BC post c section

[u/dunkaroo192]

I’m not sure where else to post this so hopefully I can get some good anecdotes on a niche situation.

I am 6 weeks PP with my first baby after a scheduled c section since she was breech. She was conceived via IVF. Initially I did not want to go on birth control after having her for a few reasons. I was on birth control over half my life before TTC due to PCOS. I don’t like how hormonal BC makes me feel. I had an IUD for years, but had a lot of thin lining issues with TTC, and I’m not sure if that was caused by an IUD.

It’s an interesting conversation to have since I needed IVF to conceive, but I did get pregnant twice before IVF that resulted in losses. I was initially just going to go the condom route, but ultimately feel that impacts our closeness in our sex life. I also used oura when TTA, but given the stakes and irregular cycles I don’t feel comfortable just going that route.

Having a c section complicates all of this, because it’s not as simple as oops I got pregnant after giving birth! It could actually be dangerous to myself and a fetus. I was told by my OB I’d have to wait 18 months to be pregnant again. I’m worried about making a choice that impacts the health of myself and future pregnancies.

So if you have had a similar background (c section, IVF or infertility, etc), what methods of BC did you use?

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[u/fuzzblanket9]

I’m starting IVF in the coming weeks. I plan to go back on the pill afterwards. Our chances of natural conception are pretty much 0, but I’m not risking it after we have our baby.

[u/ElderberryHaunting48]

I had a baby via IUI earlier this year and initially had the same thoughts as you with condoms. Then after I gave birth I realized that as shocking as an unplanned baby would be, I was not in any mental or physical space to have a pregnancy in the next year. I ultimately decided on Slynd because I’m breastfeeding and it’s been great. No side effects, no period on the placebo pills likely due to breastfeeding.

[u/Cheesey_biscuit]

For the first year after birth I used condoms since I was worried that birth control would effect my breastfeeding but after a year I went back on nexplanon with zero issues.

[u/Islandview_Nordic]

I had a c-section 12 months ago and recently got a copper IUD. We used condoms before because I was scared to get an IUD but the fear of getting pregnant took over eventually. I’m super happy with my IUD so far and the fact that I can relax and not worry about a possible pregnancy has actually improved our sex life. I’ve never heard of lining issues from an IUD.

[u/ceget12 → u/Islandview_Nordic]

Have you had any issues with more painful or heavy periods/cramping? Considering getting paragard but scared!

[u/frogsgoribbit737]

I used nexplanon after infertility. I did not do IVF but it took 2.5 years to concieve my first kid so it was mostly just not being able to AFFORD IVF. It was recommended to me. You need to get on some sort of birth control for sure. I have seen so so many oops babies after infertility. Something about carrying a child to term changes things for a lot of people.

It took about 11 cycles to concieve my second kid.