Getting Back on Birth Control

knolliepollie

So at my last appointment my OB asked about which birth control I was on before and if I would like to get back on that one once our baby got here. It was the Nuva Ring and I really liked it, and had no problems with it after using it for about 5 years. Then when I was talking to DH about me getting back on BC after baby his response was "well you want two kids, so why don't we just let nature take it's course, and get it over with."  He thinks it will be "weird" for my body getting back on BC (not really sure why he thinks that lol) What do you guys think? I think I originally wanted to wait a year to two years between kids to start "trying" again, but I do agree that what he says makes sense too. It just scares the control freak part of me  

jamiem522

We started NFP about 6 months before we tried to get pregnant and I really liked it. I don't think I'll ever go back on the pill especially because even low doses can mess with your milk. You are also less likely (although not impossible) to get pregnant while BF because you tend to not have a period. I don't know if you're planning on BF, just something to think about.

Pontot31

I had no problems getting back on BC. I got Mirena after my daughter was born. I love it. I know it doesn't work well for everyone though. I had it for 3 years and never got a period during that time. Took it out and got a positive pregnancy test about 8 weeks later.
To me I wouldn't leave it to chance. You could end up with 2 very small babies at once. If that's what you want, then go for it. But I don't like taking chances. I needed a break between babies.

SJFTCA

I had quite a miserable time coming off of birth control before we started trying. I was on the pill (Yaz), and the emotional aspects were the worst. For prob 4-6 weeks (which seemed like eternity at the time), I developed anxiety and depression and just felt really "off". I, too, am scared to start some kind of BC after baby, only to have to get back off when we try for #2, but I also don't want to have another baby before we are fully ready. So, no real advice, but I feel your pain! Maybe there are others who can lend their experiences.

Pontot31

SJFTCA said:

I had quite a miserable time coming off of birth control before we started trying. I was on the pill (Yaz), and the emotional aspects were the worst. For prob 4-6 weeks (which seemed like eternity at the time), I developed anxiety and depression and just felt really "off". I, too, am scared to start some kind of BC after baby, only to have to get back off when we try for #2, but I also don't want to have another baby before we are fully ready. So, no real advice, but I feel your pain! Maybe there are others who can lend their experiences.

You can try a copper IUD with out hormones. Less effects on your body

doodleoodle

I'm not a doctor, but I've heard the whole "it's hard to get pregnant while breastfeeding" thing is a myth and that you are VERY fertile soon after giving birth. I've had several family members both on my side and DH's have surprise "Irish twins".

Pontot31

SJFTCA said:

I had quite a miserable time coming off of birth control before we started trying. I was on the pill (Yaz), and the emotional aspects were the worst. For prob 4-6 weeks (which seemed like eternity at the time), I developed anxiety and depression and just felt really "off". I, too, am scared to start some kind of BC after baby, only to have to get back off when we try for #2, but I also don't want to have another baby before we are fully ready. So, no real advice, but I feel your pain! Maybe there are others who can lend their experiences.

Also Yaz made me feel crazy. I tried it for a few months and felt like a psycho. Had to switch.

Bettytteb

I've been thinking about this too. I was on hormonal BC (nuva ring, pill, etc.) for 10+ years before and have mixed feelings about going back on it after giving birth. I also want 2 kids but would ideally like to wait 1.5 - 2 years before after this one before trying again. I'm contemplating going the NFP route (tracking, etc. worked really well for TTC so I assume it would work well for preventing also!), but I'm worried my cycles wont be regular enough while breastfeeding. I guess it's something to discuss with my doctor, but I definitely share your incertainty.

SJFTCA

Pontot31 said:

SJFTCA said:

I had quite a miserable time coming off of birth control before we started trying. I was on the pill (Yaz), and the emotional aspects were the worst. For prob 4-6 weeks (which seemed like eternity at the time), I developed anxiety and depression and just felt really "off". I, too, am scared to start some kind of BC after baby, only to have to get back off when we try for #2, but I also don't want to have another baby before we are fully ready. So, no real advice, but I feel your pain! Maybe there are others who can lend their experiences.

Also Yaz made me feel crazy. I tried it for a few months and felt like a psycho. Had to switch.

I definitely was fine being on it, but coming off was crazy. I felt totally nuts. And I read online that Yaz, specifically, seemed to have that kind of effect on others, as well. I was also pissed and confused at first bc my doc (a man) made it seem like coming off would be no big deal and the only side effects he mentioned were physical, not emotional. So for a while, before I started researching, I just really thought I was going insane. I will def keep the copper IUD in mind...anything else but Yaz!

nano1

I swear I was more fertile after having been pregnant. Prior to getting pregnant the first time I was not on birth control for three years. This time I got pregnant 4wks after weaning my son.

doodleoodle

This post really made me think so I googled birth control while breastfeeding and found this:

https://www.parents.com/parenting/relationships/postpartum-birth-control/birth-control-while-breastfeeding/

Kern91

I was on ortho tri low birth control pill and it worked good just had to make sure I remembered to take it since I was so used to not taking it being pregnant.

