Good Monday morning! Is anyone dragging a bit after last night’s festivities? I’m actually feeling quite energetic despite a late bedtime and lots of goodies. We spent the evening in Charlotte at a friend’s party, where we took I forced everyone to take the obligatory girls picture!
A girls picture with no sorority squat thrown it- I’m so impressed!
I had more than my fill of delicious snacks, including buffalo chicken dip, guacamole, peanuts, pepperoni rolls, chili, ice cream cake and… veggies.
Guess who was in charge of bringing the veggies? Yup, I’m officially known for rabbit food 
Hailey posed for a couple pictures, too, and we learned how much of a daddy’s girl she is when the only way we could get her to look in a certain direction was to have her follow the beer. Uh-Oh!
Now, with the rockiest transition ever in blog history, I ‘d love your feedback on an issue. I wasn’t sure I was going to mention it on the blog, knowing that certain people read who may not care to discuss the topic, but it’s weighing on my mind, therefore… here it is.
Birth Control.
Anyone uncomfortable with the topic, catch ya on the flip side!
I have an appointment tomorrow with my OB and I need to figure out what my plan is. I’m currently breastfeeding exclusively and my cycle hasn’t returned yet, but that’s no guarantee that I won’t get pregnant, and we’re not ready for number two at this point.
Since I refuse to go back on birth control pills (after it took almost a year for my cycle to return once I stopped them), I’m interested at looking at a non-hormonal method, like the copper IUD. There are two types of IUDs, copper (Paragard/non-hormonal) and progesterone only (Mirena/progesterone). I’d like to go the copper route, but I hear they can create some pretty terrible monthly cramps and heavy bleeding. Eeks.
Plus, I’m not sure how I feel about having something inside me at all times. Will the idea of it drive me crazy?
I’m feeling a bit frustrated because I want to be protected, but I don’t want hormones, aren’t sure about the pain that I’ve heard about in regards to the copper IUD and don’t know if I trust the ‘natural family planning’ method, especially since I don’t think I’ve ever had a regular cycle.
Sigh…
So, I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the topic.
What kind of birth control do you use?
Would you recommend it?
Why or why not?
Karla says
My husband and I are using natural family planning and we LOVE it!!! We attended NFP classes (there were only 3) and were using it after only the first class. It really has helped me appreciate the amazingness of the human bodies. It makes me feel more connected to my body and it has made my husband and I grow so close as a couple. Now, we are hoping to teach our own NFP classes soon.
Brittany says
But can you do NFP if you have an irregular cycle? Plus, I don’t know when my cycle will return since I’m EBF. I LOVE the idea of it though. What are your thoughts on using it with an irregular cycle?
Karla says
Yes! Even women with chronically irregular cycles may use NFP effectively. There are also several healthy actions a woman can take to help her cycles become more regular. I had very irregular cycles when I began using NFP. Actually, using NFP helped me and my gyn to determine that I have endometriosis. Now, I will be ending treatment for endo in 1 month and my husband and I will begin trying to conceive! Anyways, I found excellent help in the book Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition by Marilyn Shannon. (Available through the Couple to Couple League at http://www.ccli.org.or Amazon.com) I followed the advice given and was able to regulate my cycles and reduce my KILLER cramps/pms!!! I highly recommend it to others with cycle irregularities.
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
NFP will be a little harder during breastfeeding, so that’s why my husband and I will use condoms until my cycle comes back naturally after the baby is born. After that happens, we’ll go back to NFP!
Just like Karla, doing NFP helped us realize some issues that were happening with my body and we highly recommend it 🙂
Noelle (@singerinkitchen) says
I second Karla’s suggestion. My cycle cam back 8 weeks later but even so I feel like my cycle has been a bit different. I definitely recommend NOT going on any man-made methods and go natural. My sister just got off hers after it made her body toxic. She gained 20 pounds and suffered migraines. She is happy now after taking NFP classes.
We on the other hand are taking natural precautions to not get pregnant too after having our little one in November. Either way, NFP makes you feel empowered knowing more about your body.
Natalie says
I third Karla’s suggestion. My husband and I used NFP to prevent a pregnancy for 8 months, then used it to achieve in one. NFP does require some discipline, but is totally doable….just have to abstain or use condoms during the fertile period. There are special books and classes to take for the postpartum period, and can be helpful for those breast feeding. I would recommend Couple to Couple league, as they teach a couple of different approaches. Good luck choosing what is right for you! I’m a Catholic pharmacist, and wouldn’t want the hormones in birth control in my body, so NFP works great for me.
