LAM v. mini-pill

"Carlye" wrote in message
ups.com...
DS is exclusively breastfed, but I don't fit all the "requirements" of
LAM as birth control, because he occassionally sleeps through the
night. However, following DD's birth, I didn't ovulate for sixth
months after starting her on solids, feeding her only every 4-8 hours,
etc.

Anyway, my OB said I should start on the mini-pill (the type of
contraception was my choice -- we hate barrier methods, and I don't
want an IUD, etc) right away. I'm a bit reluctant to do so because I
was on regular low-dose pills briefly while nursing DD, and it
completely ruined my supply. Additionally, I've heard the mini-pills
have some nasty side effects like spotting, heavier periods, moodiness,
etc. Does anyone have any experience with these, good or bad? I just
can't decide what to do. I wouldn't be devastated if I got pregnant
unexpectedly, but I'd rather have at least a year "off" before another
pregnancy.

Thanks!

-Carlye
DS 6-2-06
DD 9-29-04


I went back on the minipill at 6 weeks and had no supply issues. The child
health nurse said it can change the taste of the breast milk, causing the
baby to be upset for a few days while adjusting, but we didn't experience
that. DD is now 5.5 months and periods haven't yet returned, but I was on
the minipill previously (blood pressure issues) and had normal periods then.
I think I'm just lucky to have no issues with it - the biggest problem is
occasionally forgetting to take it.

Liz

On 2006-08-06 05:17:07 +0800, (Catherine
Woodgold) said:

"Anne Rogers" ) writes:
The basic thing is examining your cervical mucous, it goes thin and
like egg white just as you are ovulating, I've never attempted to use
this method for contraception, more as a conception aid, the problem I
found was though that if you are not using a barrier method of
contraception then there is usually semen mixed with the mucous and it
makes telling anything impossible, for me at least!

To follow a method with the proper amount of carefulness
you probably need to take a (short) course or read a book
on it. The methods I'm familiar with usually require
restricting intercourse to every 2nd evening during times
when signs of fertility are being looked for. This is so
that the mucus can be seen clearly without other fluids interfering.
During regular menstrual cycling, after ovulation is confirmed
each cycle (and certain conditions are met) intercourse can
then occur as often as desired until menstruation.

I read the same thing while looking into the Billings method. However
I also read that some women only have fertile signs (mucus like egg
white) for a few hours, and if she misses that, she might not know she
is fertile.

The reason we have a 14.5 month old is because I joined the gym while
using this method of contraception, and got confused... I thought it
was just sweat from a hard workout, but it was
the-mucus-you-shouldn't-have-sex-with

Jo
--
Woman, Wife, Mother, Midwife

Carlye wrote:
Does anyone have any experience with these, good or bad? I just
can't decide what to do. I wouldn't be devastated if I got pregnant
unexpectedly, but I'd rather have at least a year "off" before another
pregnancy.

What about using a barrier method for just a while, until you either
get your period back or feel comfortable going on the mini-pill?

Elle