If I were some of you and going to have more I wouldn't do the birth controls that are meant for 5 plus years that you have to get removed. I would want something more flexible so in case you decide you want another one sooner then expected. That's just me personally though everyone has different bodies and react differently to BC.

I have to think of something more permanent just not sure what option we will be taking.

jscasher

I stopped my birth control 1 month before we got married, and we were pregnant six months later. We weren't trying, but we weren't preventing. I think I read doctors say to wait a few cycles after stopping BC to conceive, and that it could take some time for your body to get back in the swing of things, but I have no clue!

My husband wants two close together so I think we'll probably let nature run its course, but I'm definitely going to be watching my ovulation cycles for at least 12-18 months and maybe just not be "in the mood" during the fertile window my sister and I were three and a half years apart and I didn't think that was too much difference at all!

tayzav

We plan on waiting until this ones two, maybe even three before we "try" again. We were just talking about birth control the other day. I was off of it for about a year and a half, two years-ish, prior to meeting my boyfriend, the only action I was getting was the gym, I wasn't into dating at the time at all. Had been going through a divorce and was just concentrating on me. I've tried the pill and I feel those all make me a little nuts, I liked Nuva-Ring but I was gaining weight and they couldn't figure out why, so they took me off it and put me back on the shot, which is strange because you typically gain with that. I guess I'm the opposite. I think after baby I will try the ring again though just because it's so easy. If that doesn't work possibly the shot or maybe even try an IUD. All I know is I don't wanna be pregnant again for a few years and I don't trust knowing my body enough to not use anything.

AmoLovesAud

doodleoodle said:

I'm not a doctor, but I've heard the whole "it's hard to get pregnant while breastfeeding" thing is a myth and that you are VERY fertile soon after giving birth. I've had several family members both on my side and DH's have surprise "Irish twins".

Was going to post to say this.  BFing can stop ovulation, but its not a guarantee.  If you aren't okay with potentially getting pregnant REALLY quickly, I'd use some kind of BC method until you're okay to let nature take its course.  But also, some forms of BC can mess up your milk supply, so you can't just go back on whatever.  The "mini pill" is designed for use during BFing, but you have to be diligent about taking it at the EXACT time each day (which, which a newborn schedule, is pretty tough).

My DH is totally fine with 2 close together, even "irish twins", but I'd prefer to not have 2 in diapers at the same time.  I'm probably going to get an IUD (I think they made a 3 year one recently, but I don't mind getting the 5 year and having it removed after a year or 2), because even though we were successful with the "pull-out" method for almost a year, we got pregnant as soon as we stopped that, so I'd rather have the peace of mind that its locked-down until I'm ready for #2.

thefithuntress

Another Yaz hater here! I was on Yasmin at a super young age and it never bothered me.. They must have changed the formula for Yaz because it made me psycho and killed my sex drive. I'm gonna look into an iud after having this little one. Personally I'm a-okay with just having one kid.

nmwheel1

We knew we wanted two close together but was told births had to be minimum 18 months apart due to emergancy c-section. I'm against putting hormones and chemicals into my body so we never used the pill or anything like that. We chose condoms after dd so I wouldn't have to worry about having anything removed when we wanted to try again. It worked for us and my OB was supportive of that. She stressed that breastfeeding is NOT a good or proper form of birth control.

bellie1223

I was recently dx with endometriosis and just had the birth control talk with my doc, she wants to put me on something that will stop my periods as soon as they start again to help minimize the endo growth and pain. I had been taking the pill for 10 years before getting pregnant with this one and dread the thought of going back on the pill again! She did say there are pills you can use with bf, either the progesterone only, or estrogen only, I guess I should have been taking notes because I don't remember. Anyway, I'm hoping we can find a better option than pills to stop my period. I'm also undecided if I want to have any more kids, so that would change what option I ultimately decide on....

MargaretC5

I used the mini pill between DS and this one. The dr said there is a chance to get pregnant on it, but the chance if you are excusively BF and on the mini pill is pretty small. She did not recommend it if you were not ok getting pregnant again. I had no issue BF on the mini pill.
I stopped the mini pill when DS was a year old but still had not gotten by period back yet. The dr advised when BF you will get your cycle back at some point and will most likely not be aware when you ovulate, and that is the time when you are at risk for getting pregnant unexpectedly (since once you get your period the first time you know to be careful again).

