Breastfeeding And Contraception

Breastfeeding And Contraception After Childbirth | Your Options.

After childbirth, your period does not come back immediately. It may take several weeks or months for your period to return. However, the absence of periods does not mean the absence of a menstrual cycle or the absence of ovulation.

The choice of contraception after childbirth is therefore important due to the large number of unintended pregnancies during this period. The contraceptive methods that can be used during the postpartum period vary depending on whether or not the woman is breastfeeding her child. Different methods compatible with breastfeeding can be used.

Right after birth, women are often too tired or too busy to worry about their contraception. The ideal is therefore to address this question as soon as you are pregnant, or at least before leaving maternity.

After Birth Contraception

Contraception During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the source of a special form of natural contraception during the first 6 months after childbirth. This contraceptive method, called ”lactational amenorrhea”, remains unreliable, with an unplanned pregnancy rate estimated at 3%. It is therefore recommended to use another method of contraception in parallel.

Different methods of contraception can be used in case of breastfeeding without risk for the infant:

• The daily intake of a micro-progestogen pill, as early as 3 weeks after childbirth.
• Placement of an implant, 3 weeks after childbirth.
• Placement of an IUD (Intra-Uterine Device) or copper or hormonal IUD, as early as 4 weeks after childbirth.
• Male or female condoms.

Definitive Birth Control Options

Definitive Birth Control Options

For women who no longer wish to have children, permanent contraception, or sterilization, may be considered after childbirth. The various sterilization techniques (tubal ligation, electrocoagulation, placement of rings or clips) can be practiced.

In all cases, a reflection period of 4 months must be respected between the initial request for sterilization and the completion of the technique. As before pregnancy, it is useful to check with a healthcare professional to choose the most suitable contraception for each woman.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center