Has anyone taken the mini-pill (progesterone only) pill? If so, how did you like it? Did you have any weird effects? If breastfeeding, did it cause any issues?
Nicole:
everyone reacts differently... my suggestions is to try... and be watchful of your baby.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
800 LACTATE
I tried it with my first 2 kids in the first few months of nursing. It made me really really dehydrated (did I spell that right?). I think it also gave me vaginal dryness. Breastfeeding already makes you so thirsty all the time - I couldn't handle more so I quit both times after only a couple months. I don't know if those are common side effects though. I never noticed anything with the babies. Good Luck!
Hi Nicole,
You know, too, that IF you're breastfeeding exclusively (ie your baby hasn't started on solids) and IF you haven't started menstrual cycles again, full time breastfeeding is approx. 98% as birth control - comparable to any pill you can take.
You might consider geting a perscrip for the pill and holding off for a few months until you start your baby on solids...
Just a thought. Good luck!
K.
Hi Nicole
I'm a physician assistant in family practice the last 6 yrs and dealt with the minipill a lot. Most patients had no problems whatsoever with it. It can decrease ur milk supply so watch out. Also, it's only effective in your body for 24 hours, so even if you're few hours late taking it, u can ovulate and get pregnant. So u have to make sure u take it at the exact time each day! Side effects were not a big issue, some got a little nauseated, but it's much lower-strength dose then regular pills so most tolerated it just fine. It was the 24 hour effectiveness that is the biggest problem with this if u really want to make sure you don't get pregnant. Please also note, don't rely on breastfeeding alone to be a contraceptive. Even though you are breastfeeding 8-10x in 24 hours, without a minipill there is still a chance!
