Another pregnancy may be the last thing a woman has on her mind after she has had her baby and is caring for her new-born.
Once sexual activity has resumed, couples should think about their birth control options if they want to prevent another pregnancy from occurring.
After childbirth, most doctors will recommend that a woman visits her doctor within 6 weeks to ensure that all is well. The doctor will also ask about family planning issues and birth control preferences.
Many couples do not wait 6 weeks to re-establish sexual relations, and women are still able to become pregnant even when breast-feeding.
Contrary to popular belief, it is perfectly safe to take birth control pills while breast-feeding. In fact, there are many different options, depending on personal preferences, medical history, and cost.
Fast facts on birth control while breast-feeding:
• There are many factors to consider when deciding on a form of birth control.
• Several different forms of birth control do not involve the use of hormones.
• Hormonal options are also available.
• Women should discuss their options with their doctor and partner if appropriate.
Lactational amenorrhea method
The lactational amenorrheamethod (LAM) works on the basis that exclusive breast-feeding suppresses a woman's fertility, preventing pregnancy while she is caring for a young infant.
For some women, LAM can be a very effective family planning method as long as certain conditions are met:
• the woman's period has not returned since she gave birth
• the baby is exclusively breast-feeding on demand and is not eating any other foods or liquids
• the baby is less than 6 months old
If the mother and baby meet all of these conditions, then the chance of pregnancy is very low, less than 2 percent according to World Alliance for Breastfeeding.
Once the woman stops exclusively breast-feeding and the baby starts taking supplemental foods, such as formula or baby cereal, the woman's body will begin preparing for pregnancy and ovulation will begin.
If any of the factors listed above change, the woman should consider using additional birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Non-hormonal birth control
These range from readily available and relatively inexpensive options, such as condoms, to devices requiring a prescription and surgical options. Some of these options include:
Barrier contraception
Physical barriers to conception, such as condoms, diaphragms, or the cervical cap, are still an effective method of contraception.
Barrier contraceptives do not contain any hormones so do not affect a woman's milk supply or her ability to breast-feed.
Doctors usually advise women to wait until their first postpartum check before inserting anything into their vagina. This is because there is a higher risk of infection until the cervix has closed and any tears have healed.
Also, many women find that they need to be resized for a new diaphragm or cervical cap, due to the cervical and vaginal changes that occurred during pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.
Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
There are two different types of IUDs: copper and hormonal. Copper IUDs are a highly effective form of birth control that do not have any effect on the milk supply. The IUD is a small coil that is, in this case, wrapped in a small amount of copper.
It prevents implantation, sperm movement, and fertilization. A doctor needs to insert an IUD, which is effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 10 years. If a woman decides that she wants to get pregnant again, the IUD can be easily removed.
Sterilization
This method is a permanent form of birth control and involves cutting the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus. Tying up or blocking the tubes then completely prevents sperm cells from meeting with an egg.
Like the other forms of non-hormonal contraception, this method will not have any effect on a woman's milk supply. Many women choose to have this procedure done during a planned cesarean delivery.
Other sources of caffeine
Coffee is not the only source of caffeine. People concerned about their caffeine consumption or those who notice that caffeine seems to adversely affect the baby should be mindful of other caffeine-rich foods.
Some common sources of caffeine include:
energy drinks
black, green, and white tea
cola drinks
chocolate and cocoa products
Takeaway
No scientific evidence says that someone should give up caffeine while breastfeeding, though it is wise to enjoy it in moderation.
Some ways to manage caffeine intake include:
Monitoring the baby. Some babies are sensitive to caffeine and may become fussy or restless when the breast milk contains too much caffeine.
Considering how other dietary choices, not just caffeine, affect the baby. For instance, a high-sugar drink might affect the baby just as much as caffeine.
Knowing that the adult's well-being matters, too. People who need caffeine to help them maintain energy and deal with frequent nighttime wake-ups and early mornings should not feel guilty about moderate consumption.
Drinking caffeine right after a nursing or pumping session. Depending on how frequently a baby nurses, this may allow enough time for the caffeine content in milk to drop before the next nursing session.
Making exceptions for a premature baby. If the baby was premature or has a particular medical condition, such as a history of food intolerances, it is best
Another pregnancy may be the last thing a woman has on her mind after she has had her baby and is caring for her new-born.
