birth control

[MamaWolfe]

Have we talked about this yet? My mw and I discussed it and she recommended either a diaphram or an IUD (she does not recommend anything with hormones if you're breastfeeding). The diaphram sounds like a big pain in the behind but the IUD scares me a little. What are you all doing?

[alegna]

I'll go back to my usual modified natural stuff. My body is predictable with just CM for the most part.

-Angela

[PattyCakes_726]

I had an IUD for two years. The only problem I had was slightly increased cramping during my period. If you're nursing, your period may not come back, so that may not be a concern.

[theatermom]

We're doing natural stuff until Dh goes in for the permanent procedure. My cycles have never returned before 15-17 months (last time it was closer to 20 months), so while we aren't taking any chances, it's very unlikely to be a practical issue before this babe turns 1 (definitely not before he reaches 6 months). We do intend for Dh to go in before my fertility returns.

My body doesn't handle being interfered with, hormonally or otherwise, so none of the other methods are really an option for us. I have a somewhat unreasonable fear/aversion to the IUD, so if I had to choose between the two, I would probably go with the diaphram. But, that *does* sound like a real PITA, and I have read that they aren't as reliable after you've given birth (but don't rely on my info!).

[NatureMama3]

I'm doing NuvaRing (minimal hormones) while waiting for DH's vasectomy to get done and be final. As much as I'd love to use FAM, we know from past experience that it is NOT a good avoider tool. and we CANNOT get pregnant again. (probably we'll be doing condoms as well)

My sister successfully used NuvaRing while b/f and her bff did as well (both nursed 3+ years) so I'm not concerned in the least about supply.

[HerthElde]

LAM, then NFP

[smeisnotapirate]

I'll be getting Paragard, the copper IUD. I've had bad reactions to hormonal bc in the past.

[PerkyKP]

No sex. :

hmmm... in the hospital, the discharge nurse asked me what I was planning on using. I said "uhm, no sex." And she was like, okay seriously now -- BCP, condoms? And I repeated, no sex. She said something, and I replied that I'm single. She said one more thing, and finally I felt like saying hey I haven't had sex in two years, if something changes I'll call ya!!

[Jeannabna]

I dont like hormones and dont trust myself enough to rely on condoms so I think I want the copper IUD as well. I havent been able to find a lot of info about it though, anyone have good resources?

[natty529]

i have been thinking about it and i am not doing bcp again... the iud freaks me out... why copper rather than plastic?

i guess the other choice is a diaphragm... is it really a PITA?

[kwilki8]

I'm not sure what we'll do. I can't use anything with hormones because of my blood clotting disorder, and I'm not really comfortable with FAM because my cycles are really screwy. I've never used a condom in my life (I wasn't irresponsible, just a virgin who married a virgin) and don't intend to start now 'cause I don't think I'd like it. So I'm not sure what that leaves-paraguard? diaphragm?

[calpurnia]

I'm gonna get the non hormonal IUD.

I've used the diaphragm in the past - it isn't the easiest method of contraception. You have to be comfortable touching yourself (I imagine most MDC mamas are but might as well mention it) since you have to get it on & off your cervix. I think it works well as a method if you have occasional sex where spontaneity doesn't matter too much. Otherwise it's impossible to obey the "rules" & actually have contraceptive cover from it. If you have sex twice in one day it doesn't "cover" you. Also, some people object to having to use spermicide.

[mrsfrenchy]

Originally Posted by natty529

i have been thinking about it and i am not doing bcp again... the iud freaks me out... why copper rather than plastic?

i guess the other choice is a diaphragm... is it really a PITA?

If I remember correctly from a reproductive bio class I took last semester, it's copper because it emits small amounts of copper ions (apparently not harmful) that irritate the uterine lining, preventing implantation.

I'll most likely go with the IUD. I would never be responsible enough to use a diaphragm or condomns consistently.

[Galatea]

When ds2 was 11 weeks, I got the plastic Mirena IUD. I wasn't entirely comfortable with doing that, and wasn't surprised when my uterus pushed it out 13 days later. So we just do NFP and withdrawal. Works well for us. I won't do anything hormonal b/c it messes with my emotions and sex drive.

[lovingmommyhood]

We just do withdrawl right now.

I may go on the mini-pill.

[KatWrangler]

None. I had my tubes tied.

[saslewis11]

I got the Mirena IUD a couple of weeks ago. I have some metal allergies, so I was more nervous about using the Paraguard. Aside from some kind of heavy bleeding a week ago, I haven't had any problems.

[1babysmom]

FAM for us. I started last time at 1 month PP and haven't started yet this time but will do the same. All I really do is temp, though.

[amyaebi]

nak

Condoms until dh gets his vasectomy. We're done!

[Tizzy]

Anything hormonal really messes with me...I'm not moody until I'm on BCP nevermind the hair growth! omg I am such a hair-phobe so having all that extra hair growing where it shouldn't is just gross! lol

Anyway, we're going with condoms for now...ha! like that ever lasts for long.
I had to kick-start my cycles last time while bf'ing in order to get pg. again so I fully expect to have at least a year off from AF. But I don't want to rely on that until baby is at least 6 months old.
In one way I'd like another closely spaced, in another I wouldn't mind a 24 month gap instead of 18 like this time.
We'll see!