Congratulations on welcoming your bundle of joy! As you navigate the beautiful, demanding journey of motherhood, questions about birth control naturally arise. Balancing breastfeeding with your desire for effective contraception can seem daunting, but don’t worry mamas! Wasatch Wellness, a women’s health center in Heber City, UT, is here to guide you through the compatible options.
Why Choose Birth Control While Breastfeeding?
The decision to use birth control while breastfeeding is personal and influenced by various factors. Overall, using birth control while breastfeeding allows women to have more control over their reproductive health and family planning decisions.
Spacing Pregnancies:
- Ensuring physical and emotional recovery: After childbirth, it takes time to heal physically and emotionally. Birth control allows time for mothers to rebuild their strength and well-being before considering another pregnancy.
- Focused attention on the current child: Spacing pregnancies gives moms the opportunity to dedicate their full attention and energy to their new baby, fostering a strong bond and ensuring their needs are met.
Family Planning:
- Personal and financial goals: Families have individual needs and aspirations. Birth control allows couples to plan their pregnancies around personal goals, career paths, or financial stability, ensuring they feel prepared for a child.
- Achieving desired family size: Some families might have a predetermined family size in mind. Using birth control while breastfeeding empowers them to achieve this goal while still enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding. Feel free to talk to one of our specialists at the women’s health center at Wasatch Wellness to discuss your options.
Medical Considerations:
- Addressing medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can complicate pregnancy during breastfeeding. Birth control offers a safeguard for women with pre-existing health concerns, reducing potential risks and prioritizing their well-being.
- Managing underlying health issues: Some medications needed for managing chronic health conditions may be incompatible with pregnancy. Birth control allows women to continue these medications without risking unintended pregnancy.
Let’s Talk Breastfeeding and Birth Control Compatibility:
Breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months postpartum, can offer some natural birth control through a method called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). However, LAM requires specific criteria and perfect compliance, making it unreliable for most women. Therefore, exploring other compatible methods is crucial.
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM):
- Understanding LAM: This fertility awareness method relies on specific conditions to naturally suppress ovulation:
- Exclusive breastfeeding: Baby feeds frequently day and night, on demand, with no supplements or solid food.
- No return of menstruation: Postpartum bleeding doesn’t signify regular periods yet.
- Baby under 6 months old: As baby’s sucking frequency decreases, ovulation becomes more likely.
- Effectiveness: While theoretically 98% effective under perfect conditions, real-world success rates are lower due to the strict criteria and challenges in maintaining them. Even slight variations in breastfeeding patterns or introducing solids can disrupt its effectiveness.
- Suitability: LAM may be a good option for highly motivated mothers with strong support systems and consistent breastfeeding practices. However, it’s crucial to discuss its limitations with your healthcare provider at a women’s health center and consider alternative methods due to its unreliability for most women.
Understanding Your Options:
The good news is, that numerous safe and effective birth control methods work wonderfully alongside breastfeeding. Let’s explore different categories:
1. Non-hormonal options:
- Barrier methods: These options provide physical barriers to sperm. They include condoms (external and internal), diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges. They’re readily available, user-controlled, and offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, consistent and correct use is key for effectiveness.
- Copper IUD (ParaGard): This small, T-shaped device inserted into your uterus releases copper, hindering sperm movement. It’s highly effective, long-lasting (up to 12 years), and doesn’t contain hormones. Insertion may require a visit to your healthcare provider.
2. Hormonal options:
- Progestin-only pills (mini-pills): Unlike traditional combination pills, these contain only progestin, minimizing potential milk supply concerns. They require precise daily intake for effectiveness.
- Progestin-only injectables (Depo-Provera): This shot, administered every 3 months, releases progestin to prevent pregnancy. It’s convenient and highly effective but may cause irregular bleeding patterns.
- Progestin-only implants (Nexplanon): This matchstick-sized implant inserted under your arm releases progestin for up to 3 years. It’s highly effective and requires no daily maintenance.
- Progestin-releasing IUDs (Skyla and Mirena): These IUDs release low doses of progestin locally, making them suitable for breastfeeding mothers. They offer long-term protection for 3-5 years (Skyla) and 5-7 years (Mirena). Consult your specialist at a women’s health center for more options.
Factors to Consider When Choosing:
- Breastfeeding exclusivity and frequency: If you exclusively breastfeed frequently on demand, especially during the first 6 months, your risk of ovulation is lower. However, this doesn’t guarantee protection, and relying solely on LAM is risky.
- Personal preferences and lifestyle: Consider factors like convenience, effectiveness, potential side effects, and cost when making your decision.
- Medical history and individual needs: Consult your healthcare provider to discuss any pre-existing health conditions or concerns to choose the safest and most suitable method for you.
Wasatch Wellness Is Here to Help:
We understand the unique challenges and joys of new motherhood. Our team of compassionate healthcare professionals provides expert guidance and support in choosing the right birth control method for your breastfeeding journey.
Benefits of Consulting Wasatch Wellness:
- Personalized assessments: We consider your individual circumstances, breastfeeding practices, and medical history to recommend the most suitable options.
- Comprehensive information: We provide clear and evidence-based information on various birth control methods, addressing your questions and concerns.
- Confidential counseling: Our team offers a safe and understanding space to discuss your needs and preferences without judgment.
- Access to services: We can help you access the chosen birth control method through prescriptions, fitting appointments, and ongoing monitoring.
Wasatch Wellness, a women’s health center, offers guidance on birth control compatibility while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can provide natural contraception through the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), but its reliability varies. Understanding LAM’s criteria and exploring alternative methods is crucial. Non-hormonal (e.g., barrier methods, copper IUD) and hormonal options (e.g., progestin-only pills, injectables, implants, IUDs) are available. Factors such as breastfeeding practices, lifestyle, and medical history influence choice. Wasatch Wellness provides personalized assessments, information, counseling, and access to services. Reach out for support in making informed decisions about your reproductive health during this special time.
Remember mamas, you deserve informed choices and support on your breastfeeding journey. Reach out to Wasatch Wellness today and let us empower you to make confident decisions about your well-being and reproductive health.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to discuss your individual needs and make informed decisions about your health.
