Contraception And Breastfeeding

With so many options available, navigating through the minefield of contraceptive pills can be overwhelming, especially if you have never used this method of birth control before. The good news is, with such variety on offer, there is a high chance that you will find a pill that suits your individual needs. The type of contraception you choose will depend upon a number of factors, and to help you make an informed decision, here is a simple guide:

The combined pill

Perhaps the most popular choice is the combined pill, commonly known as ‘the pill’. The pill contains two female hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, and is 99 per cent effective as a method of contraception. Generally, the combined pill will make your period lighter, less painful and may also reduce the risk of a number of health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, fibroids and certain types of cancer. The combined pill is monophasic, meaning each pill contains the same amount of hormones and it is taken every day for three weeks, with a seven day break. Examples of the combined pill include Microgynon 30, Brevenoir and Cilest.

However, it is worth noting that this pill may not be suitable for women who are overweight, taking certain antibiotics, aged 35 and smoke or have certain health conditions, such as aura migraines.

The mini pill

The mini pill contains just one hormone, progesterone, and is 99 per cent effective as a method of contraception if taken correctly. This pill is taken continuously with no breaks. Examples of progestogen-only pills include Micronor, Femulen, Norgeston, Noriday and Cerazette.

This pill is can be used as an alternative for women who cannot take contraception that contains oestrogen. The mini pill is also commonly recommended for women who are breastfeeding or taking medication.

Other considerations

The contraceptive pill can also be used to reduce a number of unwanted health symptoms. For example, dianette is said to help with acne and facial hair by lowering the production of testosterone. If you suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome, a low dose oestrogen pill, such as Mercilon, or a more progesterone-dominant pill, such as Eugynon, can help.

Choosing the right pill

Remember that different pills affect all women differently, and it might take a few attempts to find one that is compatible with your body. It is also worth bearing in mind that certain pills can cause side-effects, and if these don’t subside after a few months of use, you will need to switch to another brand. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for information when it comes to choosing contraception, as they will be able to assess your medical history and determine whether any medications you are taking limit your options.

Becoming a mother is an exciting time, and how women feel after giving birth varies greatly from person to person. Whereas some women will be eager to continue their sex lives right away, others will feel as though they need some much deserved ‘me-time’ and wait a while before having intercourse. Both responses are perfectly natural.

One thing’s for certain, after giving birth, having another child is unlikely to be on the agenda straight away. Using the right contraceptive can allow you to carry on enjoying your sex life when you feel ready, whilst providing effective protection against pregnancy.

It is natural for new mums to worry about how their birth control methods will affect their infants, particularly when breastfeeding. Whilst many women start to use contraception again shortly after childbirth, there are some methods that are more suitable than others for nursing mothers. Being aware of the dos and don’ts can give you complete peace of mind that both you and your baby are safe, happy and healthy. After all, you’ll have enough on your plate without feeling stressed about contraception!

069 Sex after childbirth: is the pill still safe for breastfeeding mums?

When is it safe to start taking my pill?

In short, you should not start taking your pill until 21 days after giving birth. However, it is usually recommended that you abstain from intercourse for the first few weeks until you have had a postnatal checkup to ensure that your body has properly healed and that you have no medical conditions that make you incompatible with the pill.

Women can be fertile again within a few weeks of having a baby, so it is a good idea to start thinking about taking your contraception as soon as possible, even if you don’t plan on having sex for a few weeks. Although many women will not start their periods until after they have finished breastfeeding, it is still possible to ovulate, and using the contraceptive pill from the outset can provide complete reassurance.

Combined pill

The combined pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen and has a tendency to reduce the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers. Because this pill has the potential to interfere with the milk supply, it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding or for up to six months after the birth.

Progestogen-only pill

Progestogen-only pills, also known as mini-pills, do not interfere with lactation and are therefore safe to use during breastfeeding. Although it is possible for a small amount of progestogen to pass through into your breast milk, this will not cause any harm to your infant or have any adverse health effects on weight or development.

Progestogen only pills such as Cerazette are an extremely effective birth control method, but will need to be taken at the same time everyday.

Other considerations

It is worth noting that the pill you used before pregnancy may not be the right choice after giving birth, especially if you are breastfeeding. Talking to your GP or another healthcare professional can help you weigh up the different options and decide on a birth control method that is compatible with both you and your baby. Other safe and effective birth control methods for breastfeeding mums include the injection, the implant, an intrauterine device (the coil) or condoms.

In association with Cerazette