Contraception After Childbirth

After childbirth of a baby it is important amongst all other things to start thinking about contraception and what is right for you. Here are some of the options that are available.

How soon can you fall pregnant after the birth of a baby?
On average its about 4-6 weeks if your not breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding on average it is around 24 weeks. However this is only a average so after the birth of a baby you must use contraception if you do not wish to fall pregnant straight after.

Condoms
Male and female condoms can be used anytime after the birth. Female condoms are quite expensive and only 95% effective, however male condoms are inexpencive and are 97% effective.

Diaphragms
They are rubber caps placed in the vagina that covers the cervix so that during sex the sperm cannot enter. They need to be put in my a doctor/practioner and can be done 6 weeks after the birth. They cost around $40 but they have a failure result of around 16%.

IUDs
Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs) are 99% effective or more. They  either contain hormone or copper plastic devices. Both types get inserted into the womans womb by a trained doctor. The device can be left there for 5-8 years and can easily be removed by a doctor. If the woman is breastfeeding it is still ok to be inserted usually 6 weeks after the birth or if birth by caesarean. The cost of a IUD is around $5 - $80 depending on whether you hold a health care card or not.

The Combined Pill
This is usually refered to as the pill. This contains two hormones oestrogen and progestogen which are similar to those hormones naturally produced by your body. The pill is generally not recommended in women who are breast feeding. The pill can be started 3 weeks after birth in non breastfeeding women, although it can be started straight after the birth. It is 99% effective if used correctly of course. It has its disavantages for example you have to take it everyday and if you have a medical condition you must consult your doctor. There are side effects like headaches and breast tenderness and a bit of nausea, this does pass usually. Of course there are more serious side effects such as a blood clot and heart attacks but are rare. The cost can be as little as $4 - $25 a month depending on if you hold a health care card.

The Mini Pill
This is a low dose pill and is 95-97% effective and is safe for breastfeeding women. It's very important that is it taken at the same time everyday. Side effects are uncommen and cost is usually between $4 - $20 for 4 months.

Implanon
This is an implant that is around the size of a matchstick that is inserted into the upper inner of your arm. This can be inserted by a trained doctor and easily removed. Its more than 99% effective and can be used for around 3 years no more and then must be removed and then you can get another inserted. It can be easily removed at anytime. It can have a side effect of irregualar bleeding and in some cases no period at all. The cost is between $5- $30 depending on if you hold a health care card.

Depo-Provera
This is at least 99% effective. This is an injection given every 12 weeks. Irregular bleeding is a common side effect although around 50% will stop bleeding while using this. There maybe weight gain and bone desity. The other thing is once the injection is in you cant reverse it and maybe a wait in return for fertility. The cost ranges from $5 - $20 depending on if you hold a health care card.

Breast Feeding
This is called lactational amenorrhoea in other terms not getting a period while breast feeding and is is reconised as a form of contraception. If a woman fully breast feeds her baby or has not had her period and the baby is less than 6 months old she is 98% protected from falling pregnant. The woman will become fertile at the return of her period. Many women use another contraceptive other than this. The cost is nothing for this method but cannot be garenteed.

If in Emergency and you have unprotected sex something can be prescribed by pharmacist over the counter or by doctor. This is quite safe to use for breast feeding women. The maximum cost can be up to $40.

I hope this article helps someone in need of contraception methods.

Thank you for reading

Love Kelly