Contraception after pregnancy?

[sinningsaint]

DS1 is 6 months old and I've figured I should probably get back on to some contraception. Up until now we have relied on the fact i'm ebf (I know it's unreliable but only had sex twice!) and before pregnancy I had been using the coil since I was 17. It took a while for us to conceive this time so have decided I want to go on the pill as it seems to have the least amount of long-lasting effects on fertility. Having never been on the pill before was just wondering if anyone could give any information on it? I know it depends for each individual, but having gained 2 stone during pregnancy I would rather try to prevent sustained weight gain, are there any pills you have been on that haven't led to weight gain? Also how does the whole taking two packs back-to-back thing work? I'm going to a music festival in August and although it's not the end of the world would rather not have the hassle of 'being on' during it, do you take the two packs back-to-back and have a 14 day break or is it still 7 days? I've had two periods so far which seem to have been regular (well same time each month) so planning on going to the GP after my next period. Any information will be great though!

You will only be able to take the mini-pill as you're bf-ing, and you take it continually, so no periods at all. I've taken it in between all my pregnancies and found my fertility returned within 3m of stopping each time (I'm 43 now and DS2 is just 1). No weight gain - think that's only the combined pill. They prefer to keep the hormone doses as low as possible so may recommend the mini-pill anyway.

Ahh just realised I said 'i'm ebf' not I was, fully weaned DS onto formula around a month ago due to having to return to work. Had decided on the combined pill due to several friends experiences with the mini-pill but I may reconsider.

I would talk to the doctor - there are lots of options out there now, including hormone coils.

if you take 2 packs back to back you would still just have a 7 day break

With the mini-pill you don't just take 2 packs back to back, you take them all back-to-back so you never have a break.

she wants a combined pill, not a mini pill as she is no longer breastfeeding - with the combined pill you can take them back to back and only have a 7 day break. You would take the mini pill every day with no breaks

Whats wrong with condoms? We have used them for 8 years now and have never had one single accident. You can order condoms on-line that actually fit. Have never found any in a chemist that fitted though - the two most-stocked brands you will find in chemists are always far too tight, hence why they always split. Condomi and Trojan brands are much better than Durex and that other brand you always see in shops, cant recall what it is now... Anyway, on-line selection better.

just to warn you it took me 6 months to conceive after taking the pill for 4 1/2 years and I'm only 20, with no health conditions that would affect fertility. that isn't that long compared to others but I think in my circumstances it was a long time. so bare in mind the pill doesn't necessarily mean you're straight away fertile again.

to previous poster on condoms, they're so impersonal and I don't know about anyone else but they really do reduce sensation for both me and dp. and I struggle enough to orgasm as it is. I can totally see why people don't want to use them in committed relationships!

BTW After switching from tampons to Mooncup I dont find having a period a hassle at all. You only have to empty the cup once or twice a day unlike with tampons and if at a festival you can just empty, wipe and re-fit it at night time and/or first thing when you get up, till you are somewhere where you are able to wash it out. They are so good. I wish I had one years ago. The cost put me off initially, but the amount you save afterwards mean it is so worth it. They dont leak or fall out when you go swimming (or soak up the pool water then drop down so it feels uncomfortable like a tampon does), are much more hygenic and comfortable (cant feel it at all), you dont need to remember to pack/carry tampons in your pocket/bag every day, or have any rubbish to dispose of, unlike with using tampons. It's brilliant!

Hmm I never found that. Not quite sure what you mean by impersonal though - I like putting it on my partner actually (but that might just be me). Find the thin ones v good. Cant actually feel them at all but initially they actually helped me after birth of DD as I found I was a lot drier than I was used to (down to BF-ing/hormones I think, didn't really get back to normal till I stopped BF-ing when DD was 23 months). I didn't used to get on with the lubricant on them though - it made me itch/sore as a teenager and in my 20s, but they seem to have greatly improved in this or else it is down to the other/better brands we use. Much prefer condoms to any other method I've tried though. Much more instant than fitting a cap and no hormones. I can't take hormones. Tried various mini and combined pills as well as depro preovera injection, but all made me into a horrible horrible, anxious, depressed, overweight and moody person plus I;m sure they contributed to developing a few variocose veins, so would rather avoid, plus wanted to avoid any other associated health risks like high BP and cancers acssociated with them so prefer barrier method without hormones. Since buying on-line though have never had any problems with them splitting - again not sure if condoms generally have improved since I was in my 20s or if it is all down to the better fit of the brands which you cant buy in shops (the different brands all come in various sizes).

Agree with alita on condoms, we have tried a lot of brands but never had quite as good sensation as not using them. I have decided on the pill as if it isn't right for me (side effects etc.) and can discontinue use immediately unlike with other methods and compared to most other methods it has the least long-term affects on fertility however I understand this can be different for individuals. Gourd have you ever used festival toilets?? A mooncup is my chosen method of protection when needed, but for the 4 days I am at this festival I only intend to use an actual toilet once (you can probably guess what for) the rest of the time a bush will do! I also don't think fellow campers will not be impressed with me washing a mooncup out using the campsite tap whilst they are trying to fill there water bottles

Please excuse my shocking grammar, what is sleep??

I am in a similar position to you, however I am thinking of going on to the copper coil in order to avoid the use of hormones because of the length of time It took me TTC. I would personally never reccomend the combined mycrogynen (or whatever it's name is) it really messed me up when TTC. I didn't have a period after coming off it for over 4 months- and then very irregular once they returned making ovulation difficult to track. I also missed many' withdrawal bleeds' whilst on it, which was a bit scary at the time thinking of PG. A quick google also shows many stories of the hormones making people feel low , this happened to my friend. Really hope this doesn't happen to you and hoping my story is very rare. Just wanted to give another voice.

I wouldn't wait until after your next period to see the GP or practice nurse for contraception - go sooner rather than later because ideally if you want to start the COCP it's best to start it with the first day of your next period.

The thing about hormonal contraception is that it's very individual - what suits one woman won't necessarily suit or be suitable for another. It also depends very much on your medical history and previous contraceptive experiences. It's best to speak to a HCP to work out what would be best for you. It's not very helpful to say "avoid Microgynon" or "don't use depo/POP as I hated it" - it's horses for courses where hormones are concerned!

Sorry I second what sidge says hope that was clear

I just had a new copper (non-hormonal) coil put in after having DS and I get on really well with it. Had one before (I didn't get on with the pill, had lots of side effects), getting it taken out took about 20 seconds and I got pregnant two months later. ( only say that here to show how quickly body bounces back). Periods are heavier, but it really feels like a small price to pay for hormone-free contraception. Insertion isn't jolly but it's not bad either, bit more than a smear test and you can feel cruddy on the day, but not a biggie (my pain threshold is pretty low! as DS was c-section I can't say how it would be for someone who had had a natural labour but I imagine even easier).

I was using a copper coil before pregnancy and every period I had (sill regular) was extremely heavy and painful, and although they weren't that bad that I was tempted to have it removed I would rather not go back to using it. I will go to the doctors tomorrow and book an appointment, only reason I said it would be after my next period as it will take at least 3-4 to get an appointment.

I wouldn't worry about the pills affect on fertility. There's no proof that it worsens it. I was on the pill non-stop for 15 years, came off it and period returned 4 weeks later. Then pregnant 2 months after that.