Post Pregnancy Birth Control?

Pinguinageddon · October 2015

I know it's a bit early to be thinking about this (is it? I feel like it is) but I was on the phone with my insurance to find out info about the labor costs and bc was brought up.
Now, I've never in my life taken contraceptives, so my question to you ladies is, what have you used? What were some side affects you experienced? Was the success rate good? Has anyone here gone on birth control right after baby before? We talked about a couple of shot options you can get in hospital, and a couple of things you can get put in after six weeks... All I know is, I'm physically incapable of taking pills. But I'd love to hear info on those as well!

kimey1 · October 2015

@Pinguinageddon Yes - I had Implanon inserted in my underarm. I had it for a year and it worked best for me as a hormonal birth control. The side effects were headaches daily or every other day, but they were very minor and brief. I imagine that was when the hormone was released in my bloodstream. But that worked the best for me. The side effects are the same as any other hormonal birth control - headaches, spotting, nausea, weightgain etc. But I only experienced spotting the first month or so.

It's a quick less than an inch-wide cut and insertion that takes only 2minutes. It was prob a 5 minute procedure when they took it out, also just as painless as the first time. It left a circular mark that's about 1/6 of an inch wide but you'd never know unless I pointed it out.

With regular oral birth control I often gained a lot of weight and got very emotional (4lbs a month! I quit after 2 months), and keeping track of whether I took it or not was annoying.

I also tried the Nuvaring for a few days but took it out because it was so uncomfortable and painful. It also caused severe nausea and headaches for me so I took it out.

I tried getting an IUD and insertion itself was so painful (excruxiating) that I stopped the doctor from trying to push it in. I changed my OBGYN after that as well. It's so weird. The friends I know that have IUDs got it done in 2minutes and were perfectly fine, no pain.

It's so weird though. Everyone has sth that works for them and you never know until you try it. I'm considering going back to Implanon or just regular condoms after birth. I'm a FTM!

Ready4theParty · October 2015

We went the condom route after Dd was born. I don't do well with hormonal birth control. A few months later it turned into charting to avoid, which work well until this July. You have to be religious about temping and really paying attention to your body and cycle. This is our last baby so if my hospital will do the tubal ligation after delivery we are going to go that route. If I have to wait six weeks like I have heard some places make you, I will probably have DH get the procedure.
It wasnt until week 5 that I started even considering sex so I don't think waiting until week 6 would be a terrible idea if you want to go that route.

minorfall27 · October 2015

I had an IUD put in (Paragard, non-hormonal) after my first daughter, and other than heavier periods, I LOVED it. I only had it in for 3-4 months, since we decided to start trying a little earlier. And I think by the 3rd period, it was starting to get a bit lighter. But those first two were...uhhh...messy. But, honestly, LOVED it. Basically painless insertion for me, nothing ibuprofen didn't fix. Will have it placed again after Kid #2. I jokingly asked the NP who took it out if she could just put it on hold. I'll be back for it.

AEG84 · October 2015

I've been on various forms of the pill, which I used for 10+ years. I also tried the depo provera shot for about a year (was ok, but inconvenient to have to get to the dr every 3 months for the shots), and the patch for a few months in college (hated that, it left such gross sticky residue). Like @Ready4TheParty, I also charted for a few months before trying with the intent of preventing. That was difficult, and condoms did NOT work well for us. I also can't imagine trying to temp with a baby waking me up at all hours, so I don't plan on doing that post-baby. Most likely will try a non-hormonal IUD, as I would prefer not to be back on hormonal BC. We plan on DH getting snipped, but I don't want to commit to that right away until I know for sure that I'm ok with just the one.

wildtot · October 2015

I was on BC for about 8 years and mainly due to treat my endometriosis. I was on the pill, changed a few times but didnt really get any of those nasty side effects. The last year my body wasnt responding well to it so thats why we decided to stop it and try to get pregnant to avoid my endo from growing too much. I will have to go back on it after the baby is born but maybe not right away. I don't think breastfeeding is good while it...is that right? I want to breastfeed for as long as i can if possible.

AmadorRose · October 2015

I also used Paragard. I had it removed in May after nearly 6 years and got pregnant immediately but it ended in early mc. I then realized I was pg again when I was doing the math to start new BC. I'm terrible at taking pills so I know that's not an option for me, and I'd rather not mess with my hormones if I don't need to. I took a stab at charting but my sleep cycles are wacky even without kids, so I'll probably need BC if I want to actually finish my master's degree after LO is born. I'll get the Paragard again without hesitation.