Once sexual activity has resumed, couples should think about their birth control options if they want to prevent another pregnancy from occurring.
After childbirth, most doctors will recommend that a woman visits her doctor within 6 weeks to ensure that all is well. The doctor will also ask about family planning issues and birth control preferences.
Many couples do not wait 6 weeks to re-establish sexual relations, and women are still able to become pregnant even when breast-feeding.
Contrary to popular belief, it is perfectly safe to take birth control pills while breast-feeding. In fact, there are many different options, depending on personal preferences, medical history, and cost.
Fast facts on birth control while breast-feeding:
• There are many factors to consider when deciding on a form of birth control.
• Several different forms of birth control do not involve the use of hormones.
• Hormonal options are also available.
• Women should discuss their options with their doctor and partner if appropriate.
Lactational amenorrhea method
The lactational amenorrheamethod (LAM) works on the basis that exclusive breast-feeding suppresses a woman's fertility, preventing pregnancy while she is caring for a young infant.
For some women, LAM can be a very effective family planning method as long as certain conditions are met:
• the woman's period has not returned since she gave birth
• the baby is exclusively breast-feeding on demand and is not eating any other foods or liquids
• the baby is less than 6 months old
If the mother and baby meet all of these conditions, then the chance of pregnancy is very low, less than 2 percent according to World Alliance for Breastfeeding.
Once the woman stops exclusively breast-feeding and the baby starts taking supplemental foods, such as formula or baby cereal, the woman's body will begin preparing for pregnancy and ovulation will begin.
If any of the factors listed above change, the woman should consider using additional birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Non-hormonal birth control
These range from readily available and relatively inexpensive options, such as condoms, to devices requiring a prescription and surgical options. Some of these options include:
Barrier contraception
Physical barriers to conception, such as condoms, diaphragms, or the cervical cap, are still an effective method of contraception.
Barrier contraceptives do not contain any hormones so do not affect a woman's milk supply or her ability to breast-feed.
Doctors usually advise women to wait until their first postpartum check before inserting anything into their vagina. This is because there is a higher risk of infection until the cervix has closed and any tears have healed.
Also, many women find that they need to be resized for a new diaphragm or cervical cap, due to the cervical and vaginal changes that occurred during pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.
Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
There are two different types of IUDs: copper and hormonal. Copper IUDs are a highly effective form of birth control that do not have any effect on the milk supply. The IUD is a small coil that is, in this case, wrapped in a small amount of copper.
It prevents implantation, sperm movement, and fertilization. A doctor needs to insert an IUD, which is effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 10 years. If a woman decides that she wants to get pregnant again, the IUD can be easily removed.
Sterilization
This method is a permanent form of birth control and involves cutting the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus. Tying up or blocking the tubes then completely prevents sperm cells from meeting with an egg.
Like the other forms of non-hormonal contraception, this method will not have any effect on a woman's milk supply. Many women choose to have this procedure done during a planned cesarean delivery.
Other sources of caffeine
Coffee is not the only source of caffeine. People concerned about their caffeine consumption or those who notice that caffeine seems to adversely affect the baby should be mindful of other caffeine-rich foods.
Some common sources of caffeine include:
energy drinks
black, green, and white tea
cola drinks
chocolate and cocoa products
Takeaway
No scientific evidence says that someone should give up caffeine while breastfeeding, though it is wise to enjoy it in moderation.
Some ways to manage caffeine intake include:
Monitoring the baby. Some babies are sensitive to caffeine and may become fussy or restless when the breast milk contains too much caffeine.
Considering how other dietary choices, not just caffeine, affect the baby. For instance, a high-sugar drink might affect the baby just as much as caffeine.
Knowing that the adult's well-being matters, too. People who need caffeine to help them maintain energy and deal with frequent nighttime wake-ups and early mornings should not feel guilty about moderate consumption.
Drinking caffeine right after a nursing or pumping session. Depending on how frequently a baby nurses, this may allow enough time for the caffeine content in milk to drop before the next nursing session.
Making exceptions for a premature baby. If the baby was premature or has a particular medical condition, such as a history of food intolerances, it is best
Comments
Post a Comment