Birth Control After Baby

angelinthepit23

Just wanted to get a thread started on this. I was on Depo for many years. Once we decided to have kids it took a year for us to get pregnant after I stopped taking it. So obviously I won't be going back on that one. I want to get back on birth control once I have my f/u as the last thing I want is to get pregnant again next year! DH doesn't want me to go back on BC because of the time it took the first time around and we will just "be careful." Yeah, ok - that's not happening!

Was thinking about going on the pill, as that seems like it would be the easiest option to reverse in a few years.

doodleoodle

I just had my f/u appointment and I left not confident in any method. I'm breastfeeding and so that limits my options. The mini pill is notorious for not exactly working and to be honest, with as hectic as everything is I don't trust myself to remember to take it. The possible complications from Mirena rule that out and the implant and depo shot may cause weight gain and according to kellymom breastfeeding mothers have said the hormones make their babies fussy.

rachswi

I had originally planned to take the pill, too. But I for the life of me can't remember to take my prenatal so I don't think it would be a good idea to go the pill route.

I'm starting to think the IUD may be my best bet...

HeatherFaye718

My doctor and I decided an iud would be best for me again. I wanted to try the implanon but he said the risk of weight gain would not be good for me. BC pills are out of the question because I forget to take them.

I loved my IUD the first time around so I think it would be great.

GoogleMD

There have been a couple threads on this with many responses. I decided against bc partially because I am BF and partly because we are planning to start trying for baby number 2 by the end of the summer or fall so it seems like more of a hassle.

We will do natural family planning until then, even if it fails we aren't too worried.

Ceridwen77

I'm taking the pill.

thefithuntress

Sigh, I dunno. I ended up going psycho on the pill and lost my sex drive. I'm gonna discuss options with my OB during my 6 week visit.

eamarat

Not doing the pill, that's how I ended up on the TB, I'm no good at remembering a daily pill. Not sure what I'm going to do though, I'll be talking to my doctor about it when the time comes.

Jacqwhit

I got the Mirena. As crazy as life is now, there is absolutely no way I would remember to take the pill.

Escheffler34

I don't trust myself with the pill and I don't want an iud, so I'm thinking about the nexplanon... Does anyone have any experience with it?

Eta I'm breastfeeding

Pontot31

I got Mirena after the last baby and loved it. I plan on getting it again. I also EBF.

MaeMae91

I'm making it my husband's responsibility, too. Doing natural family planning and if he wants sex during my fertile time he can wear a condom

blesofsky

I did IUD after DD 9 years ago. Had no problems and will probably do the same again this time.

urby87

Just got my Nexplanon put in at my 6 week PP visit on Wednesday.  I'm breastfeeding and decided not to go with the mini pill because I knew I wouldn't be able to keep that strict of a schedule.  But as GoogleMD mentioned, there are other threads on this topic that can be found using the search function.

kmd91

I'm on the mini pill, but considering discussing switching with my OB at my postpartum check on the 30th. At that point I'll have been on the pill for six weeks (started 2 weeks postpartum and have a late follow up because my doctor wasn't in the day of my appointment at 6 weeks and had to reschedule) and I feel like it's really been messing with my emotions. I never had that much of a problem when I was on the pill before baby, but I've felt really hormonal since I started on it and if that isn't going to level out I need to try something else.

smnewby

We decided on the copper iud. No hormones and no revisiting the issue for up to 10yrs.

queenwog

smnewby said:

We decided on the copper iud. No hormones and no revisiting the issue for up to 10yrs.

I'll probably go this route, too. I was on the pill for years before we started TTC. It took forever to get my cycles back after stopping the pill so I don't want to do that again; I might consider it when we decide to be done having kids. I don't want anything hormonal, and can't stand condoms.