AGK2015 · October 2015

I'm also an IUD aficionado, though I elected the Mirena. Shorter term than Paraguard (only 5 years instead of 10) and it does have a low dose of hormones (52 mg total over 5 years, vs 0.75 mg per day on a levonorgestrel pill). However, I didn't have a period (or the associated cramps and crazy that usually come with a period) for the entire three years I had it, and I LOVED not having to panic about whether I took a pill on time. Insertion did hurt, but only for a second, and I cramped the next day or two, but that was IT as far as negative side effects go. As soon as we're done reproducing permanently, I'll be getting another one, and I'll be replacing it as needed until menopause. The period reduction alone made it worth it.

Pinguinageddon · October 2015

I know we're definitely not done with just one, but we would like to hold off for a couple of years. Condoms aren't really a thing for us (I *think* the hubby's allergic? It's been a long time since we discussed it, I can't quite remember why we don't), and I've always been awful at tracking, even when we were ttc.
Has anyone heard of Implanon or Nexplanon? They both go in your arm and I just can't imagine something that high up doing anything at all

but like I said, I know nothing about BC!

mrstrax · October 2015

We did condoms between babies. I was on the pill before DD and will probably do the mini pill after this baby until we're done BFing (you can't take estrogen while you BF because it tanks your supply) and then switch to the regular pill again. We'll see if we are going to have a third or just foster after this kiddo. If we do I'll probably switch to an IUD, but I haven't researched them much.

AmadorRose · October 2015

@kimey1 I know some physicians won't hear of an IUD unless the person getting it has had at least one child, I think because they're easier to insert. When I had mine, they had to jab my cervix a few times because no one bothered to mention that you're supposed to be menstruating to get it.
@Pinguinageddon I've sat in when the PA I work with has inserted implanons. Fairly easy and painless from what I've seen, even for our more dramatic patients. The insertion site is numbed and that's usually the most painful part. They're also very easy to check since they're pretty shallow in the arm.

kimey1 · October 2015

@AmadorRose Well, that's horrible on their part. I was informed that it's best to come around the 3rd day of my period which would be after the heaviest flow. Can't believe they didn't tell you that and jabbed you! :S

AmadorRose · October 2015

@kimey1 oh they told me...after I was undressed and the speculum was in.

caitlynn29 · October 2015

I have tried several different options including the pill(Yasmin and Yaz) before they were taken off of the market as well as the Seasonique which I was not a fan of as it messed with my hormones quite a bit. After that I was on the NuvaRing which was a terrific option for me and I stuck with this for around 4 years before I decided to nix BC for a while and start trying for our first. After a year with no luck I decided to put babies on hold and focus on work and my career so I had the Implanon put it. As far as convenient, it was amazing and the pain was almost non existent for insertion but it isn't all sunshine and rainbows for everyone. After 6 months of non stop bleeding I was begging my OB to take it out and I kept hearing," just give it a little more time and your body will get used to it". Well my body did not!! After about loosing my mind and cutting it out myself, I finally went to Planned Parenthood and had them take it out for me as my OB wouldn't do it. Not saying there aren't people who didn't enjoy the implant because I had read great things about it before having it put in, but it's definitely not something I would ever do again. I will be back on NuvaRing after Breast Feeding if we decide to wait before baby number 2.

littleredx2 · October 2015

I've always taken a low dose BC pill, typically ortho tri cyclen low. It has worked perfectly, even with the occasional forgotten pill. I always take the mini pill right after birth until I'm done breastfeeding/pumping. The only side effects I ever had was mood swings which I didn't really notice but DH did and hated. So since our family is complete after this baby, I'm going on nothing and DH is getting a vasectomy.

klingonboxer · October 2015

I had the Mirena IUD from age 19 to 24 and it was the BEST. No periods, no cramps, nothing. Insertion wasn't super comfortable but I was 19 and have a tilted uterus (and this is my first pregnancy so it was a tight fit!). But I would 100% recommend it! Got it at planned parenthood and it was 100% covered by my insurance.

jasmineahenderson · October 2015

You'll be celibate the first six weeks after baby is born. They say no sexual intercourse for six weeks so your body can heal.

eastdurian · October 2015

I never plan on taking BC again. Haven't since like a year or more before getting pregnant with DD. I told DH he can get snipped if he's done after this one, he says he's done but he's not ready to do anything permanent.