Edit... and to the OP original question. I had no issues going on and off the mini pill, but I also had no issues on the regular pill or getting off it to have DS.

ZoeH3

Anyone considering getting their tubes tied? I looked up the info on it and it kind of freaked me out!

MargaretC5

ZoeH3 said:

Anyone considering getting their tubes tied? I looked up the info on it and it kind of freaked me out!

If I need a CS again I am probably going to do it. I still need to talk to my dr about it, I have just consulted dr Google so far. If I do give birth vaginally, I am not doing it (I have a fear of surgery).

ZoeH3

I am having my second c-section and both pregnancies have been high risk. Doctor doesn't recommend me having anymore children and I don't want anymore but I'm only 21 so I guess that could change. Eh, it can be reversed but the possible outcomes are just terrifying lol.

trampledbykiddos

ZoeH3 said:

Anyone considering getting their tubes tied? I looked up the info on it and it kind of freaked me out!

I was debating this since DH and I are 100% done after these twins are born and there is a decent chance I will be having a c-section this time around but some of the potential side effects freak me out so DH will be getting a vasectomy instead. I will probably get an IUD put in after giving birth this time as well so we are covered until DH gets snipped.

After DD was born I took the mini pill with no issues. I will say quite a few women on my other BMB got pregnant using the mini pill so it's not something I would do this time since I think I would die with 4 kids under 4.

MargaretC5

ZoeH3 said:

I am having my second c-section and both pregnancies have been high risk. Doctor doesn't recommend me having anymore children and I don't want anymore but I'm only 21 so I guess that could change. Eh, it can be reversed but the possible outcomes are just terrifying lol.

If you are not 100% sure you are done having kids, I would not have your tubes tied. Getting it revered can be expensive and I think it is only effective about 30% of the time.

dramaphile

ZoeH3 said:

I am having my second c-section and both pregnancies have been high risk. Doctor doesn't recommend me having anymore children and I don't want anymore but I'm only 21 so I guess that could change. Eh, it can be reversed but the possible outcomes are just terrifying lol.

You can always get an IUD, they last years, and are very effective in preventing if they stay in place. 21 is young to make a permanent birth control decision.

ash413

ZoeH3 said:

I am having my second c-section and both pregnancies have been high risk. Doctor doesn't recommend me having anymore children and I don't want anymore but I'm only 21 so I guess that could change. Eh, it can be reversed but the possible outcomes are just terrifying lol.

I would not assume that it is reversible, the success rate is pretty low. I would not get it done unless you (and SO) are 100% OK with not having more children.

I'm not sure what we are going to do about birth control, I will probably talk to my OB about it at my next appointment. My DH is completely OK with Irish twins, but I would like to space them out at least 2 or 3 years.

Barker2+1

After my first I went on the progesterone only pill, I am not sure if this is what you call the mini pill but my dr always called it the progesterone only pill. I never had issues with breastfeeding because of the pill I was on and it didn't mess with me emotionally I also cycled normally. I was on that while I nursed 9 months post partum when I stopped nursing I went on tax which made me crazy and coming off of it was hell. There are two years between my first two after I stopped BF number 2 I tried like 4 different pills and all jacked me up. There will be 5.5 years between my youngest son and this Lo. My dr says I am fertile Merrtle because everyone I went off BC I got pregnant within the first two cycles. After this one DH is getting snipped cause I can't do hormone BC again and I am not a candidate for IUD. I don't know if that helps but that has been my experience with post partum BC

Soyyoyary

We aren't sure if 3 is the magic number, so I'm planning on using Nexplanon when the 3 years are up, we'll make the final decision..

lally6168

I'm going to use condoms for at least three months. I just want to loose the baby weight first before trying again.

apritch88

Just had this discussion with my doctor at my appointment on Friday. The first time around I was breastfeeding, and I was not cycling so I chose not to take anything. A few weeks before I weaned my daughter I started the mini-pill and stayed on that until we started trying again. 

I should mention, that prior to DD1 I was on the ring, and ended up with a vaginal cyst! I hear it is uncommon, but beware ladies! It caused a lot of bleeding early in my pregnancy and a lot of anxiety until they figured out what was going on. 

Anyways, this time around, I am fairly certain we are done, but hubby will be taking one for the team. I am going to go with Mirena until we make up our minds for sure. I was leaning towards the non-horomonal IUD, but my doctor advised me that that IUD has little effect on your period. So for people like me who already have long heavy periods, it's better to go with a little horomone (she said it has 1/8 the hormones of the mini-pill) because there is a better chance it will make your periods lighter, or go away completely. 