SJFTCA

I'm going to have to see what my OB suggests. When I went off the pill (Yaz) when we were TTC, I had terrible emotional/hormonal side effects for about six weeks. In hindsight, I guess it was a relatively short time, but when I was in it, it felt like forever. I never had trouble ON the pill, but coming off of it, I had terrible anxiety (never had before) and some depression, as well. I felt like I was constantly in a brain fog, and I cried to MH often about how I thought I was crazy. It passed before we actually officially started trying for LO, but now I'm terrified about screwing w my hormones again going back on BC.

skabanak

Just had my third and last baby and needed a c section due to him being breeched and after they took him out they tied my tubes, so no more babies for this mama!!!!

brizer21

SJFTCA said:

I'm going to have to see what my OB suggests. When I went off the pill (Yaz) when we were TTC, I had terrible emotional/hormonal side effects for about six weeks. In hindsight, I guess it was a relatively short time, but when I was in it, it felt like forever. I never had trouble ON the pill, but coming off of it, I had terrible anxiety (never had before) and some depression, as well. I felt like I was constantly in a brain fog, and I cried to MH often about how I thought I was crazy. It passed before we actually officially started trying for LO, but now I'm terrified about screwing w my hormones again going back on BC.

I had the same issue coming off Yaz, plus added headaches. I hated the way I felt. After I had DD1 I didn't get back on birth control because we knew we wanted #2 around 2 years apart. Now that we have #2 and not sure if we want a third my doctor recommended the 3 year IUD. She told me the horomones are localized vs a pill passing through your system so hopefully I won't notice a difference. I'm breastfeeding and horrible at taking pills so this is my best option. I had it put in last week and no issues so far.

AmoLovesAud

I was originally thinking we'd go back to our old combo of NFP/condoms/pull-out method, it worked for us for a year, but since I had a C-section and want to make sure I have plenty of time to recover*, I'm going to ask about Mirena.  I was so bad about remembering the pill when I was on it, I'm sure it'd be so much worse if I have to remember to take it at a certain time!

*I'm probably extra paranoid b/c my MIL has a horror story about her c/s: DH and his big sis are a mere 15 months apart, and were both c/s.  Obviously she didn't have much time to recover between pregnancies, and DH opened her uterine incision back up with his foot!  They were both lucky that she was next door to the hospital when it happened, they could've both died!  So, solid 2 year spacing at least for me!

ColoradoHiker

I had an iud and removed it about a year before we started trying to get pregnant (5year period was up anyways). I'm thinking about a copper iud bc I loveddddd having a sex drive, after being on hormonal bc for over ten years. Also, condoms don't bother DH and I, so no BC is also an option.

SJFTCA

brizer21 said:

SJFTCA said:

I'm going to have to see what my OB suggests. When I went off the pill (Yaz) when we were TTC, I had terrible emotional/hormonal side effects for about six weeks. In hindsight, I guess it was a relatively short time, but when I was in it, it felt like forever. I never had trouble ON the pill, but coming off of it, I had terrible anxiety (never had before) and some depression, as well. I felt like I was constantly in a brain fog, and I cried to MH often about how I thought I was crazy. It passed before we actually officially started trying for LO, but now I'm terrified about screwing w my hormones again going back on BC.

I had the same issue coming off Yaz, plus added headaches. I hated the way I felt. After I had DD1 I didn't get back on birth control because we knew we wanted #2 around 2 years apart. Now that we have #2 and not sure if we want a third my doctor recommended the 3 year IUD. She told me the horomones are localized vs a pill passing through your system so hopefully I won't notice a difference. I'm breastfeeding and horrible at taking pills so this is my best option. I had it put in last week and no issues so far.

