some questions re the mini pill

[Emma27]

I gave birth three weeks ago and am now starting to think about the best type of contraception for when my hubby and I resume having sex.
I'm not sure of the best type of contraception but know I don't want to fall pregnant again any time soon. I'm thinking about the mini pill and will ask my ob about it at the six week check up. In the mean time I have some questions for anyone:
* How soon after birth can you start taking it? Do you have to wait for your period to return?
* Does it interfer with the taste of breast milk?
* How do/ did you find being on the mini pill?
Thanks

[Kitty33]

Hi Emma,
My doc told me with the mini pill you have to start taking it when the baby is 21 days old (21 days after birth) or you have to wait for your period.... thats what my doc said so just check with yours and see what they say.
I never had any problems with it interfearing with my BM... Jacob didnt seem to change his patterns when I started taking it.
I found it fine... the only thing that I didnt much like was that once my period started again there is no break in the mini pill so you dont get your period 'regularly' could you say....... BUT!!! BEWARE!!!! I stopped BF and was about to go OFF the mini pill so I could get back on the normal pill.................... and fel pregnant again!!!!!!!!!!! So I was still on the mini pill but had just stopped feeding....... WHOOPS!! :P

So definatly dont miss one!!!

Good luck with it and I hope all is well for you and DH and your precious new edition
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

[MantaRay]

Emma, my ob recommended not starting before 6 weeks post partum. You don't have to wait for a period (which is just as well because it can be over a year before AF returns when bfing). I tried it twice, once after each baby, but it caused me to bleed all the time so I have now had a Mirena fitted. Neither boy seemed to notice any difference with my milk, although I have heard it can happen.

Personally I am way happier with the Mirena. It is a lower dose of hormones than the mini pill, but is localised and no risk of forgetting a pill, so probably safer. And it is safe while bfing. It can be removed at any time and have your fertility return if you want another child.

[Emma27]

Wow..21 days after birth..I better make my mind up ! Thanks for the reply

[Visitor7]

I too was told not to start before 6 weeks. I had severe bleeding while I was on it. I ended up going off it after a week as the bleeding didn't reduce and I felt awful while on it.

[Kitty33]

Wow, sorry to hear you guys had bad experiences with it .... isnt that frustrating but.... so many different recommendations!!! Definalty check with your doc in that case!!!
I had no bleeding at all.... I found that my period didnt want to come if anything..

Good luck with it :-)

[Emma27]

Thanks girls. What exactly is mirena and what is the procedure for getting it?

[MantaRay]

Emma, it is an IUD that releases a low dose of progesterone (the same hormone in the mini pill) but bcos it is delivered locally into the uterus, the dosage is much lower than the mini pill. Also it lasts for 5 years, but can be removed at any time and fertility returns straight away. It has to be fitted by a gynae - my ob did mine. I would ask your ob at your 6 week visit. They won't do it on the spot, but they can discuss it with you (the pros and cons and whether it is suitable in your situation) and give you the script if you want to go ahead. Then you pick it up from the chemist and make an appointment to go back and have it fitted. Obviously you have to pay for the gynae visit to have it fitted, but the cost of the Mirena is the same as 3 months worth of mini pill.

[Emma27]

Just thought of another question- is it possible to feel mirena after it has been inserted?

[MantaRay]

Depends what you mean. I can't tell it's there if that's what you mean. It is in the uterus, and there are strings (so it can be removed) that are at the cervix. You can feel these with your fingers if you put your fingers up there. I have heard of someone who's partner could feel the strings during sex, but my ob said it's to do with the length they are cut when fitted - ironically longer is better as they loop, rather than having sharp edges IYKWIM? My partner can't feel them at all.

You should ask your ob to run through the pros and cons for you so you can make sure it is the right thing for you.