Best BC for Nursing?
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Best BC for Nursing?
| Tue, 04-18-2006 - 7:36pm |
The reason I asked about IUDs is becuase I am currently nursing my 2nd child. And I wanted to know if anyone has an opinion on them for nursing. I didn't use anything after the first child, and that's how the second came around. I heard that hormones are bad during nursing, so I'm thinking that an IUD might be the best choice. Any help?

Hi sistersally2006, welcome!
It's the estrogen in combined (estrogen/progestin) pills that can suppress your milk supply so combined methods (pill, patch or ring) aren't recommended when BFing. Progestin-Only-Pills (POPs or the mini-pill) can be used as well as either the ParaGard (copper-T IUD which is good for 10 years) or the Mirena IUD that continuously releases a tiny bit of progestin and which is good for 5 years. There are also condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps all used with spermicide.
A POP can be very effective when used in combination with lactational amenorrhea but it requires taking a pill at very near the same time each day (+/-20 minutes of your regular pill time is considered on time) and there is no hormone free interval, you take a pill every day. An IUD is very effective and very low maintenance but it is expensive up front so if you are planning on another addition to your family in a year or two an IUD may not be the most cost effective choice.
Thanks for posting. If you have more questions, please ask. Let us know what you and your doctor decide ok?
Good luck,
Jill