Best contraception after baby... ???

Hi...ok, so TMi....BUT.....

What do you guys think is the best contraception to use after having baby?

Clodagh is 9 weeks old now (how did that happen?? ) and DF and I are *finally* thinking about having sex again lol

But as I would rather rip my head off and eat it than get pg again so we need to use contraception...however as we were using NFP before this and I haven't yet had a period, I'm not so sure how to go about using this method.

I'm not overly keen to take the pill as I'm fully BF.....but then having said that I don't know much about what's available these days so any feedback would be welcome. Also any ideas about any other form of contraception apart from condoms (which we'll use unless somethng better turns up).

TIA!

Edited by Emmecat

I had an IUD and I loved it, I am going to get one again once Cameron is born. Hassle free.

Before Blake I had an implant in my arm, forget what it's called but I think it's progesterone only so does that make it safe while bfing? Not sure but I loved it, just get it put in then forget about it and it lasts 4 or 5 years and I had zero side effects. Don't think it's subsidised though and from memory it cost around $400 but for me it was so worth the money.

Apparently the mini pill is ok while breastfeeding? Only problem is you have to take it at the same time everyday. Could be difficult with "baby brain".

By the way totally LMAO at your rip head off and eat it comment! I feel exactly the same way!!

Hey Karen, I'm going to get an IUD (when I get brave enough to ring my doctor and ask if they do that lol), because I second the rip your head off and eat it rather than get pregnant comment. And as for whether it hurts or not... Not as much as giving birth, I'm sure!!!!!!!
We were originally planning on just using condoms, but turns out that we're not very good at remembering to use them so need to do something urgently!!!

If you are thinking of getting an IUD I would advise that you do as much research on them as possible to ensure they are the correct thing for you.

I had a Mirena before we started TTCing but had numerous problems with it.
I kept on getting ovarian cysts which required surgery to remove (apparently 10% of Mirena users develop cysts), painful intercourse, headaches, nausea, mood swings & just felt awful.
It took the Dr's 2 years to find out what the problem was & I had CT scans, ultrasounds, blood tests etc until I was finally referred to a specialist who told me that the Mirena can cause all those problems & he advised me to have it removed.
On top of all that in order to remove it I had to have a D & C as the strings had slipped up into my uterus.

Once it was taken out I have not looked back & have had no more problems & I swear I will never get one again.

In saying that though, I have also heard of some people having wonderful experiences with them, so it just goes to show that everyone is different.

But please make sure you are aware of all the side effects before committing to any form of contraception, especially something as invasive as an IUD, which in my experience was not pleasant to have inserted either.

sorry dont know much about these but whats the difference between a mirena and a standard one?

The standard one is free for a start and the mirena costs about $300.
The standard one is just a copper one and the mirena has slow release hormones as well, so is suppose to be more reliable as you have both things working for you and I think is recommended for women who have heavy/painful periods. But if the pill doesn't agree with you then the mirena probably wouldn't either. I found when I came off the pill I get virtually no headaches or migraines so I dont' want to ever go the hormone route again. The standard one is 99% effective, so far better than the pill or condoms anyway.

Plus I found out how they get the hormones for the ones with oestrogen (the combi pills and also in the mirena) and morally I wouldn't want to use them either.

Angel I have heard the Mirena is fine to use when BFing.

But like I said earlier just research all your options & then make an informed decision from there

I have a mirena and loved it, got it when Caprece was 12 weeks and it didn't interfere with bfing. I thought getting it in was fine, a wee bit crampy but nothing that bad. Others have said it was terribly painful but none of them have kids lol

I love mine and didn't have a period for a good year. however now they are getting closer and closer and longer and longer so I am going to have a wee check up soon. I love mine though and so don't want it removed, its so nice having something you don't have to think about.