Birth control after baby

emly17 · June 2015

First time mom, and I'll barely have turned 20 when my little one is born and I know I want some sort of birth control after she's born but it seems like no matter how much I research I can't make a decision on which one I would want. Then I have heard so many horror stories about the birth control that some of my friends are on and it makes it all the much more difficult!!

katanasai · June 2015

I went on the Mirena after my son was born, and that was wonderful, except that it made it difficult to lose weight.

smlowe9311 · June 2015

The ladies on my last bmb recommended the mini pill if you plan on breastfeeding. When I asked my ob about it at my 6 weeks check up he wouldn't prescribe it because he claimed it can interfere with milk production (which was why those ladies said a mini pill and not a regular birth control pill). He gave me pamphlets on two different types of implants but I never got one because life got so busy. We ended up using condems and when we thought we wanted to start trying again just went without. This time around I plan on asking prior to lo's birth so I have time to decide which route to go when I go back for my 6 week check up.

I know that doesn't really help with your question specifically but if you can I would ask your dr about what they recommend before you deliever so you can make an informed decision at your check up appointment.

sweet+cheeks · June 2015

I've heard great things about Mirena and Paraguard (both IUDs) and I think I will go this route after this LO. I had some bad experiences with hormonal birth control plus I'm horrible at remembering to take pills.

bbiutmcph · June 2015

I'm going the tubal route since I know this is our last and I will be having a repeat anyhow. It just seems most logical. I was on the pill previously. Many recommend an IUD if daily pills are not something you want to deal with.

devonsd315 · June 2015

I have been on the pill for years and would go back on it if it did not interfere with milk production. I will either be doing the mini-pill (if doctor ok's it) or an IUD. However, I want to go back on the (real) pill once I wean (that's how much I love it) so I'm not sure it makes sense to get an IUD.

leighann1 · June 2015

I took the mini pill once because of some weird recommendation from a new doctor I ended up hating...and it gave me the worst acne of my life. I ended up being treated by a dermatologist for over a year just to clear it up. Won't be doing that again.

I'll be getting an IUD. I almost got one a few years ago rather than go back on a pill, but I'd heard it's so much worse to insert if you haven't given birth yet. It's my plan after this baby is out, pending doctor approval and all that.

jenn2132 · June 2015

With my first baby I took the mini-pill after he was born as it didn't interfere with breastfeeding. I had been on the pill for four years prior without complications but after having a baby remembering to take my pill was near impossible! Also the mini pill was much more expensive than the regular pill, 30 dollars for one month as opposed to the 30 dollars for 3 months I got with the regular. We ended up using the PIO and timing method which worked for us for 7 years and I wasn't too stressed about it because I knew there would be at least one more baby in out future so an oops wouldn't be the end of the world. However now I know this will be our last and I'm going to try and convince the husband to get snipped. After so many years without I personally would rather not have any additional hormones added to my body if I can avoid it. I have had friends who loved mirena and a few who had complications so I'm not sure how I'd feel about using it. Some of my friends had to have the mirena strings trimmed because their SO could feel them.

danixbanani24 · June 2015

FTM and I plan on an IUD. I was on the pill for 10 years and life got so much better once I came off it. I'm researching IUD's to see which may be best for me.

saintpaulJess · June 2015

I have previously used the Mirena and really like it. This time, though, hubby is getting a vasectomy. Four is enough. :-)

KLHauck12 · June 2015

I always did fine on birth control pills but I'm not allowed to take them anymore because of my migraines (puts me at risk for a stroke). I have been on the mini pill but it was the worst reaction I've ever had - hair growth, horrible acne, nose bleeds. My body just didn't do well with it. So then I was on Mirena until we tried to get pregnant. I did okay with it but it was tough to adjust to & towards the end I had lots of problems with it. I just don't know if I want to go through all that when we want another baby within a few years. It might have to be condoms (husband not happy about this) and/or pulling out. Once we are done, my husband wants to get snipped. But what to do until then??

twogirlsandagreen · June 2015

I LOVED Mirena. No complications at all and lost all baby weight

Vstille2712 · June 2015

Agree with @twogirlsandagreen
Loved my mirena. I had it pre pregnancy and will be getting another after

adcoxmt · June 2015

I took my OCPs perfectly (I'm talking every single night, exact same time, never missed a pill - EVER - and I've been on them since I was 18, so, almost 7 years) and still got pregnant. BD jokes that he has "super human sperm," but my doctor said it was probably due to my body not fully responding to the pill I was on b/c I have a very high metabolism. I don't mean to scare anyone from a oral form of birth control, clearly my case was VERY rare, but I can assure you I, personally, will be getting an IUD after my son is born. I'll probably go with the Mirena since it not only blocks off the uterus, but also emits hormones.

