Before you go home from the hospital or birth center you will probably be asked about birth control options even though we do not recommend having sex until your 4-6 week postpartum check up because your body is still healing.
However, it is a good idea to know what you plan to use if you do not want another pregnancy right away. Some methods like Depo Provera (a shot) can even be given before you go home.
There are many types of birth control methods and a few things that you should know before you decide. For instance some methods are not recommended if you are breastfeeding your baby because they can decrease milk production. Other methods are not as reliable and some are more difficult to use. We will present some of the most common options and a little bit about each one. We recommend that you perform a search by name of the ones that interest you for details, and discuss them with your provider.
Non-hormonal Contraceptives:
- Condoms and spermicides can be easily purchased in most grocery or drug stores. They must be readily available when you need them, placed ahead of time, and can be used improperly and therefore not as effective as some of the other methods.
- The rhythm method or fertility awareness attempts to predict when you are ovulating and therefore helps you decide when to avoid sex if you are trying not to become pregnant. These methods take diligence and time to learn.
- The diaphragm is a barrier method that is placed in the vagina prior to sex. It works by keeping the egg and sperm from meeting. The diaphragm must be sized by a physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner who will then teach you how to properly insert it yourself.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):
- Here are numerous IUDs on the market today, they are a safe and reliable method for the right individual and must be placed internally by a physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Some utilize hormones and others do not. They are a long term contraceptive method with most lasting until you are ready for your next baby. Your provider can discuss this method with you to determine if it is a good choice and which one would be best for you.
Hormonal Methods:
- Depo Provera is a shot that is given every 12 weeks, it is a very reliable method but may interfere with milk production if given too early after the birth of your baby.
- The Nexplanon is a small rod that is inserted into the upper arm during a simple office visit and lasts for up to 3 years. It may be used while breastfeeding.
- Birth control pills with estrogen and progesterone (combination pills) are not recommended while you are breastfeeding and must be taken daily. They do a good job controlling your cycles and are very effective if taken as instructed.
- Progesterone only birth control pills (the mini pill) may be used while breastfeeding and are also very effective but must be taken on time every day
Permanent Sterilization:
- Female sterilization can be done in two ways. One is done in the hospital with a small incision into the abdomen and is called a bilateral tubal ligation(BTL) while the Essure can be an office procedure that inserts a tiny spring into each fallopian tube under ultrasound guidance. Both are considered a permanent method of birth control and should be discussed at length with you provider.
- Male sterilization is also an office procedure done under local anesthesia and also considered a permanent method of birth control.