I told him... well, then it's your fault if we have a 3rd.

pinottoparenthood · October 2015

If you are nursing, you can't take most birth control pills... only the mini pill, which can be less effective if you don't take it at the EXACT same time every day.

I got an IUD at 8 weeks post partum and loved it. No periods, no side effects, no pregnancy.... easily got it removed a couple years later and conceived within a few months.

loveymay · October 2015

I had the Paragard IUD for 5 years before getting pregnant. It was the best thing ever! I don't tolerate synthetic hormones (or a buttload of regular pregnancy hormones either for that matter, haha) and it was so nice not having to think about birth control. Now it took time for my body to adjust to it, I had terrible cramps while on my period, but once I got used to it, it was smooth sailing. My periods were lighter and only lasted about 3 days. If you go the IUD route, just be sure to give yourself enough time to get used to it. I spotted for a few months before my period would start, and the cramps in the beginning were pretty bad. I think 3-6 months before things started quieting down, and a full year for the lighter/shorter periods. I only say this because 2 of my friends and one of my cousins had IUDs after I got mine, and they all had them removed after only a few months. I imagine everyone is different though, and some ladies probably don't have any issues with it. But I absolutley LOVED mine!

And no, I don't think its too early to be thinking about it, Ive already been day dreaming about getting an IUD once this baby is born. Pregnancy has not been kind to me and I will be in no hurry to go through it again! Lol

Edited to add that I second PP about IUD insertion being painful. It was quick, but my Dr had to use this tool of death to straighten my cervix so it would be a straight shot to insert the thing. That is what hurt the most, literally made me gasp but it was only for maybe 15-30 seconds. I also had not had kids before that, so maybe that made it more painful because my cervix wasn't as open as someone who has given birth before. Anyway, 5 min of pain and a day or 2 of cramping afterwards was totally worth 5 years of awesome birth control!

sprocketsngadgets · October 2015

I'm going to get an IUD. I'm 100% sure that two kids is it for us, but DH backed out of sgetting snipped because he'll hurt after. I wanted to punch him. Anyway, I did BC pills a while ago and didn't love them, didn't hate them. I just don't want to have to take something every single day for the foreseeable future.

Ready4theParty · October 2015

jasmineahenderson said:
You'll be celibate the first six weeks after baby is born. They say no sexual intercourse for six weeks so your body can heal.

I wonder how many people adhere to those rules. DD and I had sex after 5 weeks. It was painful for me and he said you could tell things changed. My Dr was surprised we waited that long.

I also have friends who got pregnant a month or two after giving birth.

mrstrax · October 2015

Ready4theParty said:

jasmineahenderson said:
You'll be celibate the first six weeks after baby is born. They say no sexual intercourse for six weeks so your body can heal.
I wonder how many people adhere to those rules. DD and I had sex after 5 weeks. It was painful for me and he said you could tell things changed. My Dr was surprised we waited that long.

I also have friends who got pregnant a month or two after giving birth.

We waited the 6 weeks and it was really painful for the next 2-3 months after that, so I honestly could have gone 6 months (ok maybe 3-4, but seriously). DD and I fought to breast feed for 5 months and it was horrible the whole time. By the time she was asleep I didn't want anyone close to touching me.

Cynthia1207 · October 2015

As I was breastfeeding, I was on the mini-pill. Once I stopped, I went back to my regular pill. I've never had any problems taking them so we never looked at any other BC methods.

H is looking at getting a vasectomy after this baby because we are most likely done.

brittonlin · October 2015

So how quickly can you get pregnant after baby? I know the obvious, your period has to start back, but in reality what does that mean? 6 weeks, 6 months, what's the "norm" (if there is one) if you aren't preventing?

jasmineahenderson · October 2015

You period does not have to start back up. I never had a period after I had DS and so when I got pregnant this time I had no idea when my due date was and had to wait for an ultrasound for them to tell me my due date. As far as how long it can be until you get pregnant again that really depends on the person. My siblings are 13 months apart. My DH's cousins are 10 months apart ( their parents obviously didn't wait the six weeks before having sex). I got pregnant five months after last pregnancy, and I was not trying to prevent it. It just really depends on you and your body.