Sarah says
I have a Paragard. I am 22 and I have never been pregnant, but I am in a serious relationship, and I was on seriously 7 different birth controls within three years with intense intense side effects from each of them (I am talkin’ passing out from low blood pressure and having to go see a surgeon to check out the walnut-sized cysts I got in my right breast to make sure it was not malignancy…). Finally, my OB admitted enough is enough and I got my Paragard inserted in May 2010.
I will just say, at least from my experience, Paragard’s bad reputation is over-exaggerated. Prior to insertion, I had really light periods that lasted about 4-5 days max with no cramps. Insertion itself was not bad either, and I’ve never had a baby! It basically just felt like a normal pap-smear-ish, but a little bit more pressure. And it was *fast* and overwith before I knew it. Post-insertion, my periods still last about 5 days and while they are a little heavier (I guess maybe I would call them normal now?), this is mainly only on the second day of my cycle; the rest of the days are just fine. The cramps are a bit worse than they used to be, but again, nothing terrible. That is, nothing two Ibuprofen or 20-minutes with my heating pad can’t handle.
(GOSH! Does this help? I hope this wasn’t TMI or something…sorry if it is waaaay more details than you wanted. Ack.)
Brittany says
No, this was great info, thank you! I think I’m nervous because before birth control pills I had really awful, AWFUL cramps. So I’m afraid they are going to be even worse, but I love the idea of the no hormones. I guess if they’re bad I could always have it taken out though…right? Thanks!
Sara says
My OB and I briefy talked about this at my last appointment as I will be having our first child in a few weeks. I think after being on BC for 10 years that I am going to go the Paraguard route. I have several friends who use it and have nothing but good things to say about it. Worse case scenario, if you get it and hate it, you can have it taken out and try a different route. Good luck!
Lee says
I feel like this is not going to be the most common answer, especially amongst married folk, but we still use condoms. I got off the pill about a year and a half ago (long story, but then I liked being hormone-free although it wasn’t the original reason for going off it) and we might try to have a baby in the next year so there is no reason go to back on it.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
So glad you said this. We use condoms too and I always feel like that’ the really unpopular answer but 1. it’s cheap 2. no hormones. I wasn’t even going to comment until I saw you say this first b/c usually people look at me like I have 5 heads when I tell them we’re married and use this approach!
Brittany says
I think condoms are great for the reasons of no hormones and cheap… however, for me, they put a damper on things. Plus, it’s the method we were using when Hailey was conceived, so I’m hoping for something a bit more reliable 🙂
Verna says
I had paragard before I got married (before any pregnancies) and I liked it quite a bit. I don’t handle hormonal birth control very well. Having it inserted was VERY painful but I heard if you do it after a pregnancy it’s not as bad. My first period after having it inserted was pretty painful also but the rest weren’t bad. I took alieve (or some other anti-inflammitory) during my periods and they were actually shorter than with the pill. I really liked it a lot.
S says
Condoms?
That’s my only suggestion. We are currently playing baby roulette right now so I’m not much help. Just kind of hoping that I’m not ovulating right now while nursing.
Hannah says
Agree! I think they’re underrated!
Brittany says
playing baby roulette- haha! That’s a cute way to put it 🙂
Megan says
I was pretty excited about getting Paraguard. I had used every birth conrol imaginable and nothing worked right. I was terrible at taking the pill, depo made me gain weight, but it was when I started getting chest pains after taking Nuva Ring that I started to think about the non-hormonal route. Just a little disclaimer… I can’t say for certain Nuva Ring was the cause of the chest pain, but it was the only thing that had changed about my diet, etc.
Anyways, I had Paraguard put in one afternoon and the insertion was awful. I can blame some of this on the fact that I haven’t had children though. The next day I was in so much pain and so sick that they brought me into the hospital to make sure it didn’t perforate my uterus. Luckily it hadn’t and the pain went away within a couple days. I’ve now had it in for almost two years and there are still days I contemplate taking it out. It’s nice for me to know that I’m still receiving the protection of birth control without the hormones, but my periods are miserable. I spend 1 or 2 days every cycle with pain shooting down my leg because of it. The rest of the month I don’t even know it’s there. I guess you have to weight the pros and cons.
blackhuff says
I can’t speak regarding this Copper IUD but I do have the Mirena fitted.
