The issue of protection after childbirth is of interest to many new mothers. How to protect themselves and with the help of which means not all mothers know, especially if the pregnancy was the first.
There are different methods of contraception after childbirth, each of them has its effectiveness and a unique way of application. In order to choose the most suitable method of contraception, it is better to consult a gynecologist during pregnancy. If for any reason you did not succeed, you can consult a doctor at the maternity hospital.
Do not take risks, choosing a method of contraception after childbirth on your own, as there is always a possibility of a negative influence of one or another method of protection on your health and the health of the child. The use of certain drugs can affect lactation.
Let's look at the most popular methods of contraception after childbirth, their effectiveness, features, and methods of application.
Methods of contraception after childbirth:
1. Abstinence. The most simple and effective method of contraception after childbirth, based on sexual abstinence. Has no effect on breastfeeding, the ability to use at any time, but for some couples it is difficult to bear because of prolonged abstinence. This method is usually used as an intermediate. The efficiency is 100%.
2. The method of lactational amenorrhea. The method of postpartum contraception, based on natural processes occurring in the body of a woman after childbirth. In the body of a woman during lactation, a prolactin hormone is produced, which stimulates the formation of milk and simultaneously suppresses ovulation.
This method is effective only in breastfeeding. The number of feedings should be about 20 times a day, about every 4 hours in the daytime, and every 6 hours at night. This method of contraception can be used for 6 months after childbirth, before the onset of menstruation.
This is the least effective method of protection after childbirth, but has no contraindications, and is easily applicable.
3. Barrier methods. Use condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps for contraception. Not one of these drugs does not have a negative impact on health and milk status.
The condom is convenient in use, protects against sexually transmitted infections, and can be used immediately when the sexual life resumes after childbirth.
Use diaphragm or cervical cap can only be from 6 weeks after birth, when the uterus will take the same size. The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina, closing its lumen, and the cap is put on the cervix.
The diaphragm or cap is inserted 20 minutes before the sexual intercourse, and is removed no earlier than 6 hours after its end. To avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to remove the diaphragm or cap not later than 24 hours after the introduction.
4. Hormonal contraception. Before using hormonal drugs, you should always consult with your doctor. The fact is that some hormonal drugs can have a negative effect on lactation, so when breastfeeding their use is not recommended.
Hormonal preparations of contraception are in the form of injections and tablets, and are synthetic analogues of female sex hormones. The action of most hormonal drugs is aimed at suppressing the follicles (the precursors of the ovum), and preventing ovulation. These drugs are prescribed for the doctor's prescription.
5. Use of spermicides. The use of special creams to protect against unwanted pregnancy has established itself as an effective and safe method of contraception.
6. Intrauterine contraceptives. The introduction into the uterine cavity of a special spiral, which prevents the attachment of the fetal egg, since the uterine cavity is already occupied by a foreign body. The spiral can be inserted 6 weeks after uncomplicated birth, when the size of the uterus will return to the previous dimensions in order to avoid a spiral.
Quite an effective method of contraception, which does not affect the lactation and health of the child and mother. The advantages include long-term use (up to 5 years). You can delete the spiral at any time.
7. Surgical sterilization. This method of contraception after childbirth is the most effective. During female and male sterilization operative way the dressing of the vas deferens in men and the fallopian tubes in women is made. Sterilization is an irreversible method of contraception, and is acceptable for those who are sure that they will not want to have more children.
Good luck in making the right decision!