PostPartum Birth Control Myths

Becoming a mom is a life-changing experience. Not only are new moms spending time loving their new bundles of joy, but all of a sudden they are bombarded with a myriad of responsibilities that they may not have had before. Between their newly chaotic schedule and the roller coaster of emotions that come with being a parent, being intimate may be the last thing on their to-do list. However, with the majority of new moms resuming intercourse within several weeks of giving birth, it is important for them to have a plan in place to resume taking birth control postpartum.

Some common myths that new moms may believe after giving birth is that they cannot become pregnant until they’ve started their period, that a woman who is breastfeeding is protected from pregnancy, and that a mom will not ovulate while they are breastfeeding. Here are a few facts that can help to dispel these myths:

  • Mom’s who have recently given birth may become pregnant even before their period has returned. Ovulation occurs approximately two weeks prior to the start of a woman’s period; therefore it is important for a new mom to begin using birth control prior to the start of her period.
  • If a new mom chooses not to breastfeed, she will begin to ovulate again between the 25th and 72nd day after she’s given birth, with the average ovulation day being around the 45th
  • While breastfeeding can help to suppress the hormones produced by the pituitary glands that make a woman ovulate, breastfeeding moms are not completely protected from pregnancy. In order to use breastfeeding as an effective form of birth control, a new mom must breastfeed every four hours in the daytime, every six hours at night, be providing their child with 90-95 percent of their food through breast milk, and be anticipating breastfeeding for six months minimum. Otherwise, a new mom’s chances of becoming pregnant are merely reduced, and are not affected significantly enough for breastfeeding to be considered a reliable form of birth control.

Birth Control Options After Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is important for an expectant mom to discuss her birth control options with her healthcare provider. While some moms may be able to resume the birth control they used prior to pregnancy , many moms may need to switch to a new birth control that is safer for them and their new baby, or may just be interested in trying a new method that better compliments their lifestyle.

Here is a list composed of some forms of birth control to consider:

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods are physical forms of birth control that are non-hormonal and are used to prevent sperm from coming in contact with an egg. These methods include:

Male Condoms: A thin latex or polyurethane sheath that is placed over the erect penis and keeps semen from entering the vagina during sex. This method is available without a prescription and can be purchased at most drug stores. They not only prevent pregnancy but offer substantial protection against HIV and STI’s.

Female Condoms: A thin polyurethane pouch that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. The soft rings located at both ends help to hold the condom in place. Like male condoms, female condoms do not require a prescription and can be purchased at most drug stores. They too can provide protection from STI’s and HIV.

Diaphragm: A dome shaped device that is filled partially with spermicide and fitted into the vagina prior to intercourse. This device helps to keep sperm from entering the cervix and reaching an egg. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider around the six week mark post partum in order to be correctly sized for a diaphragm. If you have worn a diaphragm prior to becoming pregnant, it is still necessary to be sized by a healthcare provider after giving birth as your postpartum size may be different.

Cervical cap: Similar to a diaphragm, this device is partially filled with spermicide and then placed into the vagina over the cervix in order to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The shape of the cervical cap is similar to that of a sailor’s hat. These devices are available by prescription, and it is necessary to wait up to ten weeks postpartum before use.

 

 Hormonal Methods

Hormonal Methods of birth control release synthetic hormones into the body as a means to decrease uterine lining making it more difficult for an egg to attach, suppressing ovulation, and preventing sperm from reaching an egg by thickening cervical mucus. Unlike barrier methods, hormonal methods are available by prescription only and may require a consultation from a healthcare provider prior to use. These methods offer significant protection against pregnancy, but offer no protection against STI’s and HIV.

The mini-pill: An oral contraceptive that provides a small amount of progestin. These pills come in a pack of 28 pills that must be taken at the same time daily in order to provide a steady supply of hormones.

The pill: An oral contraceptive that contains a combination of both estrogen and progestin. The pill must be taken for 21 days, with seven days of non-hormone pills in-between packets.

The ring: A clear, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina at the beginning of your cycle. The ring works with body heat to release continuous low doses of estrogen and progestin during the 28 day cycle. A new ring is placed in for three weeks and taken out for one week before a new ring is inserted.

The patch: A thin, tan square that is applied to the skin like an adhesive bandage. The patch works to release a continuous low dose of estrogen and progestin. A patch is applied and worn for three weeks, and then there is a week off before applying the new patch.

The shot: An injection of progestin that is received every three months. This form of contraceptive is convenient to those who have trouble remembering the pill daily or for any reason cannot take estrogen. However, this form of birth control is not ideal for those who are planning to start conceiving within the next year because it can take up to a year after your last shot for full fertility to return.

The implant: A flexible rod, about the size of a matchstick, which is inserted just underneath the skin of the upper arm. The implant works by continuously delivering small amounts of progestin and can remain in place for up to three years.

Intrauterine devices (IUD)

The IUD is a small plastic device that is shaped like a T. This device must be inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. Currently there are two kinds of IUD’s available to women in the U.S.: The copper based Paragard can last up to 10 years, and Mirena which is progestin based and can last up to five years.

 

It is important to note that new moms must wait four weeks postpartum to begin starting an estrogen based form of contraceptive and that this form of birth control is not recommended for moms who are breast feeding. Not only have estrogen based contraceptives been known to increase the risk of blood clots in new moms during the early postpartum weeks, they have also been linked to low milk supply and shorter duration of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding moms should consider using a progestin only contraceptive if hormonal based methods are desired.