Choosing Safe Contraception After Childbirth
After going through the labor process, Mother still has the opportunity to get pregnant again right away. The opportunity to get pregnant is still there even though the mother is still breastfeeding the little one. However, you need not worry. If you want to delay pregnancy, there are several options for safe types of contraception. We know contraceptives as family planning. Currently, family planning is used as a way to increase the safety of mothers and babies by adjusting the birth spacing. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary for the mother to know when is the right time for family planning after giving birth and the most appropriate type of contraceptive to use. Then, what contraceptives can be used to prevent pregnancy after giving birth? Check out the following explanation.
When is the right time for family planning after giving birth?
Although breastfeeding is said to be a natural birth control after giving birth, not all mothers are able to undergo the lactational amenorrhea method. Lactational amenorrhea is a method of contraception or natural family planning after giving birth because it relies on the work of the hormone prolactin. That is why mothers usually choose to use birth control after giving birth to delay pregnancy for a while.
Unlike the condition of the body before pregnancy and childbirth, mothers who have just given birth usually do not immediately experience the release of eggs again. It takes some time for the fertility of the mother's body to return to normal. The menstrual period of each mother who has just given birth can be different from one another. On average, a normal menstrual period usually returns from 5-12 weeks after giving birth. Before menstruation comes, the mother's fertile period may have returned two weeks earlier. So, if you don't want to get pregnant again after giving birth, you should start considering what birth control method you want to use later.
The time to start using birth control after giving birth may be different for each mother. This depends on the readiness and how the routine of breastfeeding your newborn. As mentioned earlier, mothers who give exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of their menstrual periods longer. However, if you don't want to give the distance to have another baby, you should start using family planning since 4 weeks after giving birth. This can make you calmer when having sex after giving birth with a partner.
What Types of KB can be used?
The following are some types of contraception that can be used for postpartum mothers:
1. Progestin-only birth control pills
Birth control pills containing the hormone progestin can be an option for contraception for mothers who are still exclusively breastfeeding. This type of birth control has a high effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. However, you are required to take the birth control pill at the same time every day. If you forget to drink it, you can continue to drink according to schedule but don't have sex or can use condoms for the next 7 days.
2. Progestin contraceptive injection (3 months)
You can use this type of contraception because it does not interfere with milk production and is long-term. If use is discontinued, the fertile period will return varying between 3 months to 1 year. Progestin injections are often associated with decreased bone density when used for a long time, but further research is still being done.
3. KB implants or progestin implants
This contraceptive is used by inserting an implant or implant into the upper arm. This implant contains the hormone progestin which will be released little by little over 3 years. After that, you have to replace it with a new implant. During the use of hormonal implants, menstrual cycles may become irregular.
4. IUD (intrauterine device)
This type of contraception is done by inserting a 'T'-shaped device into the uterus. Within 1-3 months after insertion, you need to check with your doctor to make sure the IUD is still in place, and after that it is expected to keep a check every 6 months or once a year. Currently the most commonly available IUDs are the IUD with copper and the IUD with progestin, which can be used for up to 5 years. The IUD with copper does not interfere with the menstrual cycle but affects the amount / duration of menstrual bleeding. Meanwhile, in the IUD with progestin, you can experience menstrual disorders which are marked by less blood or even stop altogether.
5. Condoms
The use of condoms can be said to be the safest method of contraception for breastfeeding mothers. In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms can also prevent sexually transmitted diseases. When using condoms, make sure you choose condoms with water-soluble lubricants, because oil-based lubricants can make condoms more easily damaged.
Before you choose a contraceptive method that is safe for postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, you should first consult with an obstetrician at Hermina Pandanaran Hospital.