And for all you ladies who are "just going to let nature take it's course" - you might consider a backup plan, just in case. If you have a super colicky, never sleeps baby, you might not be ready to add another one to the family quite so soon

VexedMommy

I'm also considering having my tubes tied.  I'm 31 years old and this is my second time giving birth.  My boyfriend and I have three children combined.  Our first children (with our exes) are 9 and 10yrs old.  This little one was a complete surprise since my bf was told he was infertile and we've been together for 5yrs 3 of them without any birth control.  I'd rather surprise proof myself going forward.

CarrieOct15

I'm glad someone asked about birth control, because it's something I've been thinking about, too. We want to wait about 3-4 years before we have another, because SO will be in med school. I was on Depo for about 7 years, but I'm hesitant to go back on hormonal BC. I felt fine when I was on it, but I didn't realize how much BETTER I feel when I'm off it. I have more energy, I'm less anxious, I'm not as short-tempered, etc. I'm also not a fan of the risks that go along with IUDs, either. It's definitely something to think about. 

grapesoda1111

I think I will go with the ParaGard. I've heard bad things about the mirena, but there are bad things about all birth control.

scw89

CarrieOct15 said:

I'm glad someone asked about birth control, because it's something I've been thinking about, too. We want to wait about 3-4 years before we have another, because SO will be in med school. I was on Depo for about 7 years, but I'm hesitant to go back on hormonal BC. I felt fine when I was on it, but I didn't realize how much BETTER I feel when I'm off it. I have more energy, I'm less anxious, I'm not as short-tempered, etc. I'm also not a fan of the risks that go along with IUDs, either. It's definitely something to think about. 

We are honestly thinking condoms for that reason. I have PCOS and it was tough getting pregnant the first time so idk if I want to be on anything after he is born. Other option I've thought of is the pill because it is amazing at controlling my PCOS symptoms, but I don't want my body difficult and out of whack when we try for a second baby.

fitmama89

I did not have a good experience with the Mirena. I got it taken out when we were ready to TTC ... Got pregnant immediately and ended up miscarrying twice. No idea if it was related or coincidence but I definitely wouldn't get an IUD again. I honestly have no idea what we will do after this baby since we don't really plan on having more. However, I am only 26 so I don't want to make any big decisions yet... Such as DH getting a vasectomy. I have been reading into NFP & hoping to get my husband on board with this method. Does seem a little risky.

urby87

We talked last night about using the mini pill in conjunction with condoms just in case...

AJLove9

Are any of you considering the arm implant? Has anyone used it before?

lyankowi

People thinking about NFP even if your not Catholic I would look into the church and see if they offer classes. I took (actually had to as part of getting married) a class that meet all day on a Saturday then had a follow up class a few weeks later. She told us to send her our charts and stuff and she would look over them and send back comments and suggestions she also gave us her phone number if we had questions. Also look into the Creighton method if want to go the NFP route.

CarrieOct15

scw89 said:

I'm glad someone asked about birth control, because it's something I've been thinking about, too. We want to wait about 3-4 years before we have another, because SO will be in med school. I was on Depo for about 7 years, but I'm hesitant to go back on hormonal BC. I felt fine when I was on it, but I didn't realize how much BETTER I feel when I'm off it. I have more energy, I'm less anxious, I'm not as short-tempered, etc. I'm also not a fan of the risks that go along with IUDs, either. It's definitely something to think about. 

We are honestly thinking condoms for that reason. I have PCOS and it was tough getting pregnant the first time so idk if I want to be on anything after he is born. Other option I've thought of is the pill because it is amazing at controlling my PCOS symptoms, but I don't want my body difficult and out of whack when we try for a second baby.

Talked with SO about this, & we're thinking the same. I did some research on the pill, and I think I might give it a shot. It has a lot of benefits that I wasn't aware of, like lowering the risk of certain cancers, helps prevent cysts, clears up acne, etc. And it's easy to stop if it doesn't work out, unlike Depo.

FilbertTree

AJLove9 said:

Are any of you considering the arm implant? Has anyone used it before?

I'm glad someone asked about this. We've always used condoms but I want to try another method and since I'm terrible at remembering to take a pill everyday and really don't want an IUD, I'm intrigued by the possibility of the implant. But I would to hear real life experiences first...

thefithuntress

The more research I do on IUDs the more nervous they make me. I had terrible periods growing up and was on the pill for 10 years before getting pregnant (and after 4 cycles and the first time tracking, I might add). Unfortunately once Yasmin changed to Yaz I went cuckoo so I'll probably look for another pill alternative.