I don’t even know of the Mirena during the month. Yes, cramps are bad that time of the month and there is minimal bleeding. TMI: When you wipe, that’s the bleeding you see, on your toilet paper. That’s all. Otherwise, I can’t say how happy I am regarding the Mirena.
Kelly says
I agree with Lee. I am married and we just use Condoms. I had to go off BC 6 years ago and I am so glad I don’t have to take any sort of ‘drugs’. We have not had any babies yet, but it works for us just fine. I don’t know if I’d want something ‘in me’ like that, so we’re old fashion 🙂
Christina says
I am in the same position as you. For moral/religious reasons we chose not to use anything with hormones or that would potentially prevent a pregnancy from continuing (egg is fertilized but can’t implant). I have to look into the IUD more but I think that’s going to be off the table for us as well.
So far we have tried spermicide films, charting to avoid sex during fertile times and the diaphram. Of all the things we’ve tried (we had condoms) we have both liked the diaphram the best. It’s easy to put in and take out. You can put it in ahead of time so there’s no “mood breaker”.
I will say that we chose not to use the spermicide with it (it irritates DH) and we knew that would lower the effectiveness of it, but we have been left with little other options. We made it about 8 or 9 months before we got pregnant with my current pregnancy which I think is pretty good considering we lowered the effectiveness considerably by not using the spermicide.
I don’t know what we will do after this baby. I feel like I might be ready to be done but don’t know if something permanent is for us yet. But what is left?
Oh, and the charting didn’t work for us because my cycles are unregular and sometime annovulatory. My pregnancy cycle “tricked” Fertility Friend into thinking I had ovulated when I really hadn’t yet. So we actually avoided sex during a non-fertile time and had sex during my fertile time. Awesome.
Good luck with whatever you try. It is frustrating.
lauren says
I don’t know for sure but I’ve heard that an IUD will prevent a fertilized egg from implanting, thus aborting the baby 🙁
Christina says
I did research it today and did confirm my thoughts that it does make the uterine wall a bit inhospitable so an egg usually wouldn’t implant. I also read that when pregnancy does occur, many of them are ectopic which can be very serious for the mother not to mention the pregnancy usually doesn’t continue.
My periods are already long (7 days) and heavy enough and I have enough cramps on my own. I just really didn’t read one advantage to the copper IUD that would make me want to try it. It was all scary information to me.
Lauren says
I decided to go the non-hormonal route with the Paraguard after my daugther was born due to horrible migraines and excessive side effects from birth control. The insertion wasn’t bad…but the excess bleeding and cramping every month caused me to have it removed after 4 months. This may sound crazy but after I had it put it in…I was going crazy thinking I had some foreign object inside me! My doctor was not very keen on me taking it out soo soon…he said that I should have given it longer…but I didn’t care…once I had it taken out…we knew that I wouldn’t go back on the pill, so for now…we just use condoms…I know like others have posted on here…not the most popular route…but I will NEVER take another hormonal birth control…It was once about the side effects but not also a religious choice for me as well. Good Luck! It is very frustrating…but you have to do what is right for you!
Kay says
I am in the same boat as well. I know it might not appeal to all readers but I would love to hear about your experiences learning about natral family planning!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
Mmmm, did someone say ice cream cake???
I’m still on pills, but since I haven’t had a first child yet, that’s pretty much my only option. I hate them, but I suck it up. Only a couple more years… sigh
Cindi says
Not to hijack – but I had a Mirena put in before I had a baby. My dr. just checked my cervix & said it would be no problem. The insertion just hurt a little more the first time.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
No worries. 🙂 That’s really interesting and good to know since my doc refused to let my try it. Thanks for sharing.
Cynthia says
I have had the Mirena and I LOVE it. I never had any issue with feeling weird about something being inside me all the time. The bleeding was actually a lot lighter than normal and the last year and a half that I had it, I didn’t even have a period. It worked great and I really can’t recommend it enough.
Judging by some of the comments, the Paragard makes periods somewhat miserable. Mine weren’t bad with the Mirena. I did get cramps that were a little worse than normal a couple of days out of the month. But Aleve took care of the pain. The cramps weren’t so bad that they took me out of commission or anything. And like I said, the bleeding was a LOT lighter for most of the five year time frame I had it in. My period went from lasting for 5-6 days to lasting about 1-2 days. And then my period went away after a while. Honestly, I would recommend the Mirena to anyone.
erica says
I’m really looking forward to the responses. I’m in a similar situation, except my cycles never returned to normal and I had to take clomid to get pregnant. I’m leaning towars the copper iud, hoping that if and when my cycles return to normal (and sleep returns to normal once our baby Is a little older) I can take it out and do fertility awareness method.