I'm glad to hear from someone who had the same issues. When I was having my trouble, I researched some online (and also posted a thread on here, if I'm not mistaken) and found others who had similar issues. Even though I still had my issues, it made me feel less crazy and gave me hope that I would come out of it. I'm also glad to know that the IUD is working out for you, and I will definitely be looking in to that option.

bbymaely

I was on the depo shot for two years it took us a year to get pregnant and I miscarried 3 months later tried again and here we are with a two week old , I'm not good with pills either . I do want to get pregnant again I'm thinking condom !

amm0512

I used Nexplanon after DS and HATED it. I thought I was lucky since I didn't bleed for a month, but then I bled for the next five months straight because my provider wouldn't take it out till the 6month mark. To be fair, they did warn me that 7 of every 10 they place, they end up taking out early due to unwanted side effects. I was on Nuvaring before TTC DS and only had it out for 6 weeks before we got pregnant, so I went back on that after him. I stopped using it in December 2014 and were pregnant with DD by the end of February 2015, I think it took us 8 weeks with her.

threatlevelmidnight

My husband and I have always used condoms along with a foam spermicide. My doctor said this was just as effective as the pill. The pill made me psycho.

brizer21

SJFTCA said:

brizer21 said:

SJFTCA said:

I'm going to have to see what my OB suggests. When I went off the pill (Yaz) when we were TTC, I had terrible emotional/hormonal side effects for about six weeks. In hindsight, I guess it was a relatively short time, but when I was in it, it felt like forever. I never had trouble ON the pill, but coming off of it, I had terrible anxiety (never had before) and some depression, as well. I felt like I was constantly in a brain fog, and I cried to MH often about how I thought I was crazy. It passed before we actually officially started trying for LO, but now I'm terrified about screwing w my hormones again going back on BC.

I had the same issue coming off Yaz, plus added headaches. I hated the way I felt. After I had DD1 I didn't get back on birth control because we knew we wanted #2 around 2 years apart. Now that we have #2 and not sure if we want a third my doctor recommended the 3 year IUD. She told me the horomones are localized vs a pill passing through your system so hopefully I won't notice a difference. I'm breastfeeding and horrible at taking pills so this is my best option. I had it put in last week and no issues so far.

I'm glad to hear from someone who had the same issues. When I was having my trouble, I researched some online (and also posted a thread on here, if I'm not mistaken) and found others who had similar issues. Even though I still had my issues, it made me feel less crazy and gave me hope that I would come out of it. I'm also glad to know that the IUD is working out for you, and I will definitely be looking in to that option.

I remember researching it too, it was at least 3 mos of feeling miserable and my body regulating. I definitely didn't want to do that again. I'm now about a week in with the IUD and haven't felt different at all. I was terrified of the insertion but it wasn't bad, just a little uncomfortable and very minor cramping. I took Ibuprofen before my appointment. It's so nice not having to worry about a daily pill! Good luck, hope you have a better experience this time around.

mrsgabus

I've never been on birth control .. we have always used the natural family planning.

Since we have decided to try for one more , we will continue to do it that way.

If we have a 4th then DH gets snipped .

chelseaepley

I'm on the pill, but I'm not so good at remembering things. So, it should only be a matter of time before I'm pregnant again (at least lets hope not.)

urby87

chelseaepley said:

I'm on the pill, but I'm not so good at remembering things. So, it should only be a matter of time before I'm pregnant again (at least lets hope not.)

I would look into doubling up with another method if you're on the "mini pill" and you aren't planning on more kids.  It's not very effective unless you are very diligent about taking it at the same time every day.

FilbertTree

amm0512 said:

I used Nexplanon after DS and HATED it. I thought I was lucky since I didn't bleed for a month, but then I bled for the next five months straight because my provider wouldn't take it out till the 6month mark. To be fair, they did warn me that 7 of every 10 they place, they end up taking out early due to unwanted side effects. I was on Nuvaring before TTC DS and only had it out for 6 weeks before we got pregnant, so I went back on that after him. I stopped using it in December 2014 and were pregnant with DD by the end of February 2015, I think it took us 8 weeks with her.

