Wondering if I can get any input from you ladies...I had my 6 week post-partum visit yesterday, and all is good, but I can't decide on a birth control. The doc and I chatted about it, and I've got a list of things I can look into and research before I decide what to do.

First off, the MAJOR problem I have is I cannot go on a progestin-only BC - mini-pill, etc. I was on Depo-Provera (the shot) when I was much younger, and as a result, I found out I've had severe bone density loss. I break a bone at least once a year - it's to where I no longer get them checked unless it's a full break. My hands and feet are frequent casualties. I've been working on increasing my bone density since I found out (through a bone scan) that I have severe osteopenia. I don't want to risk losing the ground I've gained with my bones. All progestin-only BC's have the side effect of bone density loss, and I already know I take that side effect to an extreme.

I don't know if I'm sensitive to condoms or the lubricant or whatever for them, but they make me HURT, and any time we try to use them, I end up with a yeast infection. Yay. No go.

I've tried an IUD before, and my body really did it's best to totally reject it - including vomiting. I had to go to the ER that same day to have it removed. No good

Doc has suggested low dose estrogen BC. However, she says it MAY reduce milk supply. I'm pumping, so I have a good idea how much I make - which right now is more than DD needs - I've been storing it in the freezer. I've got about 20 bags in there now. Doc said she talked to one of the nurses who is a lactation consultant, who has some experience with women on estrogen BC, and she said it was ok, and most women don't have a problem. I'd always heard you couldn't have estrogen BC when feeding breastmilk, but I've been looking around, and it's mainly because of the possibility of reduced supply. Doc says that if I was having a problem with supply, she wouldn't recommend it, but I'm not having a problem (I pump 24-28 oz a day, DD takes about 20-24 oz a day, and often some of it isn't finished in the bottle).


SOOOOoooo...my options are now:
Yaz
Loestrin
Alesse
Mircette

Has anyone had experience with these - especially if you were breastfeeding/pumping? I kinda like the Yaz saying you won't be crazy (and I've gotten a little nutty from PMS before), and the Loestrin for the short periods - I've had issues with anemia.

This is so dang confusing! Why can't I just have happy bones!

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I have not had your experiences but I used the mini-pill with both kids and had no loss of milk supply. But again, I've never had those types of problems that you are mentioning so I don't know if that will be a lot of help for you.

Yeah, the mini-pill is a progestin-only Stupid bones. If I didn't need them so badly, I wouldn't care!

If I wanted to have another child, I would probably just go natural and hope for some time in between, but I'm not really sure I want to be pregnant again, after all the hospital fun I had.

I wish they made BC for guys. It would be a LOT easier if HE had to deal with it!

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I am getting ready to wean. My doctor told me do NOT start my regular birth control with estrogen (I'm on the mini-pill right now) until I'm completely done nursing because the Estrogen will make her breasts swollen and sore!

I haven't tried any of those you mentioned, so I can't help you there.

I wouldnt take any birth control with estrogen in it while you nurse, it can have harmful effects on the baby. I would suggest condoms, you could try different variety's to find one that doesnt hurt you. There are lots out there lol.

I am on bc and am pumping like a dairy farm. She gets plenty and I have plenty stored away. I would make sure to drink plenty of water and eat some oatmeal daily. I heard that helps.

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Mabennett - Proud Mommy to a Yankee, a Tarheel, and a cheerleader

Have you ever read "Taking Charge of Your Fertility"? It is all about the natural method which includes monitoring your cycle and such. Maybe you may want to check it out. They also have a cooresponding website at Ovusoft.com, and they have an entire Forum all on "Not" getting pregnant.

I started out on the mini-pill 6 or 8 weeks after I had both of my boys. I switched over to the regular pill at around 4 months when I started them on cereal (due to a higher chance of becoming pregnant with bf a little bit less). I didn't have any problems with supply. I had enough to feed them until they were weaned at 11 1/2 months for ds1 and 9 1/2 months ds2 (when they both weaned themselves).