Jessie @ Graze With Me says
If you are planning to continue breastfeeding then your options are limited only to the non-hormonal &/or progesterone-only methods. My Dr gave me 3 options: the IUD, the mini-pill or Implanon (the rod that goes in your arm). Since my uterus is backwards & I was uncomfortable with the idea if something in me that I couldn’t see or feel, I went with the Implanon. I got it in November & still no cycle or sporting, hasn’t affected my milk supply & I like being able to feel it in my arm. Plus it lasts 3 years which is perfect for us.
Also, the FAM method is reliable but you have to take your temperature each morning @ the same time after a full night’s sleep. With a baby, that can be hit or miss!!
Jessie @ Graze With Me says
*spotting not sporting 😉
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family says
I have always just gotten on the mini-pill while nursing. But I have never had issues with the pill in the past and always had short regular cycles. Although between 2 pregnancies and nursing 2 babies for over 20 months combined so far, I have only had my cycle for a couple of months out of the last 4 year!
Katie @ cooklaughmove says
I’ve never been pregnant but due to other health issues, it was suggested that I stop the pill and get an IUD (Merina). I went during that time of the month (as instructed, to make it easier to insert) and they still couldn’t do it. The pain was TERRIBLE and I had wicked cramps for a couples weeks post attempt. After that terrible experience, I ended up (with my Drs approval) going back on the pill.
I have heard it is easier/safer/less painful if you have had a baby though.
Sara says
My daughter was born on 10.21 and I already have a 2 1/2 year old son. So I am completely done having kids but not interested in getting my tubes tide. Birth control totally wacked me out after have my son. SO I got off it and was on nothing. Since now I know I do not want anymore kids and dont want to risk getting prego again. I decided to get the Mirena. I got it put in almost 2 weeks ago. It didnt hurt and you do not feel it at all. My doc said after 3-6 months your cycle pretty much stops but you still get the bloading and cramps. Its 5 years but you can take it out whenever.
PS…. Love your blog 🙂
Jen says
I have my 10wk postpartum checkup tomorrow and I was going to write about why I’ll never use birth control again. But obviously our situations are different. 😉
If my body actually knew how to ovulate, I’d probably go with the copper IUD. Effective birth control without the hormones. Though I’d also think it would feel odd at first to have something in me! Good luck choosing something!
Erin says
I have a paraguard and have had it for nearly 2 years now. I LOVE IT. I tell basically anyone who even goes near the topic of birth control how much I love it. I love knowing I’m protected and not having to think about it for another 3 years! (In Canada non-hormonal IUDs are only supposed to be in place for 5 years vs 10). It sucked getting it put in (a lot) but it was totally worth it. I have heard it’s easier if you’ve given birth and I hadn’t, so that’s worth keeping in mind as well.
Rachel says
When I quit the pill, I felt so much better! Even if you don’t want to rely solely on FAM, I recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I have irregular cycles too and the book provides a lot of insight on this.
A lot of my friends who have had babies have IUDs and like them. Another popular option is NuvaRing. Gina @ the Fitnessista posted about this recently. Lots of great comments on her post! We are TTC right now and using FAM for that. I like the FAM for BC the best, but I know it’s definitely not ideal when your sleep schedule is irregular and you’re breastfeeding. Plus it requires use of a barrier method during your fertile days. Good luck with whatever you choose!
tanya says
I have the copper 7 iud, and love it! never had big cramps with it.
Jess Mathias says
Brittany – I have the Mirena and I got it over 3 years ago and I love it. Joe and I knew that we weren’t having kids for quite a while and I was tired of BC, didn’t like the Ring so I went the Mirena route. I have no periods at all and no cramping – well maybe a twinge occasionally and very little spotting. Insertion was rough for me I will admit it hurt and I cramped really badly all night. Now the dr and nurses told me that it was going to be painful for me b/c i had not had a baby and never been dialated. Insertion is easier for women who have been dialated. It lasts for 5 years (as i’m sure you know) – and if at any time we wanted to have a baby – i can take it out easy peasy. The doctor said its so easy to take out and doesn’t hurt. I have been very happy and satisfied with it.
Hallie V. says
I just had my first baby in November (conceived while using condoms) and recently had the Mirena IUD put in. I had a terrible time with birth control pills, the high level of hormones did a number on me so I knew I didn’t want to go that route again. But we don’t want another baby for several years so the condom method was not reliable enough. The Mirena is not hormone free but it does have a lot less than most bc pills. The insertion was a breeze, I didn’t even feel it and my periods have been pretty light with no cramping.
