Depo?

[ASkipper03]

I was just reading on another forum that the Depo can cause a reduction in milk. Have any of you ever used this form of birth control? If so have you had this issue? If not what type of birth control do you use? I was considering using the depo because it seemed to be the easiest, though I am scared because the weight gain, and when I read this, it made me question this form of birth control even more. I would much rather hear personal testimonies than just black and white pharmaceutical information.

[Amy_G_]

I've heard of a lot of women that have bad depression, weight gain and milk supply drops from a depo shot, and since it is not something easily stopped or reversed, I would not consider it an option whether I was breastfeeding or not.

[SingingMom]

I used depo before I had babies. I wouldn't use it now. I did experience weight gain with the depo use, and it was very hard to lose even after I stopped the depo.

I would expect it to cause a loss of milk supply. Depo is a progesterone shot; it's rising progesterone levels in pregnancy that shut off milk supply when you get pregnant.

I used condoms and NFP when that was an issue during breastfeeding. I went and got some low-dose minipills, but in the end I decided not to risk the milk supply with even those.

[cherryzz]

My doctor told me that the depo would not effect my milk supply. I have yet to get it though, because of all the comments on low milk supply. I rather get pregnant then lose my milk supply. I cant use condoms for medical reasons.. So DH and I are being as cautious as possible with no BC. Actually only had sex 3 times since dd was born.

[SingingMom]

Most of the studies on using depo while breastfeeding focused on whether the depo was SAFE for the baby, not whether the depo affected the milk supply. The studies, in general, found that there wasn't much depo being passed along to the babies and that it didn't seem to affect their weight gain or development.

Your doctor's office should tell you why they are wanting to delay the depo. Several sites I found mentioned that you should wait until PP bleeding has stopped before giving depo. If you are experiencing on-and-off again bleeding, you should probably wait before getting the shot.

If you have issues with condoms, I strongly recommend that you get a thermometer and look at natural family planning. The book Taking Charge of Your Fertility is a great resource, and will help you make informed choices about your fertility.

[Silly]

I used Depo for two years. Had no periods. Much weight gain, depression and pretty much bitchy all of the time. DH said he would leave me if I ever got back on it.

[cherryzz]

I stopped bleeding and got an actual period 2 weeks later. I was supposed to get the shot but They wouldnt give me the time I needed to come in. Because I have no car and my husband works. It wasnt them not wanting me to get it. Because thats what My doctor said was best for me. Now im thinking I should have just got the Mirena. Its just I had a c section and im not sure if that would make it hurt worse or not.. I dont know. Im stupid I guess. lol

[MrsRhone]

I had my DD two weeks ago and got the depo shot before I left the hospital. I am getting the Essure procedure done in March so this is just a back-up method for now. My midwife said it was fine to get while breastfeeding and my milk supply has been fine. I had the shot along time ago and I said I would never get it again because it made me bleed the whole 3 months but I got it because its easier for me having 3 kids and all and I can't remember taking a pill each day.

[BrandiJR]

I personally would never get the depo! I feel that I have a period for a reason! Although I still have not had one since my baby girl was born. I feel that my period cleans me out and I need to have a period! I feel better after one. I am not liking this, but I know it is because she is nursing exclusively. I half expect to start real soon because of classes 2 days a week and having to pump twice a week.

[carebear3030]

Just say no to depo!!! I cannot attest to how it affects breastmilk but I can attest to it affecting you! I only took 2 doeses of it. I bled for almost a year straight! Yeah it was protecting against pregnancy... I certainly didn't feel like having sex. Then for 2 more years my period was so irregular I was about to have cervical ablation. It gave me HORRIBLE acne and unreal mood swings. It has been nearly impossi me for me to lose weight that I gained. Besides... Did you know this is the SAME drug they use to chemically castrate men in prison. I cannot beg you loud enough to stay away from this form of birth control!

[rydersmommy]

My doctor told me not to get the depo because of the decrease in suplly, so i got an IUD instead. It was very easy. And I havent had a period since I got it put in. You could also look at getting Implanon- it's implanted in your arm.

[KerryS]

The thing with Depo is that it won't affect EVERY woman's supply. But it will affect SOME women's supply, and you have no way of knowing beforehand if you will be one of those women. Since it takes 3 months to get out of your system, that means it would effectively destroy your milk supply for several months. If you want to get Depo, the best thing to do is take the mini-pill for a cycle or two. If you don't notice any reduction in milk supply from that, then it should be safe to get the injection.

[Koltans_mommy08]

I can not agree more with this post!! I was on Depo for 2 years, I did not have any bleeding prolems but I did gain weight and I am very lucky that I still have a husband and mother that love me the mood swings were soooo.... bad!! I didnt have a period or get pregnant but it is not at all worth being on.. I believe that they need to ban this drug!