Why are there no decent birth control options for breastfeeding mothers?

Question

I've been researching this topic for what seems (and probablely has been) years. The pill is not effective (on me) and neither is the depo shot. Women who breastfeed cannot be on the patch or the "ring." I've been reading about this new Mirena IUC (not an IUD, this one is called an IUC). I don't want an IUD because the only thing the do is prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (this is no better than the day after pill!). The Mirena website is iffy on whether or not breastfeeding mothers can use it. I'm just wondering if anyone out there is breast feeding and has the Mirena IUC? Or if not, (please only answer if you are/have been on birth control while breast feeding) what kind of birth control method do/did you use? (And don't tell me you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding, I'm currently carrying a child concieved while I was breastfeeding) I intend to discuss this with my OB/GYN. But it's a bit early to bring it up and I'm just looking into possibilities right now.

Ok... but you can go wrong with condems. Just so we are very clear from this point: My first daughter was concieved while I was on the pill. My second when I was on depo. My third we were using condems.

Ok, thank you for the answers but I have already stated that the pill and depo do not work (also breastfeeding is not good birth control). I'm looking for OTHER options.

I think a few of you have gotten the wrong idea. I am NOT a teenager. I AM married. I HAVE a husband. ALL of my kids have the same father. It is nice to know that a lot of you just assume things. And no, I will not be getting fix, and neither will my husband. Just because we don't want more children now doesn't mean we don't later. Honestly, I just asked a simple question about Breastfeeding mothers and birth control, I didn't see how people could respond negatively to that but apparently where there's a will there a way! lol Anyway, I really just wanted to say thank you to those few of you who actually read my question, and then actually answered it with relevant information. Thanks :)

Answer 1

I am on Mirena and I have been successfully breastfeeding the whole time (my daughter is 8 mos.). I absolutely love it. You should talk with your OB/GYN now. They can give you a lot of stuff to look through so you can make an informed decision when the time comes. It has progesterone, so it isn't just like the morning after pill. According tot he website, this is how it works:
* Block sperm from reaching or fertilizing your egg
* Make the lining of your uterus thin (this may also result in benefits like less menstrual bleeding over time)
* Stop the release of your egg from your ovary (but this is not the way it works in most cases)

It is just a regular birth control (and more effective than sterilization) and it lasts 5 years. It also makes you have lighter periods. That can't be bad!

Answer 2

Well personally I think that birth control is pretty crappy pregnant or not.

All hormonal methods carry serious risks, and as you state do not work for some women.

Condoms, yeah cheap, effective and annoying.

Spermicide: has to be put in ahead of time, and many women are allergic (this is foam, jelly, films, and the sponge). These methods are like 75%ish effective, but like I said they need advanced planning which so isn't going to happen with a baby. The sponge is more effective than the others, only if you haven't had a baby then it sucks just as bad
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermicide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contraceptive_sponge

Cervical caps, Lea's Shield, diaphram: Are between 60-90% effective depending on the stat, also less effective if you have a child. Also require spermicide which many are allergic to. And must be put in ahead of time, which is NOT GONNA HAPPEN with a baby.

Personally I am using the same form of birth control as I was after I got off the pill and before we decided to get pregnant. Withdrawal, yeah sex isn't quite as satifying, but it is free, it is convenient and it WORKS. If you follow the rules it is 80-90% effective, some studies have shown that among married couples it is 96% effective:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coitus_interruptus
http://www.peelregion.ca/health/hsexual/htmfiles/bcwdrawl.htm
(this second link has the rules for using withdrawal)

Another option which I am looking into for next time (as I am planning to get pregnant relatively soon - maybe) is neem.... now I don't know if it works but I am certainly willing to find out.
http://www.sisterzeus.com/neem.html

Now combine withdrawal with LAM or Natural Family Planning and you are probably almost 100% safe. I don't bother but I want more kids.

Here is some information on hormonal birth control while breastfeeding:
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/birthcontrol.html

and more about LAM and other methods
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactational_Amenorrhea_Method

Natural Family Planning:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fertility_awareness

Remember that any method of birth control is only effective if you follow the rules, and there are rules to LAM and Withdrawal, as there are with anything else. Though there are a few more rules for these methods.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, outside of absitinance and condoms, you don't really have much in the way of options.

While I have heard of women getting pregnant while on the pill (frequently), I have rarely heard about women getting pregnant while on the Depo-Provera shot. Was your doctor able to tell you why it wasn't effective? Was it due to antibiotics or other medications you are taking, or do you have a natural hormone imbalance that keeps the Depo-Provera from preventing ovulation? Most women are unable to conceive for a full year after a shot, not just the 3 months it protects againt.

As you noted, breastfeeding is an old wive's tale for preventing ovulation. Most women who depend on it find themselves pregnant.

I will say this: soliciting advice on the internet from people with no medical degrees and specifically a specialty of OB/GYN will get you all sorts of comments that will lead to one likely conclusion. You pregnant yet again.

You have a moral objection to the IUD, which is your choice, and more power to you on that. That choice, however, may leave you with very few options, which include condoms, alternative sexual activities that don't involve vaginal intercourse, vaginal intercourse while menstrating, or abstinance. Or, you can simply stop breastfeeding. But most of these are YOUR choice.

Abstinance should be a viable option if you have a strong moral opinion about IUDs. Your (assuming) husband should survive for a while until you can see the OB/GYN.

Answer 4

wow, birth control just isn't on your side.

I'm on alesse and it's great, but I was on ortho tri cyclen and it gave me horrible side effects about a few years on it.

I don't have any children though so alesse seems to be working for me.

So you're having your 4th child right now? That's crazy! In a good way! I want 3 and if it wasn't so expensive I'd want more.

Have you looked into the patch? I know there's all the warnings about it but my friend has been on it for years and she's completely fine. There's also some new thing out that you put in your uterus. I saw the commercial for it the other day.

Answer 5

i used the depo shot while I was brfeastfeeding. Most of the concerns is that the ingredient in birth contol can reduce the mother's milk. I was fortunate that I did not have that problem, but some can. Check out all the options like you are doing. I am no longer breastfeeding, but I am still on the Depo shot and I love it. NO periods for me. Good luck

Answer 6

Well, then I guess I can ask how straight people celebrate Mother's Day yet at the same time have abortions. Fair enough I say.

Answer 7

I know this may seem blunt or harsh, but have you considered getting your tubes tied or your partner snipped? If you are done having children after this one, then it should be an option. Of course you should consult your ob to see if there are any other new methods that may work for you. I was on Alesse when I was nursing my son for nearly two years and had no problems.

Answer 8

Because there is NO form of birth control that doesnt interfere with the chemical balance in your body. it has to interfere, or it wouldnt be effective to keep you unable to conceive. I'd say settle for spermicide and cross your fingers- but it isnt too effective. Maybe scientists will get there sooner or later. Either put the kid on man made formula so you can use whatever you want to, or just suck it up.

Answer 9

i had the mirena IUD when i breastfed. ( i breastfed successfully for 14 months) and it has a low dose of progesterone. my periods were very light and short. i love it!! . and your wrong ....about the iud. there are no fertilized eggs. it blocks your tubes .

Answer 10

Well, you've already covered all the bases, haven't you? There aren't any decent options. You'll have to use condoms (sure you may have conceived a child while using them, but what are the odds that you will again?). That's what we used, and it worked just fine. I had my tubes tied after our 3rd.