Taking the "Mini" Pill

I took the minipill and thought it was fine. I didn't gain any weight, but I was also going to Weight Watchers to lose weight (they take into account that you need extra calories if you're breastfeeding). I started taking it about 7 weeks after giving birth although, like you, I wasn't really in the mood for awhile after that:) Good luck!

Hi P.,

I have a 7-month old boy and have been taking the mini pill since he was about 7 or 8 weeks old, I think. I never experienced any side-effects, although I never did in the past with other birth control pills either. I've heard that it can affect milk supply in some woman, especially those who had problems with supply from the beginning. But if you never had problems with your supply, I wouldn't worry about this. I haven't heard of anyone gaining/losing weight on it. In fact, the side-effects seem minimal, in my experience. I have a lot of friends who take the pill too.

It's normal to have zero sex-drive after delivery, especially if breast-feeding! Your body produces zero estrogen when breast-feeding, which partically contributes to this. Your sex-drive will return. I wouldn't worry too much.

Good luck!
D.

Hi P.,
I have a 9 1/2 mo and I've been on the mini pill since he was about 10 weeks. I haven't had any trouble with side effects, but I never did with more traditional pills either. The breast feeding meant that I lost all the weight (I know, I'm lucky) and I had plenty of milk so the pill didn't effect that negatively. As for sex drive, it took until my son was about 3 months for me to even want to think about it, but I had some post-delivery complications that meant I couldn't for much of that time anyway. Plus, if you breast feed I think the hormones from that reduce your interest some. I'd start taking the pill even if you're not ready for sex just yet. The last thing you want just now is to find out you'll be having Irish twins! I know a woman who found out she was pregnant with her second when the first was 6 weeks old (yes, weeks!).

P.,

I take the mini pill and I don't have any side effects. I also breastfed my daughter exclusively for 6 months and now still 6 times a day plus she gets food. I still haven't gotten my period and frankly don't miss it. I do think I have started to ovulate though so I'm really glad to be on the pill since my husband and I don't plan to try again til next summer.
My daughter was born by emergency C-Section so I can't comment on the vaginal birth and wanted sex but I do know after the baby it was a while before I cared about it myself. My husband was understanding and we just cuddled on the couch and in bed and kissed a lot. I guess it's important to keep that part of the relationship going even if sex it's involved. My daughter is now 8 months and things are back to normal for me and my husband. It took us a little while to settle into things and get back to us since my daughter came early and we weren't quite ready for her. Talk to your husband and explain your feelings and what you need from him and let him tell you what he needs as well and hopefully you can meet each others needs without pushing the other person.

Good luck,
L. M

I took the mini pill after my first, and just started it again. I had no problem losing my weight last time while on it, and had no side effects. I breastfed for 13 or 14 months, and didn't get my period back until he was almost a year. And I remember my sex drive being very low too. You are so tired and you feel like your body belongs to this little baby and your hormones are nuts. While you are breastfeeding, sex can also be a little painful which doesn't help. But it is all totally normal and will return! Good luck!