I'm pregnant 23 weeks with my first. I was thinking about the future and what do you do when you're breastfeeding and trying not to get pregnant again. I see questions or hear about a woman getting pregnant while breastfeeding. I wouldn't think taking birth control pills is an option, so what's left condoms and charting? I realize this is a pretty odd question, but after baby I'd like to get back into shape before having another baby. Thanks for your answers in advance.
2007-03-12 09:08:56 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Obviously you aren't going to become intimate for the first 6-8 weeks of delivery. Once you go to your doctors office for that first checkup they will put you back on the BC pill if that is what you were doing for birth control methods in the first place. They will ask you if you are breastfeeding or not to determine which pill to give you...ie..higher estrogen or lower estrogen. While breastfeeding it is still important to remember to take the pill every day. Don't let it slip your mind.
If you can't continue with a BC pill for medical purposes than of course, another option is condoms. Fun I know, but safe!
Our bodies are still so very fertile those first several months after delivery so it is imperative to use some form of protection if we are to keep another pregnancy at bay, if that's what you want. It is possible to get pregnant while nursing.....the old thought was because nursing can keep the monthly cycles away then maybe if we aren't having a period we won't get pregnant. Well the lack of a period is just because our uterus is constantly contracting because of the baby's sucking. Doesn't mean everything else in there isn't working still.
Hope I helped a little. We sure go through a lot but there's not one moment where you'll regret it.
2007-03-12 09:20:06 · answer #1 · answered by momto3 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Condoms and natural family planning are indeed options.
Progestin-only birth control is safe. These types include Norplant, Mini-pills, and Depo-Provera.
Additionally, if you are exclusively nursing on demand with no supplementing of any kind (food, water, formula), you are afforded about 98% effective protection against pregnancy (roughly the same as a birth control pill).
Diaphragms are also an option, but you need to be fitted AFTER you give birth.
2007-03-12 20:37:04 · answer #2 · answered by katheek77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding can be as effective as the pill for the first 6 months (without any supplements and feeding on demand)
You have a couple options other than that... IUD is an option... but its kinda risky, its something you'd want to talk to your dr about.
The mini-pill is another option, also talk with your doctor about it.
Every woman is different though, Im passed 14 months post pardom and I'm still not fertile (I'm also still nursing on demand... which is basically every couple of hours)
2007-03-12 16:38:08 · answer #3 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a weird question at all, most woman are questioning this and trying to figure this out after having a baby. Charting (AKA the rhythm method) is very ineffective (25% in woman with regular periods) especially after having a baby. If you plan to breastfeed I would recommend not using a hormonal form of birth control(pill, shot or ring) There are several other things for you to look into. Condoms-male14%, spermicide26%, cervical cap(with spermicide)30%, vaginal sponge 30%, diaphragm (with spermicide)20%. The % after these methods are the number of women per 100 women using that method that get pregnant in one year. These are quoted out of my Nuvaring prescription informational leaflet. Some of these methods can be combined to get even more protection. Condoms with spermicide, sponge with spermicide, rhythm method and any of the other methods. Using more then one method is recommended if you are against getting pregnant again too soon. Best of wishes for you and your baby.
2007-03-12 16:37:25 · answer #4 · answered by krissy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can get a mirena iud you can get some info on it at www.mirena-us.com, The only other option is charting and concoms really. I have a 4 month old and I only breastfed for 2 months and now I am on the pill, at first we just used condoms and tried to not have sex on my most fertile days.
2007-03-12 16:19:25 · answer #5 · answered by stephanie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, know your calender so you can know when you are fertile or not. You need atleast a year or two before you get pregnant again. So try condoms first because, beleive after you have a baby, your chances of conceiving are super high- so watch out. I suggest condoms, then later you can go back to the pill, probably after breastfeeding.
2007-03-12 16:13:37 · answer #6 · answered by Venus 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I had Mirena (the 5 yr IUD) put in. Some take the mini pill. They say you can get preg. while bfeeding, but that is a load of hooey. You can certainly get pregnant. Chances are slimmer, but still, don't want to take the chance.
2007-03-12 16:13:17 · answer #7 · answered by zinntwinnies 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
we did the condom thing. the pill isn't an option if you're nursing. it is possible to become pregnant while breastfeeding so be careful if you don't want another soon. this isn't an odd question at all. it's something we all think about. ask your doc about other options. best of luck with your soon to be baby.
2007-03-12 16:14:42 · answer #8 · answered by racer 51 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
There is a low dose birth control pill you can take while nursing. Ask your dr about it, or you can always get the dep shot.
2007-03-12 16:12:15 · answer #9 · answered by Jules 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i guess like u said, either condoms or charting. what other way is there.
2007-03-12 16:17:15 · answer #10 · answered by havingfun 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