I don't smoke, am fairly healthy but plan on breastfeeding for as long as possible. Condoms are not an option, nor sterilization or the 'snip' as that would be too final!

Any thoughts? I am at my 32 week check with the midwife on Friday, and plan to have a chat about it then but as time is limited just want a few ideas before hand! Thank you x

Get a coil, either copper or hormone. Quick and easy, does the job.

If you are a non smoker who is otherwise healthy, the pill is fine up to the menopause, including the combined pill. Even if you are over 35.

If you want super reliability but are not ready to go for a permanent option, that leaves you with the hormonal methods (pill, mirena coil etc) or the copper coil. The mini-pill and the mirena coil are both compatible with breastfeeding but the combined pill isn't.

I am the wrong side of 40 more but have been on Loestrin 30 pill since DS was born 9 years ago. The GP says it's fine with her for me to carry on. Didn't breastfeed DS though so don't know about whether it would be ok. Good luck.

I was put off the coil as someone recently said that you can still get pregnant it just doesn't implant so self aborts?

Apologies if I have been misinformed!

Whats the hormone one?

In theory yes you could have a fertilised egg with the copper coil which then doesn't implant. However their main way of working is to prevent the sperm getting to the tubes and by altering your cervical mucus, thus creating a barrier. I think there is quite a bit of hysteria about coils causing abortions in my opinion. However, it isn't a method for everyone - I had one once and hated it.
here's a leaflet about them
www.wellwomancentre.ie/content/downloads/Intrauterine_Contraceptive_Devices.pdf

I got on very well with the mini pill called cerazette and I had next to no periods on it.

www.wellwomancentre.ie/content/downloads/Intrauterine_Contraceptive_Devices.pdf

I have had a copper coil for the last two years since having my third and last. So far no problems at all, you can easily check it is there, I'm sure I would know if it fell out . It stays in for ten years then need to be replaced (not sure why though)

Midwives don't do regular contraception updates so although she will have some idea she won't necessarily be up to date on any latest new forms.

In a very similar situation as OP (33, DC4 due May - will be last (most likely ) )
Our long term plan is for DH to have snip eventually, but want something between arrival of baby and the decision being made. I don't know why but I don't fancy the coil, and don't trust my memory enough to take the pill! is the implant OK with BFing?

Thank you

I have had implant for 8 years and irs the best thing I have ever used, no need to remember to take a pill, made my periods lighter, no adverse side effects, does work with antibiotics, stomach bug etc.
Btw I'm 33 and a (always about to give up) smoker

Thanks everyone! Lots of great info and advice, at least I'll have a better idea now of the options x

I was using the mirena coil before I got pg. utter genius. Didn't know it was there, easy to insert, lasts 5yrs and it was easy to remove when I wanted it out. No periods, no side effects. Am definitely having it again!

Another vote for the mirena coil. Never thought I'd be evangelical about a contraceptive, but it is bloody brilliant.