Hope that helps! Good luck!
CaitlinHTP says
I am probably going to get the copper IUD. I am like you and hate the idea of going back on hormonal birth control so these seems like the lesser of all the evils.
Cindi says
I had a Mirena put in pre-baby and it hurt like hell, but after a couple weeks, the pain went away and it was wonderful. I had another Mirena put in last summer after I had Molly and it didn’t hurt much more than a pap. I don’t get a period (or cramps) on it – in fact, I forget it’s even in there because I never feel it. I was worried about the no period thing – but I had it removed and within a month I was regular and a month after that I was pregnant. I am only having it in for a year this time (last time it was almost 4 years) – but it’s worth it to me because pills & condoms suck and I am too lazy to keep track of my cycle for anything natural. Not sure that helps at all!
Susan @ Real Life Travels says
I’m probably no help in this situation, I’m an absolute crazy person on birth control and personally don’t trust any of the non hormonal stuff but I’ve just had REALLY bad experiences and I don’t want to put something in, to take it out again in the near future. So we’re opting for the pull and pray 🙂 if it doesn’t work; it won’t be all that bad.
Allie says
I have a copper IUD and I love it. I hate the thought of using hormones and I agree with your views on condoms! It was a little painful getting it in but I haven’t had children and I’ve heard its a lot easier if you have. I say painful but its totally manageable for the ten minute appointment. I have a heavier flow and more cramps but nothing a couple of ibuprofen won’t fix. I also had very light flow before so maybe its now normal? It’s only one day that its a little annoying but in the grand scheme of things I’d rather put up with heavy flow that take hormones etc.
Christie says
I just had a baby (last week!) and I’ve been thinking about this too. When the doc discharged me from the hospital, we talked about it and I’m leaning towards mirena, provided my insurance covers it. The doc mentioned that it’s pretty pricey and you want to get your insurance on board first.
I don’t have any bc horror stories except Nuvaring which I’m allergic to but I like the “fix it and forget it” aspect of mirena. I guess para guard is similar but I worry about the increased menstral side effects.
Good luck with your decision, it’s tough!
marci says
I know I am one of the few that actually liked being on the pill. I do plan to go back on it, and just back off before we want to get pregnant again. Sorry to not have insight to the other options, but you asked what people are doing, and I still advocate for the pill!
Holly says
No babies here but I agree the pill has been fine for me. It actually helped my acne a lot. If anyone is interested, mine is Trinessa.
I will be curious to see if I have issues if I go off it to have children someday.
rachael says
I don’t really like any guarenteed birth control options. We use a combination of NFP (when things gets evened out) & pull and pray (while I have no cycle from nursing but we never know when it could start) and will continue to do so until we are comfortable moving forward with a permanent option. We did the same thing after my first and it worked for almost 4 years, until we were ready for #2. I considered an IUD after my first but my doctor was against it based on my age/likelihood of having another baby. She only recommended them for people who were sure they were done. We are probably done at 2, but we would never regret the worst case scenario.
Jen says
I had my baby 2.5 months ago. My midwife recommended the Today Sponge. They are pricey! We haven’t tried it yet (just using condoms for now) but I’d love to hear if anyone has used the sponge….
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I am not trying to influence your decision – but thought I’d share my story with you 0
I was on BC since I was 18 (so.. just about 8 years). I started have some problems with fibroids (NOT related to the BC)… but my Dr. didn’t know what it was. As a result.. she started putting me on many different pills to try and control symptoms of spotting. (I think I was on 5 different ones over 6 months). I went to a new doctor.. and we figured out the problem. She also suggested I go off the pill and let my hormones regulate (since the were probably really messed up from all the different types of hormones). SO.. I went off in October. 4 months later.. I feel different.. I feel better not being on the pill.. not having the added hormones. It was an adjustment.. but it was worth it to me. I am not sure if I will ever go back on.. but I guess that is something to discuss in the future.
Right now – we are using condoms. We are careful.. not looking to have a child just yet.
Ashley says
I’m 27 weeks pregnant and have already begun thinking about what we will do about birth control when the time comes. I, like you, hated hormonal birth control, and am looking for an alternative method. Let us know what you decide and how things work out!
