What Are The Best Post-Baby Birth Control Options?
Shortly after giving birth, one of the first questions you ask yourself is, “when can I begin my birth control again and which kind should I get?” It is important to consider whether your original birth control method should be adjusted or should remain the same. Every woman is different, therefore consulting your OBGYN is recommended prior to beginning a birth control again. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from that will be safe and effective for your body. Check out the top 5 chosen birth control methods:
The infamous Birth Control Pills
This is the most common form of birth control used by women of all ages. Many women begin with this birth control and choose to continue doing so after pregnancy. The pill is an important day to day commitment to ensure it is working properly and should be taken at the same time every day to maintain standard hormone levels. While the responsibility of sustaining a pill schedule can seem tough, it’s the most effective way to prevent another pregnancy before you’re ready. The birth control pill is deemed the most popular choice for new mothers who plan to continue growing their family in the future.
IUD’s
This birth control is best recommended for women who have already had children. In fact, the popularity rate has skyrocketed since the devices introduction. This T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) is an implanted birth control inserted into your uterus by your OBGYN that handles your everyday dose. These devices release a hormone called levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, into the uterus preventing pregnancy for 4 to 12 years. IUD’s can easily be removed whenever you’re ready to have more children. You can become pregnant shortly after removal with no negative effects on fertility.
Condoms
Safe sex is great sex. Condoms are the best alternative for preventing pregnancy when used properly. Beginning a pill or implant method with active plans to grow a family may not be the best choice. Condoms are recommended for everybody, but especially to women who plan to have another baby in the near future of a recent birth.
Vaginal Rings
This device can be implanted by the user. This form of birth control releases hormones for a month before it needs replacing. Once your period arrives, the ring should be removed and replaced with a new one. If this is a preferred method for new mothers, it is crucial that it is not used until breastfeeding is completed, as this device gives off the estrogen hormone which is not safe for the baby. Alternative options such as the pill would be an ideal option for the time being.
Implants
Implants are very similar to the IUD method. This birth control is a tiny rod implanted into the upper arm preventing fertility for up to 3 years. Just like other implants, this can be removed any time by your OBGYN if a baby is wanted. Unlike the vaginal ring, the rod releases progesterone rather than estrogen, making the implant the safer option during breastfeeding. This procedure takes up to 5 minutes to perform and the effects begin immediately.
At the end of the day, the best form of birth control is abstinence. For those who prefer to practice safe sex without reproducing, there are plenty of alternatives to consider. Discussing all forms of birth control with an OBGYN is highly recommended before usage. Every woman’s body is unique and with professional guidance, the safest contraceptive will be chosen for you and your baby.
