Not sure about taking birth control pill

[Christa]

When I went in for my 6 wk post-partum and did the talk with doc. about birth control, she had suggested either a IUD or the Pill. I really didn't want the IUD and she assured me that pill (alesse) was fine for baby and milk supply. So, I was on it for 3 months, but stopped recently as I was on antibiotics as had a horrible sinus infection, and the pill wouldn't have been that effective anyway. So, now that I've been off it a few weeks, I am starting to rethink going back on and I don't know if I like the idea of the lo getting whatever amount of hormones, plus I think my supply seems a bit better now that I'm off. Anyone else out there have experience or opinions on this? If not the Pill, not sure what method to use, condoms alone didn't work for us IYKWIM 

[LindseysMom]

Hello.  I decided not to take the mini-pill also.  We just have been using the withdrawal method.   

[JacobMarksMummy]

LOL Lynne, my bestfriend used the withdrawel mthoed with her boyfriend and now she has a two year old son 

Christa I know just what you mean about not really wanting to go on the pill, I hate the thought of taking tablets as it is and knowing that my LO would be getting it through my milk was enough to put me off.  Vefore DH and I deided we would try again I had made the decisiond to go with the IUD. When you first read what it is it sound horrific I know but I always thought it must be better than the pill. Would you definatly not use this option?

Nome
x

[Samuel's mum]

Kellymom.com says :

It's recommended that any estrogen-containing contraceptive be avoided until baby is at least six months old AND after baby is well-established on solid foods.

Combination contraceptives contain both progesterone and estrogen and come in several different forms:

The combination birth control pill (Alesse, Yasmin, Seasonale, Mircette, Loestrin, Lo/ovral, Demulen, Desogen, Nordette, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil, Norinyl, Ortho-Novum, Ovral, etc.)
the monthly injection (Lunelle)
the birth control patch (Ortho Evra)
the vaginal ring (NuvaRing).
Milk supply: Estrogen-containing contraceptives have been linked to low milk supply and a shorter duration of breastfeeding even when started when baby is older, after milk supply is well established. Not all mothers who take contraceptives containing estrogen will experience a low milk supply, but these unaffected mothers appear to be a very small minority.

Safety: Both progestin (progesterone) and estrogen are approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for use in breastfeeding mothers.

I don't think you should worry about your baby 'absorbing' stuff from your pill as much as how it might affect your lactation. It would make sense for your supply to be now improved. I don't know much about the IUD but maybe it's worth looking into. I'm using condoms (TMI!?)

[calebsmom]

I went on the mini-pill (progesterone only) when my LO was 7 weeks old and had a drastic change in my supply after one week.  I immediately went off it and we have been using condoms also!  My nurse practitioner said that was unusual, but the breast feeding clinic said they see it alot.  I plan to not go on it again until I am done breastfeeding.

[annamum]

I agree that any estrogen-containing contraceptive shouldn't be used until your baby is at least 6 months old. It is known, even my OB knows it, that the pill is lowering your milk supply.

We used condoms and I am also aware of my body cycles, so I know when not to have sex, or, right now, when to have it .

[Fife_Mum]

I believe a progesterone-only pill should be OK. I had to go on it for 2 weeks before getting a contraceptive implant (Implanon), and it impacted my supply for a few days - just like a growth spurt (which it also could have been anyway at around 8 weeks old). Actually having the implant didn't affect breast-feeding for me. I like that I don't have to remember to take a pill and fertility returns immediately on removal of the implant. Unfortunately with a baby in the room, a toddler next door and DH and I needing our sleep, I could probably have done without it 

[Christa]

Thanks for all the comments, I think I will take a break from the pill. I hear ya Fraser's Mum! its not like I really need it that much anyway. Someday...

The reason I didn't go with the IUD is it just sounded too scary, so kudos to you JacobMarksMummy, so going through with it.

Here's hoping that ds doesn't have a sibling anytime soon 

[daisymelan]

Do you live in Canada?  I have a phone number to mother risk and they give you the most uptodate info on all drugs.  It is strictly for moms who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

BTW, I considered an IUD adn even went to an apt to see the dr who would be putting it in, but while there, I realized dp and I would be trying much sooner than 2 years for #2 so there seemed no point with going through wtih it.  My friends thought it a little strange that I would want one (IUD), but it really does seem like the best choice for us.  I have not had a good experience with birth control pills so those were out.

[alligirl]

Hi Christa--I was on Alesse after having Stephen.  It didn't work all that well in that I kept having breakthrough bleeding.  Apparently, it wasn't strong enough.  ANd I won't even start in on what kind of person I was while taking it.

After I had Zachary, I started charting for birth control.  You watch and chart your fertility signs and avoid having sex (or use backup like a condom) during the times you are fertile.  THe process is outlined in the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.  We are now using it to achieve pregnancy.  Just thought I'd throw that out there....there are lots of people here who do this and can help with any questions you might have.

[Christa]

Daisy: Yeah, I am Canada , Burlington, Ontario to be exact.

Alligirl: I used to be Alesse years ago and it worked for me then, and I didn't have many side effects, other than some acne on my back, yuck! Now, when I was on Ortho Tricylcen that was a different story. My college roommate and I were on it and we both thought it made us emotional basket cases.

[alligirl]

Daisy: Yeah, I am Canada , Burlington, Ontario to be exact.

Alligirl: I used to be Alesse years ago and it worked for me then, and I didn't have many side effects, other than some acne on my back, yuck! Now, when I was on Ortho Tricylcen that was a different story. My college roommate and I were on it and we both thought it made us emotional basket cases.

I was on Alesse before having Stephen as well and had no issues with it at all.  My chemistry changed so much after having a child, though, I guess. 

Hope you find something that works for you!

[daisymelan]

Christa,

Here is the number.  It sometimes takes a half hour to get through and sometimes they aren't accepting calls, but they will tell you the most uptodate info and exactly what any of hte side of the side effects can be.  I think you should call just to get all the medical facts.

Mother risk:  (416) 813-6780

Just make sure you have all the names of the drugs.  I called two weeks ago to find out what type of cold medication I could take and they woudln't recommend anything, they just answer questions you have about specific drugs.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

[jbepko]

Here's my 2 cents (and I am a MD). Alesse has estrogen---not a good choice for BF mom. Mini-pill has no estrogen so a better choice, but not the best at contraceptive (you have to take it religously at the same time every day). The modern IUD's are wonderful. Excellent contraception and no impact on milk supply. I am currenlty on my second Mirena IUD and wouldn't dream of another form of contraception.