Alison says
My baby is 8 weeks old and I’ve been thinking about the same thing. You might find this article about pregnancy risk while EBF interesting … it gave me some peace of mind and things to think about, though long term you would need another method. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/fertility.html
Jenise Rychnovsky says
Brittany
I feel your pain… it is a hard decision. I too am one who WILL NOT go back on BC. I have been on several and only have bad things to say. When I got married May of 2010, I decided to get the Copper IUD. I loved the idea of no hormones and no worry! I did a lot of research on it. I had it in close to a year. My cramps and periods did get slightly worse and longer, but I thought it was worth it. I was then diagnosed with Endomertriosis about a year ago… switched OBGYN… my new doctor said I had to take it out as it can worsen ENDO… since then we have been doing NFP. I take my temp, check a few other things that the book says. we have had luck with it since and I dont think its that big of a deal. I would recommend either one. (IUD or NFP)… Hope that helps! I can discuss more if you have questions. Email me… I am pretty passionate about the topic. HA!
Sarah Beth says
We were using natural family planning before we got pregnant and then we starting using it to get pregnant. I didn’t want anything too complicated and stumbled upon something called cycle beads and they helped me out a lot.
http://www.cyclebeads.com/
Megan @ The Road to Skinny says
Really interesting topic! Love that you could get Hailey to pose by moving the beer around, hilarious! I recently started thinking about BC again once I have this baby. I haven’t done a lot of research, but I was thinking about natural family planning. I’d really love to figure out the mystery that is my body and I have irregular cycles too. Before we got pregnant I was on the pill for 2 years with no problems, but it does scare me with the hormones that we’re putting in our bodies. I’ll have to have a long serious talk with the Husband, but that’s the way I’m leaning towards. I know this might be personal, but I’d love for you to keep us updated to see what you pick and how it works out for you!
Megan @ The Road to Skinny says
Really interesting topic! Love that you could get Hailey to pose by moving the beer around, hilarious! I recently started thinking about BC again once I have this baby. I haven’t done a lot of research, but I was thinking about natural family planning. I’d really love to figure out the mystery that is my body and I have irregular cycles too. Before we got pregnant I was on the pill for 2 years with no problems, but it does scare me with the hormones that we’re putting in our bodies. I’ll have to have a long serious talk with the Husband, but that’s the way I’m leaning towards.
I know this might be personal, but I’d love for you to keep us updated to see what you pick and how it works out for you!
Megan @ The Road to Skinny says
Oh no, my computer was going crazy, didn’t mean to post the same comment twice!
Anna says
I decided after having my first child never to use hormonal birth control again, for many of the reasons already mentioned in the comments. We used EBF/LAM (lactational amenorrhea method) for natural child spacing (we have 2 kids 2 years apart, and I am nursing my 13-month-old with no cycle yet). We always knew we wanted more than one child, so it didn’t matter to me WHEN we had that child–and with exclusive breastfeeding, I had a lot more peace of mind that my fertility had not yet returned (I know there are exceptions to this, but it was VERY obvious to me when my cycle was starting up again, so I guess it depends on how in-touch you are with your body). We may have one more child, and then my hubby will get a vasectomy–no pills, no hormones, no condoms needed! I guess what I’m trying to say is that we avoided so many unpleasant side effects by just letting nature take its course. That may not be helpful if you only want one child (or want them spaced out further than breastfeeding will allow), but so far it has been the solution that worked for us.
Good luck! 🙂
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
I took the mini pill when nursing and it was fine. I’m back on regular bc now and I don’t like it, but don’t like any of the other options either so this is what I am doing for now. Just another tricky part to being a momma, right?
Kristin S. says
I’ve tried the copper iud and while it worked and did its job it also caused hair loss. I got blood drawn to rule out other causes and nothing. I finally got it taken out and witinin a week i noticed my hair wasnt falling out in clumps anymore and it wasnt as greasy.
Sherry says
I had a copper 7 years ago. Before the IUD I had minimal cramps and bleeding with my periods. After the IUD I had severe cramps and heavy, heavy periods–like can’t leave the house on the first day bleeding. You could try a diaphragm–some planning required and I do know numerous “diaphragm babies”. Foam and condoms work very well–the key word being “and”, not “or”.
Heather says
we do a mix of natural planning and being rreeaallyyy careful. 🙂
Sally says
Breastfeeding is definitely not 100%, and I too am opposed to long-term hormones…however, thought I would mention another topic which I haven’t seen listed which is what will happen when/if you decide to have another child? IUDs are notoriously difficult to remove…
Paulina says
Great topic! It seems like many women are unhappy with their form of BC. I was on the pill for 8 years, and didn’t have any problems except for when I switched to a generic brand for a few months. I stopped taking the pill in 2010 and was pregnant 6 months later. Since the baby was born, we’ve been using condoms, but once my cycle returns, I think we’ll just use the NFP method. I’m too scared to try an IUD.
