You have recently had a baby and are breastfeeding. Therefore, in the near future, you exclude getting pregnant again and wondering if there is a safe contraception for you? It turns out that even while breastfeeding, women have a lot of choice - both a mini-pill, an IUD or a contraceptive injection are safe for them.

Is breastfeeding really an effective contraceptive method?

Breastfeedingcannot be 100% sure that you will not get pregnant again. Theoretically, prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation, also inhibits ovulation. But there are many factors that can interfere with this contraceptive effect of prolactin: the general he alth of a woman, with particular emphasis on the hormonal balance, diet and, finally, her individual predispositions. Therefore, when a woman is exclusively breastfeeding her baby (she is not giving her anything else, not even drinking), she is he althy and does not take any medications, she has little chance of pregnancy in the first 4 - 5 months, but the risk is still there. And it grows every week! On the other hand, in women who are not breastfeeding or who have started mixed feeding early (also when the baby is being fed), the period of infertility usually lasts up to three weeks after giving birth.

What contraceptive methods can be used while breastfeeding?

Contraception should be selected individually for each woman. The choice is made together with the woman by her gynecologist. While breastfeeding, you cannot use allcontraceptive methods . Mechanical methods are recommended, such as a condom andIUD , such as the progestin-releasing Mirena IUD. Another recommended contraceptive is called mini-pill, estrogen-free, gestagen only. It passes into breast milk in minimal amounts, and in even lower concentration reaches the baby and has no effect on it. In Poland, it is available under the name of cerazette. A woman may also receive gestagen injections after having a baby. The use of a classic contraceptive pill with estrogens is contraindicated. Taking them may lead to inhibition of lactation, and estrogens passing into milk will adversely affect the bodychild.

Surprising Facts About Contraception

How does the Depo-provera contraceptive injection work and when can this method of contraception be used?

Depo-provera is a synthetic, more potent derivative of progesterone. It prevents Graff's follicles from ripening and stops ovulation, thus preventing pregnancy. The agent administered by intramuscular injection is released slowly, thanks to which it works for a long time (it protects for three months, and full fertility returns only a few months after the last injection). It can be used while breastfeeding, but only six weeks after giving birth. There are also other contraindications that your doctor will inform you about.

When can an IUD be inserted after childbirth? Is this form of contraception recommended for nursing mothers? Or is it a solution for women who do not have any more children?

It is a method of contraception that can be used while breastfeeding. However, the decision to put on the spiral should be made jointly by the woman and her doctor. After a cesarean section, the earliest you can insert the IUD is after twelve weeks. After physiological delivery - even in the sixth week of puerperium and you don't have to wait for the first menstruation. The insert prevents pregnancy immediately after insertion. It can be removed at any time and has no negative effect on fertility. Some doctors question the reversibility of this method because women who use it more often than others develop inflammation in the small pelvis (and prolonged inflammation may adversely affect fertility), and the risk of ectopic pregnancy increases.

When can a woman start using hormonal contraception after having a baby?

If a woman is not breastfeeding, she can use hormonal contraception right after the puerperium. However, when she is breastfeeding, she can use the classic contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progesterone only after weaning the baby - then she starts taking pills from the next bleeding.

Problem

Stomach disorders may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within two hours of taking the pill, the hormone absorption is reduced. Then you have to take another tablet. In case of repeated vomiting, do not skip the pill, but also use a condom for seven days.

Is the so-called the pill can be used while breastfeeding?

Postinor-duo is a pill used as a so-called emergency contraception - pill after. This means that a woman can take it up to 72 hours after intercourse ifsuspects that the intercourse may result in an unplanned pregnancy. The remedy will work the more effectively the sooner the woman takes it. Postinor-duo can be used during breastfeeding, but it should be remembered that this form of contraception should be treated exceptionally, as a rescue in emergency situations, and not as a method for permanent use.

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Pregnancy