A pharmacist told my husband that because I was nursing my 11-month-old only twice a day, the minipill would not be effective and I could easily become pregnant. Is this true? I was hoping to keep nursing twice a day (at naptime and bedtime) for a few more months, but if the minipill isn't effective this way, maybe I should use something else?
2007-02-27 09:35:11 · 6 answers · asked by noodles 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
My doctor told me the same thing when she prescribed the mini-pill.
Call your doctor, and ask about switching your prescription. Make sure you let them know that you want to be able to continue nursing twice a day. There may be something that is OK to take in that situation. Otherwise, use a backup method of protection.
2007-02-27 09:39:52 · answer #1 · answered by baby_savvy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pharmacist was correct and your doctor should have told you the same thing. Unfortunately my sister's doctor overlooked warning her as well and and she ovulated the first month that she started supplementing with solids. She became pregnant the first time she ovulated. Because she never had a period she did not realize she was pregnant until she was almost 6 months along.
The mini pill only works at full effectiveness when nursing exclusively. The first time you miss a nursing, it could make the pill less effective. You definately should not be relying on it now as you are not nursing nearly enough to make the mini pill work. (so it wouldn't hurt you to take a pg test too, just in case)
Keep in mind that just because people claim to use the mini pill for years or whatever and not get pregnant, does not mean that it works, it just means that they have been lucky. The mini pill was designed to be used for exclusively breastfeeding mothers, and if you are not exclusively breastfeeding, you are taking your chances.
I would talk to your ob/gyn about other birth control options.
2007-02-27 17:49:11 · answer #2 · answered by Ti 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess it is different for each person. I used the minipill even after I was done nursing and never had a complication or pregnancy. But I was diligent about taking it when I was supposed to. I even had regular periods and did not use an additional form of bc. I was not exclusively nursing when my doctor prescribed it either. If you are still concerned, ask your dr.
2007-02-27 17:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by Mom of 3 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The mini-pill is over 97% effective when taken correctly. The most likely problem for mini-pill users is that it must be taken at the same time every day (or within a 3 hour window) for it to remain effective, whereas one regular pill can be missed and not severely compromise its effectiveness. The regular pill is over 99% effective, but the estrogen may dry up your milk. I think you will have to decide how faithfully you take the mini-pill at the same time and weigh the slightly higher risk compared to the risk of not being able to continue breastfeeding.
2007-02-27 18:03:51 · answer #4 · answered by Mommy2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that is true...I stayed on the mini pill after i had finished nursing. i was told that it was a little less effevtive...soemthing like 97% or so. Ask your Dr for sure
2007-02-27 18:04:28 · answer #5 · answered by mommy_2_liam 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hi i have been on the mini pill for 1 year i have gotten pregnant twice from it, regading your question i dont know
2007-02-27 17:43:47 · answer #6 · answered by sandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