Christie says
Wow! I actually pulled up todays blog post because I was curious of the responses you’d get. So much good info!
I tried Mirena prior to finding out that I might have trouble getting pregnant. To be honest, the insertion was painful, but other than that I didn’t notice a thing (only had it for 2-3 months). I found out later that the pain was most likely due to a special circumstance I have. My sister has Mirena and loves it. A plus with Mirena is that, after a few months, you might not have a period at all. It sounds like you already had a prior issue with that, so might not want to mess with it.
I can no longer use birth control (other than condoms) so we are ‘kind of’ using the NFP method. I say ‘kind of’ only because we’re still a little weary. It can be scary to trust it at first, RIGHT?! I assume this is a natural feeling.
I hope you can figure out a good option that works for you!
Dawn B says
Hey Brittany,
I just sent you a private message on your personal page regarding this subject. Did not want to make a public comment. 🙂
Dawn
Jen says
I had the same concerns, and was debating which type of
IUD to choose, however my OB did not want me on any hormonal BC as long as I am BF-ing, so,
I am on paraguard, the copper IUD. Love it! Have had no cramps or spotting at all. Granted, I have not gotten my period back yet, so I can not comment on that yet.
Jen
Meghan says
We use Natural Family Planning. The Sympto-thermal method is 99% accurate- better than any birth control method. You can definitely practice it with an irregular cycle and there are specific techniques for when you’re breastfeeding. I’m
Not sure why someone below recommended using condoms during the fertile period, because that goes against the very essence of NFP. You ABSTAIN during the fertile periods if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy and obviously have sex during the fertile period to achieve pregnancy!! You have complete knowledge of you’re body and how it works- its awesome and can bring you even closer as a couple!
Dana says
I used the mirena after both my kids and I never had a problem. It didn’t hurt at all and after it was in I never felt it. However I never fully liked the hormones so I got it out last year and we have been using spermicide inserts and I like them much better…no yucky condoms an no hormones!
Ann says
I use FAM – Fertility Awareness Method (http://www.tcoyf.com/). I’ve been successfully avoided pregnancy using it for 18 months. The key is that women are only fertile for about a week or less of our entire cycles, and when you record the signs (body temperature, fluid, and cervical position) you can pinpoint when you are fertile and either use a back-up method or abstain during those times. It takes a commitment to record-keeping, but the science behind it is convincing (if you’re considering it, I would recommend doing research. For what it’s worth, my OB/GYN was supportive when I told him this was my method.).
I love it not only because I feel like I understand my body so much better now, but because hormonal birth control supressed my libido. Once I stopped, I couldn’t believe how much more enjoyable sex was! And I certainly liked it before:)
Bri Carpenter says
I’ve been using this method for a year now and same as Ann, its works great for us. You also learn SO much about your body and you know everything that is happening to it. I would recommend getting the book as a great hands on reference, Taking Control Of Your Fertility…by Toni something..I can’t remember her last name, but just google it 🙂
Kath says
I had the Mirena and LOVED it. No periods, no monthly cost, no issues at all. And we conceived within 3 months of having it out 🙂 That could just be me, but also shows that the IUD doesn’t necessarily stick around. It wasn’t terrible to have it put in either.
Katie says
I agree with Kath! I have the Mirena now (I’ve had it for almost 3 years) with no complications. No periods! I would definitely recommend it.
Cass says
I loved my copper IUD!!!! When I first had it inserted there was a bit of cramping and a little heavy bleeding…this didnt even last an entire day. After that it was fine. Occasionally I get a bit of cramping…just a sudden pain and that was it. I have never suffered from severe cramps though…so I am not sure how it would affect someone that regularly gets severe cramping while on the pill or no bc at all. But I loved the copper IUD!
Katherine says
I cannot recommend the Creighton Method of NFP enough. I got off the pill when we got married and tried to use NFP on my own based upon Taking Charge of Your Fertility (aka temp taking) Oh my hard, confusing, controlling. Taking my temp every day at the same time? Too hard for me 🙂 SOOOO I looked up someone to teach me how. I found a doula through a local Catholic Church. (Just to be honest we are Catholic) She has never talked religion or pressured us into anything. Instead she taught us the Creighton method (which is SO MUCH easier) and met with us every month until I figured it out. Using this method I discovered that I was not ovulating because of use from the pill and she helped me find natural ways to increase this. Since going off the pill I had regular periods so if I wasnt using Creighton I would have assumed everything was fine. This method helped us stay preg free for a year and get preg on the first try.