One thing to keep in mind, OP, is that different forms affect every woman differently. From the tone of your post, it sounds like you have not tried any forms of birth control before, so it may take a couple of tries to find one that works best for you. Your Gyn will be able to ask the right questions to narrow the list down to which options would be most likely to fit your needs/lifestyle. Aside from ease-of-us, others' experiences won't give you much insight as to how your body will respond to the same type, so, definitely ask him/her before deciding. From working at an OB/GYN office, I gathered that the least popular form of prescribed birth control seemed to be the Depo shots. I've heard a large number of women who had issues with sudden weight gain once they started Depo, and it's kind of a hassle to have to visit your doctor's office every few months for the injection - it's not something you can maintain yourself.

Also, since the mini-pill is progesterone only, it's considerably less effective than traditional OCPs....about 88% I think. I know there's a (since debunked) "fact" that many people believe which claims you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding but you most certainly can. With my history, I don't like the odds of effectiveness provided by the mini-pill, lol.

Sorry for the novel, but hopefully you will be able to find a method that works best for you!

twogirlsandagreen · June 2015

adcoxmt said:
I took my OCPs perfectly (I'm talking every single night, exact same time, never missed a pill - EVER - and I've been on them since I was 18, so, almost 7 years) and still got pregnant. BD jokes that he has "super human sperm," but my doctor said it was probably due to my body not fully responding to the pill I was on b/c I have a very high metabolism. I don't mean to scare anyone from a oral form of birth control, clearly my case was VERY rare, but I can assure you I, personally, will be getting an IUD after my son is born. I'll probably go with the Mirena since it not only blocks off the uterus, but also emits hormones.

One thing to keep in mind, OP, is that different forms affect every woman differently. From the tone of your post, it sounds like you have not tried any forms of birth control before, so it may take a couple of tries to find one that works best for you. Your Gyn will be able to ask the right questions to narrow the list down to which options would be most likely to fit your needs/lifestyle. Aside from ease-of-us, others' experiences won't give you much insight as to how your body will respond to the same type, so, definitely ask him/her before deciding. From working at an OB/GYN office, I gathered that the least popular form of prescribed birth control seemed to be the Depo shots. I've heard a large number of women who had issues with sudden weight gain once they started Depo, and it's kind of a hassle to have to visit your doctor's office every few months for the injection - it's not something you can maintain yourself.

Also, since the mini-pill is progesterone only, it's considerably less effective than traditional OCPs....about 88% I think. I know there's a (since debunked) "fact" that many people believe which claims you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding but you most certainly can. With my history, I don't like the odds of effectiveness provided by the mini-pill, lol.

Sorry for the novel, but hopefully you will be able to find a method that works best for you!

Yes! Mini pill is not the best option at all! I have several friends who got pregnant on it!!!!

vamomtobe · June 2015

I nursed for a year, and my period didn't return for another 3 months or so (and only after taking an oral hormone to kick-start it), so in the interim we just used condoms. Once my period returned I went back to using nuvaring. I really liked it because you just leave it in for 3 weeks and it provides a more constant level of hormone rather than the ups-and-downs you get with some pills.

KLHauck12 · June 2015

I absolutely second those cautioning you to take other people's experiences with a grain of salt! I have heard so many people slam Mirena but I didn't have nearly the bad reaction they did (although mine wasn't ideal) but I did have that kind of experience with the mini pill. Everyone's body is different and will react in its own way. Just do enough research to know about each one and talk with your doctor. All the horror stories out there will just freak you out. Remember most people take to the internet to complain about their bad experiences.... Not share their good experiences!

millereliz13 · June 2015

I was on the seasonique pill for the last 7 years before going off it to try to get pregnant. I absolutely loved it, it worked real well for me. If the doctors clear me, I'll go back on it. I'm not going to breast feed due to some medical issues that require I go back on medicine one my little dude is born. I have a friend who does the depo and loves it. I have a friend was an IUD and loves it.

dparker721 · June 2015

I'm glad you mentioned this topic. I haven't taken birth control in years, so I need to start my research and talk to my doctor. There are so many options it's a little overwhelming!

