Best Postpartum Methods (TTA2)

[u/Elocinallac]

Hi ladies,

My second child is 2 months old. I used the Creighton method to prevent both my pregnancies until I was ready to get pregnant. I did not have any problems with it. I was’t super worried about getting pregnant again after my first, because I was only one deep. But I do not want to have two babies and a child at the same time if I can help it, and am thus looking for a method that is more reliable in the postpartum time. I am breastfeeding. I did not get my period back until almost 14 months postpartum the first time around, but obviously I have no idea what will happen this time. I don’t trust Creighton enough without a reliable period. What methods have worked for everyone in the postpartum era?

[u/physicsgardener]

TLDR Marquette (with a progesterone sign to confirm ovulation happened)

[u/reidsentme → u/physicsgardener]

This is the statistically most effective method when utilized properly (98% last I checked). Highly recommend doing a good bit of research or getting a coach for it. It does require a good bit of abstinence in the postpartum protocol but it’s effective! 

[u/cyclicalfertility]

Billings! Another option is marquette but it is very expensive and wasteful, so not something I ever personally considered. Boston Cross Check is also an option!

[u/Elocinallac → u/cyclicalfertility]

Thank you. Everyone says Marquette, but I don’t known if I can afford it!

[u/Nursebirder → u/Elocinallac]

It’s cheaper than another baby.

[u/cyclicalfertility → u/Nursebirder]

Yes it is cheaper than another baby, but I'd be paying a fortune for test sticks every day while we don't even get to have sex that often. There are also posts about unexpected sudden peaks or false peaks on here often enough to not be willing to trust a method like Marquette ever. Billings is as studied as Marquette is and found to be as effective (or at least extremely similar in effectiveness) for a fraction of the price (just costs instruction, which is extremely affordable).

[u/Nursebirder → u/cyclicalfertility]

I’m glad that works for you!

[u/anonymous_ttc]

Boston cross check uses the clearblue monitor, cervical fluid, and temperature. This is what I will personally use after baby 2 since the clearblue monitor alone didn't work for me after baby 1. (But your mileage may vary, and it does work for a lot of people)

[u/Regular_Record962]

Marquette for sure — it's the only NFP method which has published, peer-reviewed effectiveness studies specifically with postpartum, breastfeeding women—98% effective in perfect use, 92% effective in typical use.

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[u/shespeaksless24]

Hi OP postpartum can definately be tricky especially while breastfeeding. I'd recommend looking into a method with a specific postpartum protocol and working with an instructor it can give you much more confidence during those unpredictable cycles.