Postpartum contraception
Irina Sushilova, an obstetrician – gynecologist of the Nizhnekamsk Women's Clinic, tells about postpartum contraception.
"Due to the birth of a baby, a woman's life changes dramatically — all the time and all the effort is given to taking care of the child. I don't have time for myself. And at this time, you need to solve one of the important problems — protection from unplanned pregnancy, which can happen even before the first menstruation. According to WHO recommendations, the interval between childbirth and the next pregnancy should be at least 2 years.
The chosen method should not negatively affect the lactation and health of the baby. So let's look at some options.
The method of lactation amenorrhea (absence of menstruation during breastfeeding) is absolutely free and available to everyone. The method of lactation amenorrhea provides reliable protection from pregnancy only if the following conditions are strictly observed:
• breastfeeding with mandatory night feeding (maximum daily interval of no more than 3 hours; maximum night interval of no more than 6 hours);
• no menstruation after child birth;
• the period after child birth is not more than 6 months.
Progestogen-type contraceptives (progestogen-type birth control pills, subcutaneous implants, or injectable contraceptives)
Nursing women are recommended to use pills containing only progestogen, which does not adversely affect lactation, development and health of the child. But it should be remembered that such contraceptives can not be taken for the first 6 weeks after child birth! Even women who are breast-feeding may experience irregular spotting when using progestogen-type contraceptives.
Conventional combined oral contraceptives are not recommended for nursing women, as they reduce the secretion of breast milk and the duration of lactation. The use of hormonal contraception should be prescribed by a gynecologist.
Intrauterine devices.
IUD — spirals, an intrauterine contraceptive, located in the uterine cavity, prevents the implantation of the fetal egg, which has nowhere to attach, since the uterine cavity is occupied by a foreign body.
The method can be used immediately after uncomplicated child birth with the absence of contraindications for the setting of IUD.
If there was a childbirth by caesarean section, the IUD can be installed in 6 months, if there are no contraindications. IUDs are contraindicated to women with complicated labor (bleeding, anemia, infections).
This method does not affect lactation. An intrauterine contraceptive should not be used for more than 5 years.
Barrier methods – condoms and spermicides in the form of foam, candles, creams, and pills can be used at any time after child birth without restrictions. Effectiveness depends primarily on the correct application. If used incorrectly, the probability of pregnancy is very high. It does not affect lactation, development and health of the child.