Contraception: After birth What form of birth control is appropriate for you?

Child spacing
Doctors recommend to wait 18-24 months before getting pregnant again. Pregnancies spaced 18-23 months result in a lower risk of low birth weight and premature delivery. .

Other advantages may be that this time allows:
• each child to spend time with her/his mother,
• the family to save some money (since diapers and clothes are costly),
• the mother to replace the nutrients her body used during pregnancy (especially nutrients such as iron, folate, Vitamins B6 and B12, and calcium), and
• the family to adjust to the new family member.

Oral Contraceptives and Other Hormonal Contraceptives
Barrier methods of contraception (condoms, diaphragm) have no effect on milk supply and are preferred. However, most women can also use progestin-only methods of hormonal contraception with little effect on the breastmilk and milk supply.

Progestin-only methods include:

• The `mini-pill` (oral contraceptive).
• Depo-Provera (injected contraceptive).
• Progestin-IUDs (inserted into the uterus).

Wait until lactation is established (at least six weeks) before starting progestin- only contraceptives. It is also recommended that the mother uses the `mini-pill` before trying the other methods, as the pill can be stopped immediately if there is a problem with milk supply. The mini-pill must be taken at the same time each day to be effective.

Nursing mothers can also use combined oral contraceptives pills containing both estrogen and progestin and a combined injection. Estrogen can decrease the milk supply, so it is recommended that mothers wait to start an estrogen containing contraception until after their babies are six months old. The baby should be monitored for appropriate weight gain.Mini Pill
low-dose contraceptive pill containing progestin, taken daily, that prevents egg release and causes uterus opening to thicken, which stops sperm from reaching the egg.

Advantages:

• Less risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and uterine cancer
• Safe for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers
• Safe for women who cannot take estrogen
• Low failure rate (3%)
• Fewer side effects and health risks when compared to combination birth control pills
• Light or no periods
• Less menstrual cramping

Disadvantages:

• Does not protect from HIV infection or other STDs
• Can cause irregular menstrual periods
• Less effective than combination birth control pills

Depo-Provera
A synthetic hormone, usually injected into the upper arm or buttocks, that prevents ovulation

Advantages:

• Effective within 24 hours of injection
• Shot lasts for about 12 weeks
• Low failure rate (less than 1%)
• May protect against endometrial (uterine) cancer and ovarian cancer
• Convenient
• Useful for women who cannot take estrogen
• May reduce menstrual cramps

Disadvantages:

• Does not protect from HIV infection or other STDs
• May delay conception as long as 18 months after ending use
• May cause changes in menstrual blood flow (often fewer and lighter periods, sometimes longer and heavier periods, sometimes light spotting and breakthrough bleeding)

Intrauterine Device (IUD)
A small plastic device that contains copper or uses a natural hormone, inserted into the uterus to prevent conception.

Advantages:

• Can last from 1-10 years
• Low failure rate (2%)
• Does not affect a woman`s hormones
• Convenient

Disadvantages:

• Increased risk of infection for women who have more than one sex partner or whose partner has other partners
• Does not protect from HIV infection or other STDs
• Can perforate uterus (rare occurrence)
• Can lead to iron deficiency
• May cause changes in menstrual blood flow
• May cause cramping after insertion
• Initial cost is high

Glossary:
mini pill- The mini pill, taken daily, is a low-dose contraceptive pill containing progestin that prevents egg release and causes the uterus opening to thicken, stopping sperm from reaching the egg.

Depo-Povera- Depo-Povera is a synthetic hormone, usually injected into the upper arm or buttocks, that prevents ovulation.

intrauterine device (IUD)- An intrauterine device is a small plastic device, that contains copper or a natural hormone, that is inserted into the uterus to prevent conception.





Comments: Contraception - After-birth

Comments 1 to 24 of about 53.
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KarenVG - 13 days ago.
Well make sure you really are never wanting more kids before you or your hubbie get 'fixed'. Some people believe vasectomies are good for reversals but they are not really. It is possible to have more after the vasectomy is reversed but you chances are not high and get worse the longer you wait... we had a amazing doctor who managed to reverse the vasectomy twice... the first one stopped working and had to be redone for more kids... it is also financially crippling... I am having my tubes tied after this one...my Dh has had enough pain there!!! (He had a vasectomy as he was done in his first marriage it had to be done twice as the first didn't work! So make sure you send the man for a sperm test however much they resist!)

seven - 13 days ago.
I'm starting to think that the only way I know I wont get pregnant is no sex. Every form of BC has atleast 2 people saying they got pregnant on it.... No good :(

Its-Chelle - 23 days ago.
i got my tubes tied after 4 kids..was an easy choice to make..plus my hubby wasnt about to go through with a vasectomy..i was very scared of getting put to sleep for surgery, i did have a choice to be awake and do what they called a walking epidural, but i didnt want that, it was a quick surgery, i went home a few hrs after, it ws done day after i had my son.recovery was no different than with just giving birth.it was done through my belly button, cant see anything, the docs said its easier done after birth cause uterus and all is right there and easier for them to get to..sure is nice to not worry about getting prego again..

dresmommi - 50 days ago.
i had my son almost 5 weeks ago and stopped bleeding last week...im on my second week of birth control and on vacation with my hubby. we were planning to try and have sex again tonight but for some reason i started bleeding again yesterday and its gotten even heavier today. i dont see how it would be my period seeing is how im not on the sugar pills yet....do you think the bleeding is brought on by my birth control or what...if i stop taking it, will it stop? this totally ruined my vacation...does anyone know what it could be? please help.

lauren8681 - 56 days ago.
Hey guys, I am trying to weigh my options for birth control after i have my baby. I am going to be breastfeeding so i know i cant use some of them, what has worked for you guys who were breastfeeding? i really dont want to get pregnant right away again!!!