Sorry for the long email!! Hope this was helpful.
Jenn says
I’ve actually had both. I used the copper IUD before I got pregnant and I got the Mirena after I had my little one. The copper IUD did give me VERY heavy periods. I’ve had the Mirena for almost 2 years and I haven’t had a real period at all. Just minor spotting. I think both are good choices and you don’t ever have to think about it!
Katie @ Pop Culture Cuisine says
I have to say my hubby and I are a bit unconventional when it comes to our choice of protection. I was on bc for a brief time after we got married and my husband actually suggested I go off of it because of how “crazy” it made me, let’s just say I don’t need any extra hormones rolling around in my system. While we have never practiced natural family planning per se, we have used what my husband lovingly calls the “pull and pray” method. I am sorry if that is a bit graphic, and although leaving a bit to chance, we didn’t get pregnant for the first 2 years of our marriage and easily did when were actively trying. Just giving my 2 cents 🙂
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
Great topic! 😉 I talked to my ob about both iuds at my 6 week checkup. My friend did the copper one and wasn’t a fan because of those same reasons. (She did natural family planning with her first and lets just say it didn’t work…) My doc didn’t recommend paragard for those same reasons. I am considering Merena since I’ve heard it is the best for preventing pregnancy and we are definitely not ready for #2 yet either! I’d love to hear what you decide!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
uhh I think we very well know I don’t use any. haha!
I would use the FAM method though – I wouldn’t want anything all up in my biznaz.
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
The BF and I use natural planning after I read more about hormones and decided to go off the BCP. I was lucky that my cycle returned to normal almost immediately (although it fluctuates between 26-29 days and I have a little scare as a result :))so I can rely a lot on the timing of my cycle and be extra careful when I need to. It’s not 100% fool proof (but what is??) so I am prepared for the unexpected should it happen.
Toni says
Nuva Ring has worked well for us for the past year, but I’m thinking I’ll look further into NFP..
Becca says
I have Mirena. The first couple days after I got it were pretty awful-I felt horribly crampy and miserable. I came home afterward and crawled into bed for the day. I felt crampy off and on for about a month-not horrible like the first couple days but like bad period cramps (I know-way TMI). I contemplated a couple times having it removed. I decided to wait until the 3 month mark and see how I felt. By the time I got to the 3 month point all the crampiness and oddness was long gone and I haven’t had a period or any spotting since then. At this point (7 months in) I love it and it’s probably my favorite from of BC I’ve tried. (In the past I’ve done Depo, the pill, and VCF.)
Leslie says
Could you just use condoms?
Sarah says
Unfortunately, I have really found that each person is affected by hormones and birth control SO differently. I had Mirena for a while and it was fabulous… at first. Then my body’s natural hormone production adjusted to it after several months and I started constantly spotting and getting daily headaches. It was easy to remove though and now I’m trying a mini-pill (estrogen free) which has been pretty good for me so far.
p.s. Check your insurance if you want to try an IUD. Mine paid to have it put in but NOT to have it taken out. WTF?!
Ag says
I would lean towards the Mirena. I got pregnant on the copper, I guess it’s more position sensitive. Even though I could still feel the strings, magic happened. Also, it can be tough to get MRIs on the newer machines if you have copper.
Jasmine J says
I love this topic! Im in NC visiting my family (I live in NYC), and before I leave Im going to my home OBGYN (she’s amazing) to get on a new bc. My body has enough hormones on its own, I don’t need anything to add to it. I add the mirena for almost two years and it made me crazy! My periods were irregular (which I wasn’t too worried about that), but after awhile of having it I noticed that I started being depressed, etc. My moods, depression got pretty bad so I eventually took it out. I also think it contributed to my weight gain (I emailed you recently telling you how Im working on losing that). Now Im on Junel but Ive been off for a week and want to try something hormone free. As you see EVERY WOMANs body is totally different. We are all saying different things, but its still great to hear different opinions! I really want to try paraguard but for some reason I have a feeling its not the best, my dr seems ify, and other women seem iffy and I heard of heavy bleeding, like super heavy bleeding! Please let me know what you decide, and Ill do the same!
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