Telebell · June 2015

Mirena all the way! I actually had a bad experience before kids when I got it implanted (and removed the same day, the cramping was so horrible). But I got another after my daughter was born and it was like night and day. No pain whatsoever. I'd just make sure that your OB has a lot of experience putting them in. I loved it and will get another. After I had my last removed I got pregnant right away.

kaza512 · June 2015

I work in Women's Health and I think all methods are great if they work for you. But sometimes it is a trial and error process because everyone is different. If you are planning on breastfeeding, it will limit your options until your supply is up and steady. Progestin based birth controls are the better option as it is the estrogen that prevents milk production. For women who feel pressured to make a choice before they leave the hospital (and that is what we recommend in our practice, because A LOT of women feel better and ready for sex prior to their 6 week follow up appt, and that is ok), I will often discuss the possibility of a shot of Depo to hold them over until they make their long term decision. They don't have to think about it and they can switch to whatever form of BC they like at any time (you can get a Mirena, Skyla, Paragard (all IUDs), Nexplanon (arm implant), or script for Pill while on Depo. Most complaints of Depo come from long term use. I personally am a huge fan of the combo pill, but that is not good for milk supply. The mini pill is much more sensitive and needs to be taken at THE SAME TIME every day, don't take that option unless you know that you will be able to comply!!

arwestover3 · June 2015

Soooo I was like a crazy emotional psycho on the pill. After my first, who was delivered by unplanned c-section, I had an arm implant called nexplanon. It's a low-dose hormone releaser, and it was awesome. Well, getting it put in wasn't fun (bruised arm for a couple weeks), but it had no side effects while I had it in, and it's good for a couple years so you don't have to remember to take a pill, and you can get it removed whenever at your doctor's office. It's also more effective than the pill, if that matters. I'd check it out if you want something easy and effective.

arwestover3 · June 2015

And sorry, I only mentioned the c section because I had to have something really effective after that, but I didn't want to be on the pill anymore because it made me cry all the time. Lol sorry.

MamaOwl15 · June 2015

I was on the mini-pill for a short time after DS was born, but I stopped because I could never remember to take it at the same time.

This time, I'm not sure what we'll do. Once I went off the mini-pill, DH and I just used the withdrawal method, which worked out well enough because I didn't get my periods back till 9 or 10 months PP and we were ok with abother baby should that happen. Well, I did end up pregnant, had a miscarriage, got pregnant again.

But I think we're about 90% sure we're done after this baby, so I've been researching more permanent options. I've heard horror stories about IUDs and tubal ligation, especially from women who have PCOS, but I've also heard of people being happy with those options.

I'm wary of hormonal birth control because of weight gain. I was on the Pill several years ago to help manage my PCOS, and while my periods were lighter, and my skin looked good, I gained weight.

Maybe my husband will agree to get snipped, since it will give him the benefit of not having to deal with hormonal, pregnant me anymore.

aah1013 · June 2015

We've undergone more fertility treatments than I'd ever have anticipated. I dont plan on using any birth control and will consider any surprise pregnancy a complete blessing. Honestly, I really don't think it will happen naturally after all these years (of course I secretly hope I'm wrong!).

amberrmariee20 · June 2015

katanasai said:
I went on the Mirena after my son was born, and that was wonderful, except that it made it difficult to lose weight.

I lost over 80 lbs while on mirena !!! But I had issues with it, caused my ovaries to swell.

jenn2132 · June 2015

aah1013 said:
We've undergone more fertility treatments than I'd ever have anticipated. I dont plan on using any birth control and will consider any surprise pregnancy a complete blessing. Honestly, I really don't think it will happen naturally after all these years (of course I secretly hope I'm wrong!).

