> when taking the mini-pill, she must use a different form
> of birth control once solids are added to her baby's diet.  Is this right?
>

I read in a book about oral contraceptives (I believe the book was
called "The Pill Book" or something like like) that progesterone
only contraceptives were only recommended for breastfeeding mothers
for the first 6 months after birth.  Once solids were begun, same
reasons as LAM is not considered as effective, the progesterone only
pill is less reliable because there is not the additional
contraceptive effects of breastfeeding.

The author stated that if bf'ing in the first 6 months and a pill
was missed that a mother could take it up to 12 hours later without
compromising her contraceptive status.  Whereas after 6 months pills
must be taken at the same time of day or an additional barrier
method should be used for a week.  Once solids are begun he
recommended switching to a combined oral contraceptive.

I think this is only an opinion.  Many mothers choose to take
progesterone only contraceptives to limit the amount of hormones
they and they baby are exposed to.  If they are aware that they will
need to be conscientious in taking their pill at the same time each
day (or choose an implanted or injection method) I think it is up to
mum to decide.

Maybe it is statistically slightly less effective once ovulation has
returned but this is only theoretical as the progesterone only pill
can inhibit ovulation and cause amenorrhea in some women.  In other
women the POP is believed to act more as a barrier method by
altering the cervical mucous.

Just as mothers make the decision about which contraceptive method
they will choose, I think they should be able to choose to remain on
a progesterone only pill if they wish.
--
Janet Vandenberg, RN, BScN,
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
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