What Contraception To Use During Lactation?

Most women have this question about using contraception during lactation. Breastfeeding leads to many changes in your reproductive cycle. Many women do not get their menstrual cycle at all while they nurse the baby. That is why they feel that breastfeeding as contraception is a viable option. However, that is not always true. You can get pregnant even when you are breastfeeding; that is why it is imperative to use some kind of protection.

Contraception during lactation should be chosen with care because all types of birth control cannot be used during this time. There are some types of postnatal birth control that is both safe and viable for a couple. Most couples want to avoid unplanned pregnancies just after they give birth. Here are some of important facts to know about contraception during lactation.

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Breastfeeding as contraception may not be full-proof. However, your chances of getting pregnant while you are nursing are substantially low. So, if you are not getting your monthly periods, you don't need to be too anxious about getting pregnant.

However, do a pregnancy test at home every 30 to 45 days just to be sure. As you are not getting your menstrual bleeding, you are probably not ovulating. But that makes it impossible to tell if you are pregnant without a conclusive pregnancy test.

Ideally, you must not start oral contraceptive pills when you are breastfeeding. There are two reasons for this. Just after you deliver your baby, your hormonal balance is still improper. And these hormone pills can create further havoc mixed with your pregnancy hormones. Besides, hormone pills may interfere with your breastfeeding and milk production.

Barrier methods are non-intrusive and best form of contraception during lactation. That is why you should probably go for condoms or diaphragms as part of postnatal contraception choices. Both these forms of contraception are about 97 percent effective. But if you use them properly, you are in the safe zone. Your chances of having an accidental pregnancy are very slim.

IUCDs or Intra Uterine contraceptive devices like copper T are an option that many people opt for. These IUCDs can be installed in the uterus right after childbirth and keep you in the safe zone for about 3 to 5 years. This helps you to plan your family and maintain a healthy age gap between children.

So choose a type of contraception during lactation that is most appropriate for you. Always consult with your gynecologist before you decide to use these types of birth control after child birth.