Pregnancy has a way of resolving fertility issues. A close friend of mine got pregnant via IVF with twins after 6 years of fertility issues and opted out of birth control figuring she wouldn't get pregnant and bam!! If you're open to more kids great but she was hoping for just the two and was quote shocked to be pregnant again.

amberrmariee20 · June 2015

We aren't sure what we are doing for birth control after baby. We are stuck between two options. We know we want a third child and possibly one after that... So we are unsure if we will use condoms for a year then have another baby right away, or shoot for a longer term birth control and wait 4-5 years.. We are both still deciding what's best, and we probably won't know until after baby is here.. But I've tried many types of birth controls, my first pill I can't recall the name but it was too weak and I was bleeding everyday, then I switch to Apri (another pill) and my blood pressure shot way up. Then we changed to the patch and still blood pressure shot way up. Then when I was 17 I got the depo provera shot, good for 3 months, took the shot twice.. It caused my ovaries to swell, I had regular ultrasounds, and then received news that I wouldn't be able to conceive and if I "was" able then it wouldn't be easy, so I stopped the shots in June 2010, and took the Nuvaring to regulate my periods ... In Feburary 2011 I got a BFP. I had my son 4 days before my 19th birthday, then in January 2012 I decided to have the mirena inserted... While on mirena I had no problems for the first year to year and a half, although sex became painful and I would often bleed because it made my cervix so sensitive. In June 2014 I had the mirena removed because it was causing my ovaries to swell again... In August we started TTC and finally on Feburary 9, 2015 we got a BFP !!!!!! So I'm so so sooooo iffy on birth control, my body doesn't like the hormones

!

I was always on birth control when I was younger because my periods were so irregular, I would bleed for 28-32 days then miss a month then bleed for another 28-32 days. It was insane.

Cupcakesandquilts · June 2015

Some pp are planning on the withdrawal or "pull out" method. This is exactly how I got pregnant this time! Definitely caution that a real method of bc is better! I'm seriously considering the IUD and possibly my husband getting snipped, just to be on the safe side.

LiveNLove44 · June 2015

I just had this conversation with some friends today. We are all in the family building process, so we're in the thick of making these decisions. I was on a pretty standard birth control pill for several years in high school, and then I switched to the Nuva Ring. I loved the NR until my body started responding poorly to it. I ended up with super high anxiety and really low, depressive moods for the days leading up to my period while I was on it. After going to several doctors and then a specialist, it was determined that the way my body once responded to it had changed, and NR was no longer a good choice for me. DH and I agreed and I went off birth control completely (anything I could take or that had hormones in it).

Between DD and this pregnancy, we had about a year and a half where I did not take birth control. As we talk about a possible third child, I know I don't want to go on anything between now and that pregnancy either. In terms of the long-term plan, I'd prefer to not use any hormone-related birth control methods. I will definitely do my research when the time comes, but I felt really uncomfortable with how long it took my body to regulate after I went off BC. I know plenty of women for whom this is not the case, but for me it seems that many forms of BC don't jive with my chemistry.

jefinley1 · June 2015

This has been very informative, as I am also trying to decide what exactly we will do after. I hated the pill. I had so many weird side effects as a result of the hormones. Completely messed up my system and made sex way less fun. Unacceptable in my book. We decided that once we started, we were just doing one after the other with a plan of two years in between, (of course best laid plans and all that...) as I have no desire to be in some stage of pregnant for a decade and as of now, and we'd like three. After, my husband will probably have gotten over his qualms about a visit to the doctor as I'm pretty sure his hairline will be a little farther back...

IUD wouldn't be a good option because they're better for longer term solutions. Based on that, we will probably just use condoms and seek the advice of our midwife on non-hormone alternatives that are relatively reliable. I know that generally it isn't recommended to get pregnant sooner than two years after your last pregnancy as your body is replenishing nutrients and reserves, so I want to be careful, but if we do get pregnant sooner than the ideal timeline, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

@Cupcakesandquilts this made me laugh, and yes! I have never understood using this method! There's still a decent chance of getting pregnant, and I can only imagine the general requirements would be kind of a bummer on the whole mood. If I'm going to take a chance with getting pregnant before I'm necessarily ready, it better be because of sex that was worth it!

aah1013 · June 2015

jenn2132 said:

aah1013 said:
We've undergone more fertility treatments than I'd ever have anticipated. I dont plan on using any birth control and will consider any surprise pregnancy a complete blessing. Honestly, I really don't think it will happen naturally after all these years (of course I secretly hope I'm wrong!).
Pregnancy has a way of resolving fertility issues. A close friend of mine got pregnant via IVF with twins after 6 years of fertility issues and opted out of birth control figuring she wouldn't get pregnant and bam!! If you're open to more kids great but she was hoping for just the two and was quote shocked to be pregnant again.

