Best form of contraception post baby?

[Maxymoo1]

Hi everyone,

My baby boy is 6 weeks old and we have just had our postnatal check at the doctors, I'm trying to work out the best method of contraception to choose.

I was on the combined pill (microgynon) for 12 years and it wasn't until I came off it two years ago when ttc that I realised just how much it affected my moods. I am a much more chilled out person and don't suffer mood swings like I used to.

I've been prescribed the mini pill as an alternative but after reading up on it it sounds just as horrendous. I'm exclusively breastfeeding which I know will provide some cover for the first 6 months but I'm not sure how reliable it is. I'm really reluctant to put hormones into my body again and would love a hormone free solution. Baby number 1 and we do plan on more children hopefully in about 2 - 3 years time.

Any advice much appreciated!

Hi, I am sure I have read on MN of people getting pregnant while Bf. So manybe not totally rely on it!

I've had the mirena coil for 8 years (obviously replaces at 5yrs) now. Put in after my 2nd. It's been amazing- no periods (after it settling in for a few months) no real period symptoms ad all. Sometimes sore boobs. But that's it. Amount of hormones are tiny apparently!

Mirena here as well. No periods at all. Love it and easy to fit

Mirena. After years on the pill and endless problems, trying several different types, I had to give up entirely and rely on condoms, as I couldn't handle the hormones. That was fine for a few years, but after children I tried the mirena. No mood issues. No cramps or pains. No cravings for chocolate. No weight gain. My periods were always heavy and irregular. 2.5 years into the coil, they are still somewhat irregular, but very light. Mine took almost 6 months to settle down, though. I think I bled everyday for 4 or 5 months to some extent. I nearly had it removed but so glad I didn't. If you get it done whilst breastfeeding you might not even have to worry about the irregular bleeding whilst it settles down? It's also much more comfortable to fit if you've recently had a child (I was told) as the cervix and womb are more pliable or something... I certainly didn't feel a thing.

Depends how long you want to wait for another? We used condoms until we started ttc.

Just re-read post. I’d still say condoms

Natural cycles. It's had some bad press because it's not suitable if you can't maintain a more or less regular lifestyle, but I loved it before my hysterectomy this year. If you don't mind measuring your temperature in the mornings and using a barrier method when you are fertile (warning for lots of people this is the time they are horniest) then it's a great way to live.