Oh goodie... I just had Nexplanon implanted last week, and Im already second guessing that decision. My OB told me to make a decision about birth control while I was still in hospital after delivering without any discussion of the potential benefits or side effects of various methods, and had me make an appointment before my 6 eeek appt. At one day pp I shouldn't have been making any choices more important than what to have for breakfast and now feel like I was bullied into a choice I dont really want. At my pp appt (which I don't get until 8 weeks because of the Dr going on vacation) I plan to ask to have it removed. Irregular periods have troubled me my entire adult life, and now I'm on a bc that's pretty much guaranteed to result in unpredictable bleeding...

smnewby

Update: I had paragard inserted yesterday (copper only iud wo hormones). I was nervous because I had read about pain and cramping that happens during the process. Just wanted to share that it was less uncomfortable than a pap smear. I had no cramping and minimal bleeding. Everyones experience is different but I am very pleased that I dont have to worry about a pill or hormone changes for the next decade.

chelseaepley

urby87 said:

chelseaepley said:

I'm on the pill, but I'm not so good at remembering things. So, it should only be a matter of time before I'm pregnant again (at least lets hope not.)

I would look into doubling up with another method if you're on the "mini pill" and you aren't planning on more kids.  It's not very effective unless you are very diligent about taking it at the same time every day.

I've set an alarm on my phone and been taking it as the same time since I've been on it. We do want more, but not before ds is at least 1. But if it happens, it happens. We practice other "methods" to not make it so easy, but that's not guaranteed. I am EBF, on the pill, and using the "method" so hopefully that'll be enough. If not, babies in the same grade! LOL

rachswi

Just found out that if insurance doesn't cover it, an IUD will be $1,000. My insurance is changing in the new year so idk if it'll be covered or not. May have to go on the mini pill and try natural family planning...

Pontot31

rachswi said:

Just found out that if insurance doesn't cover it, an IUD will be $1,000. My insurance is changing in the new year so idk if it'll be covered or not. May have to go on the mini pill and try natural family planning...

Last time my insurance covered 70% so I owed about $250 for my Mirena. But I was told this time because of Obama care all birth control options are fully covered by my insurance. Check your options for both insurance options now and if it's cheaper under your current one maybe you can get in fast to have it inserted.

rachswi

Pontot31 said:

rachswi said:

Just found out that if insurance doesn't cover it, an IUD will be $1,000. My insurance is changing in the new year so idk if it'll be covered or not. May have to go on the mini pill and try natural family planning...

Last time my insurance covered 70% so I owed about $250 for my Mirena. But I was told this time because of Obama care all birth control options are fully covered by my insurance. Check your options for both insurance options now and if it's cheaper under your current one maybe you can get in fast to have it inserted.

Doctor already told me I wouldn't be able to get it before the new year. I'm on my parents plan still since I'm 24 and they're going to an hsa (health savings accounts) so I don't think it'll be covered since the point of an hsa is you pay more but have lower premiums and such (it's good for my parents but I don't have access to their account... Just the plan)

smnewby

I specifically requested to have it placed in december since we met our deductible

rachswi

If I had known there was a long waiting period I would have requested it earlier so I could get it put in during December. But no such luck. Sadness.

smnewby

rachswi said:

If I had known there was a long waiting period I would have requested it earlier so I could get it put in during December. But no such luck. Sadness.

If it makes you feel any better I wouldnt have thought of it on my own. My SIL is an OB and recommended I schedule the insertion date even before lo was born since doctors offices get so busy at the end of the year and the device is $$$.

cdepperschmidt

@GoogleMD, @MaeMae91 & @mrsgabus what method of NFP are you using? DH and I used symtothermal pre baby, but that's not going to work because I can't get an accurate basil body temp on no sleep so I'm looking for a new one.

Ceridwen77

Reading all this about the mini pill makes me nervous. My OB mentioned it was critical that I take it at the same time and if I miss a pill to use a condom as well, but I'm worried at how ineffective it is unless you are perfect with taking it. We are OAD so definitely don't want to get pregnant again.

I'm really interested in the copper IUD. Is this new? Has anyone used it before for a while and found it to be effective? I love the idea of no hormones as when I went off the pill to get pregnant I never felt better!