Breastfeeding

Effectiveness of mini pill

It's a long way out, but I'm thinking of BC after this baby. I had a Mirena after DS1, and I don't think I want to get it again. Next option is the mini pill.

I've heard it's not as effective as regular BCP. Is that true? Anyone know what the pregnancy rates are with the mini pill?
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Re: Effectiveness of mini pill

  • You are right. It is not as effective and you have to take it at the exact same time every day or the effectiveness decreases dramatically. I set an alarm on my phone to go off every day at 12pm to remember it.
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  • https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/minipill/MY00991/DSECTION=risks

    "An estimated 1 to 13 out of 100 women who use the minipill will get pregnant in the

  • Also, sometimes (in my case at least) missing that three hour window will cause break through bleeding.  But, yep, not as effective as a full pill, but not as likely to decrease your supply either.
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  • I think using it while breastfeeding full time increases the effectiveness as BFing can keep you from ovulating by itself. 

     I hope so anyway.  I don't want another and I use the minipill. lol

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  • It is the only pill I've ever been on. I can't take estrogen, so the other pills are out of the picture. I was on it for three years before baby and was using it again while breastfeeding. It was effective for me. Yes, you do only have a three-hour window
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  • What makes it less effective is not what is in it but the fact that you only have a very small window of time to take it. If you can be consistent you will be fine. In addition like pp said, bf'ing can also prevent ovulation so I would not be concerned un
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  • It's not as effective as the combined pill, in part because compliance is so much harder. But it is highly effective if used perfectly, even if you're not breastfeeding (there are a number of women who take the mini-pill because they can't use estrogen

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