Birth control options while breastfeeding

Katie - posted on 03/26/2009

I've been taking Micronor (a mini-pill) for five months now and hane not had any supply issues.  You have to be more diligent about when you take it than you would a combination pill (within an hour of the time you took it the day before), but if you set an alarm on your cell phone you probably won't have a problem, I've used this method for years to remind me to take my birth control pills and never missed one.  Good luck!

Sonya - posted on 03/26/2009

I want to thank every one for your insight. I haven't started the pill yet fortunately, so I have some decisions to make. I knew about the mini-pill and hadn't considered an IUD. I didn't use any birth control while nursing with my first baby. He is 19 months old. Soon after I stopped nursing I got pregnant again, welcome baby number 2, she is seven weeks old. I am just too nervous to risk getting pregnant again while these two are so young. Thanks again! Any further suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Morag - posted on 03/26/2009

I take the plain mini pill, estrogen containing pills are not really recommended while breastfeeding http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/birt... .. Wanted a coil but the Spanish health system in our community won't pay for it and I can't afford the 500euros to have any type of coil fitted. I only have to pay a small amount for my pill. I've found now drop in my milk (actually I had an increase when I first started taking it :) ) obviously there have been side effects, like I've lost my sex drive, headaches etc, but can't afford the coil and can't afford another baby... its only for a short while until I stop breastfeeding. :)

Leah - posted on 03/26/2009

I'm going to disagree with the Mirena IUD lovers.   I had the Mirena and had it removed after about 3 months of nonstop bleeding and abdominal cramping.  Now I have the copper IUD and love it!  It has NO hormones and NO side effects due to that fact.  There is no discomfort on insertion and you can wear it for 10 years as opposed to 5 with the Mirena.  No problems with breast-feeding, wore it with my third child and nursed for 16 months.

Lindsay - posted on 03/26/2009

My doctor wouldnt give me any birth control while i was breastfeeding and said that breastfeeding was like its own birthcontrol but as soon as I slowed down on breastfeeding and brought formula and food into the mix for my baby
I got pregnant again and there came baby # 2 so I dont really recommend this

Jenny - posted on 03/26/2009

I got the Mirena IUD and I had no problems with it effecting my milk supply while nursing.

Kimberly - posted on 03/26/2009

My doctor told me it definately matters because of the hormones. I am breastfeeding also. It can mess with your milk supply because it messes with the hormones you need to produce milk. I have been taking birth control since my daughter was about 3 weeks old but it is one that only has one hormone in it so it doesn't effect my milk at all. It works about the same as other pills because of hormone difference when breastfeeding. I am guessing that on the pill you are on you will get your period back which could also be bad for breastfeeding. A lot of times you won't get your period until you have started weaning. You should ask your doctor about this. If you do take this pill though make sure you tell your doctor when you start weaning because it can cause some problems if you aren't breastfeeding anymore.

Jackie - posted on 03/26/2009

i am on the mini pill.. i asked my ob about Mirena and she was strongly against it. She said that there was a possibility of infertility and did not want to take that risk considering I want more children. The mini pill has worked well for me without any side effects at all

Eden - posted on 03/26/2009

Mirena iud is prob your best bet...just make sure it is covered by your insurance company..i found out my shitty part time work insurance didnt cover it..so i have to wait until i get this fulltime job i have an interview for..or id have to pay 500 out of pocket for it. it isnt known to decrease your milk supply.. its not like a  pill that you have to take everyday. i was skeptical at first but now i hope to get this.

micronor this is what my doctor prescribed me for now. it is a pill you take everyday however the chance of getting pregnant is higher than that of a regular birth control pill..this pill is safe enough to use while breastfeeding

depthro-provera (sp?) the injections 3x a month are another option that wont effect your milk

Shonta' - posted on 03/26/2009

Honey, I have found that the Mirena works wonders. No real side effects, just some mild abdominal cramping when the doctor first inserts it, but after that, you have much shorter menstrual cycles, &  it lasts up to 5 yrs. This is the best contraception I've found that works & I've had everything, three different kinds of BC pills, the sponge, diaphram, & the female condoms. The only 2 things I didn't try were the Depo shot & the neuroplant thing that goes in your arm. If & when u want more kids, u can have the Mirena removed at anytime. Try it, & u'll fall in love with it.

Tracy - posted on 03/26/2009

I took the same birth control pills when I was nursing. I didn't have any problems w/ my milk supply. I always stayed very hydrated that was the key for me. Liquids and about 3-5 small meals a day was success for me. I nursed my last (fourth child) until she was 18mo. old. I think the main thing is drink, drink, drink. I am not a dr. but I nursed 3 out of 4 and never had any supply problem. Happy motherhood!!!!

Cassie - posted on 03/26/2009

I am also on the "mini pill" while breastfeeding my 5 mo old and didnt have any issues with my supply.

Jennifer - posted on 03/26/2009

My Dr. put me on a combination birth control pill too and it dramatically lowered my milk supply and changed the consistancy of it (made it really watery). He switched me to the "mini-pill" which hasn't affected my milk supply at all.

Angelina - posted on 03/26/2009

I WOULD NOT take it anymore! I got the Mirena IUD inserted 4 weeks ago and removed due to a severe drop in my milk supply. Progesterone normally does not effect milk supply, but estrogen is known to decrease supply. Ortho Tricyclen is an estrogen birth control. The "mini pill" is normally prescribed for breastfeeding mothers and is less liking to effect your supply. That unfortunately wasn't the case for me.