6 weeks postpartum and contraception

[FebMama]

Hi all

I am 6.5 weeks postpartum. Before having kids, I was on the pill (microgynon) for around 10 years.

GP has today prescribed me with the mini pill, progesterone only (desogestrel) as I am still partially breastfeeding DS2 (night feeds only as we are combination feeding with formula during the day).

I'm a bit nervous about starting a new pill. She said it would be ok to start straight away but just wondered if anyone else has any experiences of using this pill? Any significant side effects?

I'm wondering if I should I wait for my first natural period to come back first or just go ahead and start taking it immediately.

Thanks in advance!

Anyone? 😊

Yes, been on this for almost 10 years. Love it. Have no periods. Brilliant. It is normal when you start on it that you bleed off and on for 3 months or so. After that a high percentage of women then have no periods. I have various friends and family who are on it or who have tried it. Most love it. Some didn’t like it and had heavy bleeding that didn’t stop. Try it and see how you go.

I hated it. My periods never settled and I was bleeding more days than not. It was a while ago so can't remember the exact details, but I came off it and swore to never take it again.

Just shows that reactions to hormonal contraceptives are so unique so you have to go by your own experience!

I was on it for a couple of years before TTC. No complaints with periods as I took it without breaks and no bleeding or issues.

Personally, I did notice slight weight gain that was harder to manage than before or after I stopped taking it. I imagine this would be different for everyone depending on how your body responds so might be worth trialling for 3-6 months and seeing how you go

Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

And it's ok for me to start even if I haven't had my first period since having my son right? GP advised jr would be best to start taking on the first day of my cycle but it "doesn't do any harm" not to. Thing is, I know it varies from woman to woman but since im still BF, god knows when my periods will start again!

If you have been breastfeeding more than 6 weeks then you can actually still take the combined pill although in some cases it can affect milk production.

If you are sure you are not pregnant then you can start the pill at any time. You need to have been taking the mini pill for 2 days and the combined pill for 7 days to be covered against pregnancy

Although at only 6 weeks after birth I'd tend to avoid the combined pill until your supply is more established.

Your period could come at anytime, maybe sooner because combined feeding.
But the bigger question about whether to start sooner or later is are you having/ready to have sex? If so, yes take it. If that's not in the cards for a bit then may as well wait...

I had a baby 8 weeks ago and got the mini pill 2 weeks ago, just take it straight away and same time everyday as its a close window. I'm breastfeeding too and don't normally have periods when breastfeeding anyway, goodluck!

Thanks everybody. I haven't had sex yet but feeling ready to so will definitely start taking it rather than wait for my period to start!

Really appreciate the responses 😊