Contraception after the birth

[munz]

not sure if this should be here, or health of childbirth but anyhow i'm being nosey...! (for a change)

what do u suggest for contraception after I have the baby? perviously I was on microgynon which is the combined pill. I don't mind going back on it again but DH thinks you can't take the pill whilst BF, and I plan on feeding for as long as I can manage.

the injection's no good (terrible violent mood swings) didn't fancy the coil. DH isn't keen on condoms but would obviously use them - but i've had one bad exp with them b4. was thinking persona but don't think u can use that whilst feeding either.

we don't want another child for at least 2 years b4 we think about ttc again. so what do u think the best option would be?

I've used a diagphragm ( a cap actually I think) and the only problem is the forward planning! There's little enough spontaneity in post-natal sex, also the spermicide smells/tastes foul.

The mirena coil has less hormone than the mini-pill so should be ok for bf. It was fine to have put in (just like a smear) but I did have cramps for a couple of days and some heavy bleeding for a while afterwards which I was warned about. Once it was in, I forgot about it and had only two very light periods in a year. Once I had it taken out I was pregnant again within the month!

think is thou, (and DH is yet to be told this! lol) we'd prob want to start TTC again once this bump's around 2 ish give or take - not sure on a 2 year age gap or 3, (might go for 2.5) doesn't the coil have to be in longer due to the cost?

how does the diaphram work mears?

here is info

Best to go to Family Planning Clinic for it to be fitted because they have most experience. The cap is a bit fiddly to use initially but once you get the hang of it, it isn't too bad. I found it was better than condoms as far as spontaneity is concerned because you could have it in place 'just in case' you decided to have sex rather than interrupt proceedings to put it in (which you can do BTW).

Because it is a barrier method there is no residual effect when you decide to TTC. Worth a try I would say.

thanks mears, infat lookinga tthat site, the implant looks like a strong contender, do you know much about it, it says I can use it whilst BF and it's for up to 3 years apparently normal fertility returns,

here

althou as I've said b4 my main concerns would be a) not getting PG againg straihgt away as we couldn't afford it, and b) protecting my one remaing tube/overy.

do u know if it works similar to the injection?

Yes it does work similar to the injection and is you read the information for each method on that website it says they both work by preventing release of an egg as well as thickening mucus and making lining of womb less likely to allow egg to embed. With progesterone only contraception though, there is a slight risk an egg can be released and that is where risk of ectopic pregnancy comes in. However, that risk is less with implant and injection than it is with coil.

Best thing to do is to go to your local family planning clinic and discuss it all through. They have much better knowledge and expertise than GP.

ok thanks hon, not sure where it is but i'll have a look about. and see what's best. (obviously talk to DH about it as well)

you should be able to find the one nearest to you here

had coil put in when i was still breastfeeding and my uterus kept contracting trying to get rid of it. could only handle it four days after walking around bent over like an old lady.

will never try it again, the pain of it going in and out was like labour pains... [shudder]

my other friend experienced excrutiating period pais with hers for months and was relieved when it came out.

so dont rec. the coil - nasty!!!!

no sex?

... i just used the "quick withdrawl method" which worked for 2.5 years until we decided to try again.

its not a foolproof method i know but works for many people.

I'm looking for diaphram/cap as well until DH's snip and all clear. NO WAY I'm going to go on any more hormones w/my PND.

Think after reading all your posts on the subject, I have decided I really don't want to take the risk of affecting my PCOS with any hormone type methods - so it will have to be barrier for us I guess.

Forgive my dimness but can someone explain what the diaphram/cap actually involves and the differences between them? Never even seen one let alone considered it as a method for us before so a total beginner!

My baby was born in July and 3 months later I had an Implanon Implant (see www.organon.com). I was able to breastfed my baby (i stopped at Christmas), don't have to remember to take the pill, don't get any side effect, and the best of it I haven't had my period back!!!! I highly recommend it...

I had the cramping problem and heavy periods with my first coil and had removed once i was back in the country (working a ski season). The doc recommended i try the marina coil instead (1 with small amount of hormone) and this was alot better with just a days discomfort. After i had DD i haad a new one put in as sonn as i was allowes (12 weeks i think) and to be honest after having a 9lb 4 baby the coil was nothing and i had no trouble after that!

Also it doesn't unbalance your hormones as much so your body doesn't need as much time to find its natural cycle if you what i mean!

I think we're back to the condoms idea, only from the point like me DH is firmly set we don't want to do anything to risk my one tube left, and as I want to feed it will be condoms for approx 6 months then once I stop I'll go back onto the combined pill again. I htink all round it's prob the best for us - althou tbh i'm not keen at all on the condom only method.

forgot to ask the m/w but will see the consultant this week and see what she recons.