Would be nice, but it's male factor, so it wasn't on my end. Also, it was actually much harder the second time around to get pregnant on IVF. Here's hoping we're one of the lucky ones that get pregnant after. I've always wanted a brood of children!

eat111315 · June 2015

I did mirena in between #1 & #2. It worked well for me (no real side effects and no periods).

In retrospect, a different form of birth control would have been better since it was in for less than a year. My insurance wasn't stellar between putting it in and taking it out, it was pricey for such a short time.

kaza512 · June 2015

jenn2132 said:

We've undergone more fertility treatments than I'd ever have anticipated. I dont plan on using any birth control and will consider any surprise pregnancy a complete blessing. Honestly, I really don't think it will happen naturally after all these years (of course I secretly hope I'm wrong!).
Pregnancy has a way of resolving fertility issues. A close friend of mine got pregnant via IVF with twins after 6 years of fertility issues and opted out of birth control figuring she wouldn't get pregnant and bam!! If you're open to more kids great but she was hoping for just the two and was quote shocked to be pregnant again.

You are right about that! I have had women in our office who couldn't get pregnant for 10 years, and then come back to their post partum appt. pregnant again. Pregnancy sometimes "clears the system". That being said, while another surprise pregnancy isn't a bad thing, you still want the best and healthiest pregnancy and birth spacing is a part of that process. I understand not wanting to introduce hormones, but I would suggest considering condom usage for the first year. And for breastfeeding mothers, you ovulate before you get your first normal period, so pregnancy can happen without you even knowing!! Waiting for your period to come back may be too late

cgummie · June 2015

Since we are looking to have another in maybe 2-3 years, we are looking at Nuvaring or a short term IUD. I was on the pill for nearly 8 years and had a hard time finding one that worked with my body. I have always had very irregular cycles and skipped months at a time. I haven't thought to ask my OB yet, but it'll be necessary since I don't feel like Irish twins are a good choice... My grandma even says that was too tough for her- my uncles are only 11 months apart. :-O

kaza512 · June 2015

And just an FYI, IUDs and Nexplanon can be as long or as short of term as you want them to be. Just because they last 5-10 years does not mean that you have to keep them in that long. You just don't have to think about BC in between your pregnancies! Your body also generally quickly goes back to its normal baby making cycle immediately after they are removed.

jefinley1 · June 2015

@kaza512 I think that's so good to keep in mind. I have other concerns about IUD's, which would be my best option outside of condoms to avoid hormones, and I simply don't want to hassle with whether or not something like that would work for me and my husband when I'm only looking at 12-16 months between baby arrival and TTC the next. I will be very happy when it's time for his trip to the doctor and we don't have to worry about it.

JaqiDec04 · June 2015

This is our second, and we're done.

DH really wants me to get my tubes tied during my c-section. I'm nervous. Not because of the permanence of it, but because of the possible side effects.

My other options would probably be an IUD. I really need hormone free. BC pills killed my sex drive and made me miserable. Plus I get migraines from hormone fluctuations.

sweet+cheeks · June 2015

To each their own. Withdrawal method works wonderfully for us. We are totally fine with a whoops baby though. For my husbands sake I'm planning on trying an IUD after this LO.

sugarplum513 · June 2015

I loved the nuvaring, I was on it for several years before and went back on it after my daughter was born. I have heard great things about mirena, but I do not have any person experience.

jenn2132 · June 2015

aah1013 said:

jenn2132 said:

aah1013 said:
We've undergone more fertility treatments than I'd ever have anticipated. I dont plan on using any birth control and will consider any surprise pregnancy a complete blessing. Honestly, I really don't think it will happen naturally after all these years (of course I secretly hope I'm wrong!).
Pregnancy has a way of resolving fertility issues. A close friend of mine got pregnant via IVF with twins after 6 years of fertility issues and opted out of birth control figuring she wouldn't get pregnant and bam!! If you're open to more kids great but she was hoping for just the two and was quote shocked to be pregnant again.
Would be nice, but it's male factor, so it wasn't on my end. Also, it was actually much harder the second time around to get pregnant on IVF. Here's hoping we're one of the lucky ones that get pregnant after. I've always wanted a brood of children!

Oh yea I'm sorry I didn't think of the fertility issues being on the other end.

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