BFing and contraception

[sunshine_sieben]

Hi, I was just wondering whether you can help me with contraception while BFing.
I do not want (can't afford) another child.
I plan to BF for some time to come (2+ years)
DH and I are not too keen on condoms
We are in an exclusive marriage so STD protection is not an issue (I hope)
I have no experience with diaphragms or cervical caps and don't quite trust them. They don't seem all that reliable and quite fiddly.
I do not trust myself with the mini-pill. I won't take it at the same time every day. I just know I'll forget and then have to take it in the evening instead of morning... I have experience with the pill and I know myself.
So, I guess my options are:
Implanon
IUD (copper)
Mirena
Depo-Provera

What do you think is the best option while BFing?

Thanks for your help!!!

Sasa
xx

[Butterfly Child]

im subscribing as i would love to know too xx

[~me~]

I have just had a Mirena put in two weeks ago.
So far I am loving it...it's great as it last's five years and I don't even know it's there and neither does my DH . There was no waiting period for it to work like with mini pills.
Search BB posts for Mirena as there are some people who have had bad experiences with them but mine is all good at the moment. It's good to get everyone's opinion.
Feel free to have a look at the babies born thread I am in for 1st-15th Nov 09 as I go into detail on how it all went with the OB when she put it in. It was also reasonably priced..the Mirena itself only $33 from the Chemist with a script and my OB charged my $160 to put it in with which I got a Medicare rebate of aroud $70?, more if you have hit the safety net.
I will be back at my OB in 4wks to have it checked and you have a yearly ultrasound to check it's still in place. She has explained to me that anytime I want to have it removed just ring her rooms and they will book me, it's an easy thing to do if you are not liking it or having problems.
My OB said while I was exclusively BF and not introduced solids so I have not had AF yet was the best time to have it put in. I am having spotting and this will probably continue for a couple of months on and off only requiring a very thin panty liner or tampon if I prefer (I was advised of this). It may stop my periods altogether eventually. My SIL has it and swears by it and says you need to persist with it for 3mths while your body is getting used to it.

Good luck with your decision

[MantaRay]

I went with the Mirena while bfing and it was a pretty good option for us.

[leckert]

I've had the implanon put in - lasts 3yrs took about 1/2 hour to have put in with a local due to the paperwork and stuff that had to be done. I did need to make 2 appointments to get it done - one to get a script for the implanon and the second to get it put in. Implanon cost about $30 and putting it in I think was around $100 with most going on medicare.

Not all GPs can put it in or remove it either - you need to check if your GP can (mine couldn't but there was someone in the same practice who could).

You can get the implanon removed at any time - just needs a local and someone trained in removal. You do need to check that it hasn't moved much every now and then - easy - just feel where it is in your arm (not very noticeable).

Check out the following forum for more info on all the options Your Period & Contraceptives - Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Forums ~ BellyBelly. There have been quite a few threads discussing the different options (not just options for those of us breastfeeding).