Scooby-doo - 63 days ago.
I'm getting my tubes tied. As a precaution I want to get the IUD. Is there anyone who has one that can shed some light on the situation for me.

derra1976 - 72 days ago.
Well I will probably have my tubes tied or my hubby will get fixed to prevent us from getting pregnant again. This one was a surprise, but we are taking it in stride. I was on the pill, but had just changed brands and bam, got pregnant. I was on the pill when I got pregnant with my son too, but that was my fault, I had a bad sinus infection and had been on alot of antibiotics and some other meds that I am sure interfered with my birth control pills.

kellnjoelplusone - 72 days ago.
I have gotten pregnant twice on the pill too. I have no idea what to do after I have this baby i'm thinking of using the arm inset or an IUD

kayleighrobo - 72 days ago.
i thought it was 3 years i got pregnant twice of the pill and once of the injection i think i'll try the chip in the arm wish me gud luck x

warwickbaby - 72 days ago.
My SIL conceived on the inserts in the arm!!!

MilMom2Be - 72 days ago.
Yeah, about the arm insert... My friend is due one week b4 I am, which is kinda cool, but she was told that it would be effective for five years. She had had it for almost 3 yrs when she found out she was preggo. I know nothing is fool-proof, but if you are going to get something that big injected into your arm I figure I'd be pretty pissy if it failed me! She has taken it all very well though, lol, she is having a beautiful lil boy to play with my imminent lil girl!

Christabell - 74 days ago.
I was wondering if anyone had gotten those insert things in their upper arm? A friend of mine got them and she says they last for 5 years, but you can take them out when you want. Just wondering if anyone knows anything about them or has them.

marlenestern - 77 days ago.
hey...does anyone know anything about the diaphragm as a contraceptive?

kathrynb10 - 79 days ago.
I too wanted birth control without the hormones so I chose the copper IUD for seven years. Other than slightly heavier periods, I had great results. It hurt some when they took it out, but not much. As for your man being able to feel it during sex, mine could feel a little added pressure the closer I got to my period, but it never hurt him. I think it's a great option.

marrisu - 79 days ago.
I had the copper IUD for three years with no problems. It was great I could not tell it was even there and neither could my hubby. Your periods are a little heavier with the copper one but it was worth it to me not having any hormones like other birth control options.

AnOddBatch - 79 days ago.
A friend of mine just had an IUD put in about a month and a half ago. She was experiencing a fair amount of pain for a while and when she went in for a check-up they took an ultrasound and were unable to find the IUD. Long story short, they sent her all over the place getting x-rays and ultrasounds trying to find the IUD (they were worried that it may have travelled somewhere outside of the uterus) and never found it. They concluded that it must have just come out when she had her period and she hadn't noticed. Anyway, she ended up with a lot of pain, a HUGE medical bill that she can't pay and no longer even has the IUD. From what I understand this is a rare case, but the thing really seemed to cause her a lot of unnecessary grief.

nycmama - 79 days ago.
I have 3 kids and pregnant now. After I had the last one I got a Copper-IUD 'cause I don't wanna take hormones (bad w/ pills & depo had me bleeding for 5 mos.) Well, I guess everyone is different but I got pregnant with the IUD IN PLACE! So much for effectiveness! Now I'm at a loss for BC because they next best thing would be a tubal but risky!

jessicahedden - 79 days ago.
I am also interested in info on the IUD. I think it is the best option for me. I am wondering, when after you have the baby do they insert it? My bf is wondering if there is any way that it will be felt during sex. Thanks for any info anyone has

serinadee - 84 days ago.
I completely recommend the patch. You pretty much cannot forget it enless you leave it on for too long. I know there have been a lot of commercials and etc about blood clots and all of that. However, that is true with any pill you will take as contraception. I had an increased sex drive when I went on it. The only thing is the annoying sticky stuff, kind of like a bandaid, that collects fuzz, but I kept it on my buttcheek, so 'out of sight, out of mind.' :)

NewBeginings - 89 days ago.
hey ladies curious if any one here has a iud. I was looking into getting one after this pregnancy because this one was concieved on the pill.I took it every day at the same time with out fail and i am still prego so i am not so interested in trusting it again. I cant use condoms because i am allergic to latex and that other stuff is just weird feeling. The depo shot made me really sick and the patch falls off. So that leaves me with the iud. I like that its easy but i dont know too much about it. Looking for general info and what your opinions on it are. thanks ladies

mommabell - 98 days ago.
Everyone is so different, you can never tell what a certain birth control will do. I was on Depo for 3 years, no period no weight gain, and i was able to conceive exactly 6 months after stopping. HOWEVER, once I stopped Depo, I suffered SEVERE anxiety, probably because of hormone changes. That was the worst 3 months of my life. Good luck to all!

WaitingForMyLittleKitty - 106 days ago.
i want to get an IUD after delivery im scared to anyone had one o planning to??

jellybeans mommy - 119 days ago.
Im trying to find out what would be the best method of birth control for me...im 9 mnths pregnant with my first son & would really like to not have nemore kids till he is about 5 & i know my husband isn't goin for condoms so i want a method that is goin to keep us kid free but isn't goin 2 effect us having more kids n the future!!...any advice?

mamajugs - 144 days ago.
Yay! hubby is all booked in for his snip! Its too much hassle for me to be done surgically, he thinks 3 kids is definately enough. lol.

gogetemgirl - 144 days ago.
My doc told me I had to wait 6 weeks before my tubal unless I have a c sec.


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