dayj11 · October 2015

I went on the pill after all my kids and had no issues. I did do mirena between my first two who are nine years apart. I had the mirena for the full 5 years and had a great experience. With this pregnancy (#4) the husband is getting snipped

mojomama6 · October 2015

How soon one can get pregnant again after birth depends on so many factors that it's hard to say what the "norm" is. If you're formula feeding, you can get pregnant again immediately. If you're switching between breast and bottle, regardless of what's in that bottle, it's much harder to say- maybe you'll get some infertility, maybe you won't. If you're fully, ecologically breastfeeding, it's unlikely that you'll be able to get pregnant before six months (more than 98% effective as birth control, although there are rules to be followed).
I've used the lactational amenorrhea method after four of my five kids, and it's worked well. I usually don't see a period until after their first birthday, which is nice. However, dh will definitely need to get something done after that first six months, because I am too old for this shit, and I had a stroke in my early 20s, related to a decade of hormone use, which means never again will I take hormones. It's a rarely discussed but very real risk of hormonal birth control. He doesn't want a traditional vasectomy, for a few reasons, but there's an injectable that's in trials in the US now, after a decade of successful use in India, that he's very interested in.

kaitlyn592 · October 2015

The only BC that I have experience with is the Depo Provera shot. It was nice to only have it once every 3 months and it got rid of my period completely, but I gained a lot of weight while on it. I wouldn't recommend it for that reason alone.

I was considering the implant before I got pregnant, but was hesitant because a lot of women complained about bleeding between periods, which I do not want AT ALL; I was looking for something to lessen my periods, not nake them worse and unpreditcable. I was just really liking it because you stick it in for years and never have to worry about it.

Now that I'm having a baby, I'm thinking of getting one of the short-term IUDs afterwards, mainly after reading so many positive stories about it. I was always afraid of having something foreign like that in my body so I never looked into it until recently. However, I'm fairly certain I'll pick it now that I've researched it more. It has everything I'm looking for: no maintenence or keeping up with daily pills, possibility of reduced or even eliminated periods, I'm able to take it while breast feeding, and it can be done before we're even cleared to have sex again after birth and it's effective immediately. Most of the IUDs can last many years, I'm just going to choose the short-term (3 year) IUD because I want to have more children after a little while.

kimey1 · October 2015

Wow.

brittonlin said:
So how quickly can you get pregnant after baby? I know the obvious, your period has to start back, but in reality what does that mean? 6 weeks, 6 months, what's the "norm" (if there is one) if you aren't preventing?

My friend got pregnant a few months after giving birth. Her kids are almost 14months apart. She told me women are very fertile right after birth.

mumidi · October 2015

I'm having a Repeat CS so I'm strongly considering having a tubal right after my CS. I plan to discuss with my Dr. when we talk about repeat CS at 28 weeks. The only way I would not have a repeat CS is if I went into labor before my scheduled CS and was progressing then I will try for a VBAC and DH will get a vasectomy. Either way we're done after this one and I have no desire to go back on hormonal birth control.

amaniupendo · October 2015

I used the minipill while nursing. then when we weren't preventing, PCOS did a good job at BC.

This time we are going the vasectomy route.

AnnikaD20 · October 2015

Minipill plus nursing worked great for me. I've always been fine on hormonal BC though. There are pros and cons to all the options, so figure out what matters to you. Cost, permanance/ ease of phasing out when you want to try for the next kid, daily hassle, reliability, how well it agrees with your system, etc.

Jules08 · October 2015

After my first I went on the mini pill post-partum; however, the pill and the mini pill both caused high blood pressure, so as soon as all the insurance changes went into effect, I got the Mirena IUD - BEST.DECISION.EVER. I will be going back on that as soon as I can after this baby.

FYI - when I got the Mirena out to TTC, my periods were irregular, but I was able to figure out where I was in my cycle (or close enough) that we conceived on the 3rd cycle.

For the first time around, when I stopped the Pill, we conceived on the 4th cycle.

Cwyatt2571 · May 2016

I am so glad I searched and found this! Tomorrow I was going to get my implanon inserted. Not knowing that estrogen would ruin my milk supply! Mini pill it is!

dayj11 · May 2016

@brittonlin it can be anytime you are extra fertile after having a baby. My dear friend went in for her 6 week check up and was pregnant. Her kids are 11 months apart.
I will be going to my follow up check today. Husband got snipped in February but failed 2 tests since then so his boys are still there. They want him to do a third sample test in one month. If the swimmers are there we are looking at a repeat procedure

so looks like I'll be asking about birth control today. So bummed I did not want to do this and our efforts on timing his surgery failed

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