Postpartum Contraception: How to Choose a Safe Method After Giving Birth

After giving birth, choosing the right contraception method becomes especially important. New mothers often face the question of how to prevent an unintended pregnancy during the postpartum period. In this article, we will explore the best contraception methods after childbirth, their safety, and the specific considerations for breastfeeding women.

Myths About Contraception During Breastfeeding

One of the most common misconceptions is the belief that a woman cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding. However, this is not entirely true. During breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin is produced, which suppresses ovulation, but this only works under certain conditions. The "lactational amenorrhea" method (where the absence of menstruation is linked to breastfeeding) is effective only if the woman breastfeeds on demand, and the intervals between feedings do not exceed 3-4 hours, including night feedings. If the baby starts sleeping through the night or if there are longer intervals between feedings, ovulation may resume, and the risk of pregnancy increases.

Postpartum Contraception Methods

To avoid unintended pregnancy, it's essential to use reliable contraception methods after childbirth. Here are several options:

• Condoms: This is one of the safest contraception methods during the first few months after childbirth, and it can be used immediately.
• Hormonal Contraceptives: You can start using hormonal contraceptives 6 weeks after childbirth, but only after consulting your doctor. It's important to note that combined oral contraceptives containing estrogen are contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD): This method is convenient because it does not require daily pill intake. The IUD provides protection against pregnancy for 3-5 years and is suitable for most women after childbirth.

Consultation with a Doctor

Before choosing a contraception method, be sure to consult with your doctor. They will conduct an examination, may recommend a pelvic ultrasound, and suggest the most suitable contraception that will not harm your health and will be safe for your baby.

It's important that contraception methods used during breastfeeding do not contain estrogen. Estrogen can affect milk production and the health of the baby, so it's essential to choose products that contain only progestin.

When Can Hormonal Contraceptives Be Used?

Hormonal contraceptives can only be started 6 weeks after childbirth and only after a consultation with a doctor. This is important because your body needs time to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, and only a doctor can assess when it is safe for you to use hormones.

Conclusion: The choice of a contraception method after childbirth depends on many factors, including your health, breastfeeding status, and personal preferences. Remember that the best way to avoid an unintended pregnancy is to consult with your doctor, who will help you choose the optimal contraception method.

Conclusion

As you can see, postpartum contraception can be diverse and almost identical to the methods used before pregnancy. The key is not to rely on myths, but to choose and use contraceptives correctly, following your doctor's recommendations.