After delivery, it is recommended to initiate a method of contraception, such as a progesterone pill, condom or IUD, to prevent an unwanted pregnancy and allow the body to fully recover from the previous pregnancy, especially during the first 6 months.
Breastfeeding itself is a natural method of contraception, but only when the baby is exclusively breastfed and several times a day, as the baby’s suction and milk production increase the amount of progesterone, which is a hormone that prevents ovulation. Very effective method, as many women end up becoming pregnant during this period.
Thus, the most recommended contraceptive methods for breastfeeding women are:
The contraceptive that can be used during this period is the one that contains only progesterone, both in injectable form and tablet, also called a minipill. This method should be started 15 days after delivery and remain until the baby starts breastfeeding only 1 or 2 times a day, or about 9 months to 1 year, and then switch to conventional contraceptives 2 hormones.
The minipill is a method that can fail, so ideally combine another method, such as the condom, to ensure safety. Ask more questions about using birth control while breastfeeding.
The progesterone implant is a small bar that is inserted under the skin, which gradually releases the amount of daily hormone needed to inhibit ovulation. As it only contains progesterone in its composition, breastfeeding women can use it safely.
It is applied under local anesthesia, in minutes, in the arm area, where it can stay for up to 3 years, but can be removed at any time the woman desires.
IUD is a very effective and convenient method of contraception, as you don’t need to remember when to use it. Hormonal IUD can also be used because it only releases small doses of progesterone into the uterus.
It is inserted into the gynecologist’s office approximately 6 weeks after delivery, and can last up to 10 years, in the case of copper IUDs and 5 to 7 years, in the case of hormonal IUDs, but can be removed at any time desired per woman.
The use of condoms, male or female, is a good alternative for women who do not want to use hormones, which in addition to preventing pregnancy, also protects women from disease.
It is a safe and effective method, but it is important to evaluate the validity of the condom and that comes from a brand approved by INMETRO, which is the body that inspects the quality of the product, to see other errors that can be made when using a male condom.
It is a small flexible ring, made of latex or silicone, that can be put by the woman before intimate contact, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and to prevent pregnancy, it can only be discontinued 8 to 24 hours after intercourse.
Contraceptive methods known as natural, such as weeding, nipple method or temperature control, should not be used as they are very ineffective and can lead to unwanted pregnancies. If in doubt, it is possible to talk to the gynecologist to adapt the best method. to the needs of each woman, thus avoiding an unwanted pregnancy.