Birth control and breastfeeding

Here is the situation, My husband and I have been using the fertility awareness/family planning method of birth control for several years and we know when we take a risk and have unprotected sex I can become pregnant, like with Harmony . My cycles have always been really regular even at my heaviest so it was pretty good for us, except when we were knowingly careless. Well my OB doc said that that method isn't so reliable when you're breastfeeding, even a tiny amount because it can affect when you ovulate and not be predictable. Does anyone know anything about this? Is there any kind of way to do this? I breastfeed at almost every feeding for anywhere between 2-15 minutes on each side, it really varies depending on my baby's level of frustration and/or hunger. I'm just wondering if I need to be fitted for a diaphragm.

Ask your OB to prescribe POPs (progesterone only pills). You have to take them like clockwork, but aside from getting an IUD, that's the best you can do if you're breast feeding.

Is that a type of birth control pill? Any hormone birth control totally messes with me and I am not going to do that again. Too much for me.

I'm sorry, is this a dumb question... how do you get fitted for a diaphram?  I thought you just bought one lol?

I don't know. My OB doc just said if I decide I wanted to be fitted to call and make an appointment. I know they fit up inside so it must be a custom fit.  

lol wow I guess u learn something new everyday!  I was wondering about "natural family planning" too, that's what DH and I are doing now.  I hate using birth control!

The OB has a little kit with diaphragms ranging from contact lens size to dessert plate sized (not really, but seems like it, LOL!)  She will examine you and then start with the sizes she thinks appropriate.  Be really fussy because a poorly sized one sucks.  Also, if you gain or lose more than 10 pounds, you may need to be sized again.

We tried to use a diaphragm after my daughter was born but I found it really uncomfortable.  I think the OB fitted me incorrectly, though.

I really think if you are aware of the rules of fertility awareness, it can work while nursing.  I'm pretty sure the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility has info on how to do it properly.  You're not doing the rhythm method - maybe the OB thinks you are. 

Are you following the rules for the LAM - Lactational Amenorrhea Method?  From the LLL website: A mother is asked these three questions: Is your infant less than six months old? Are you amenorrheic? Are you fully or nearly fully breastfeeding? If she can answer yes to all three, she is counseled that her risk of pregnancy is less than two percent and she does not need a complementary family-planning method yet. She is also told that if any of these three parameters changes, she should introduce a complementary form of family planning to achieve this same low risk of pregnancy.

I think if you have those three parameters AND you are checking for the presence of fertile cervical mucus or other fertility indicators, your risk of unplanned pregnancy is fairly low.  But it can happen - if it really isn't OK for you to get pregnant again, get some form of contraception.  AFAIK, FAM done correctly is actually better pregnancy prevention than a diaphragm!

See, I was afraid of the feeling of the diaphragm too. This is another reason I'd rather not do that. But the three rules aren't yes's from me for the LAM. My daughter is 6 weeks yesterday so that is a yes, I haven't had a period yet, so so far that's a yes. But I am not fully or mostly breastfeeding. I breastfeed her first at almost every feeding but then she takes a bottle and will drink anywhere from 2-4 oz. So I'd say I'm barely breastfeeding. This is why the OB thought I'd better use some other method. I would like another baby sometime, but I'd like to wait at least a year, especially since I had a C section, things should be all healed up. Oh and some more weight off would be nice first too.

Yeah, I understand wanting to wait a while after a c-sec - it's safer and easier on your body.  Hmm, I think your OB is right that you might want a complementary method.  The diaphragm is not a perfect BC but some women love them.  My mom used one and a couple of my friends use them and like it.  If it is covered by your insurance, get fitted, because in theory it is a good BC.  Like I said, I think my OB fitted me improperly.  I'm guessing if it had been a size or two smaller it would have worked better.  Be VERY picky when you're fitted and you may like the diaphragm!

I wish there was an easier form of BC.  They all have big drawbacks except FAM (and to be honest, I'm a little too flaky for FAM even though it's awesome!)