Many birth control options are available for women who are breastfeeding. These include birth control pills containing progestin only, the birth control shot, barrier methods, an intrauterine device and the withdrawal method. The birth control option you choose depends on your lifestyle and ease of use.
Birth Control Pills
Combination birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin aren't recommended while breastfeeding, because estrogen can decrease your milk supply. The minipill is an oral birth control pill that can be used while breastfeeding. This pill contains progestin but doesn't contain estrogen. You must take this pill at the same time each day, since even taking the pill three hours late can decrease the effectiveness. The minipill is 87 percent to 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Birth Control Shot
Depo-Provera is a birth control option containing progestin that's administered by an injection into the arm. The contraceptive method lasts for three months and is a great option for women who don't want to remember to take a daily pill. The Depo-Provera shot is 97 percent to 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Birth Control Sponge
The Today Sponge is a small foam circle that's inserted into the vagina before sex. The sponge covers the cervix, which blocks sperm from entering the uterus. Women who have given birth before have a higher risk of getting pregnant while using the Today Sponge than women who have never given birth. After you have given birth, the birth control sponge is 80 percent effective if used correctly each time and 68 percent effective if not used correctly each time.
Cervical Cap and Diaphragm
The cervical cap is a silicone cup. A diaphragm is a dome-shaped latex cup that is inserted into the vagina. Each cup covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus and can be reused for two years. Your physician can perform an examination to determine which size cervical cap or diaphragm you need. If you used the cervical cap or diaphragm before you gave birth, you must be refitted for a new device. If used correctly each time, the cervical cap is 86 percent effective in preventing pregnancy; the diaphragm is 94 percent effective. If these devices are not used correctly each time, the cervical cap is 71 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and the diaphragm is 84 percent effective.
Male and Female Condoms
Condoms are a cheap and easy-to-obtain contraceptive option. Male condoms are available in different materials, such as latex, lambskin and polyurethane. Female condoms are available in polyurethane or synthetic latex. If used correctly each time, the male condom is 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy; the female condom is 95 percent effective. If condoms are not used correctly each time, the male condom is 85 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and the female condom is 79 percent effective.
Intrauterine Devices
An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a T-shaped, plastic frame that's inserted into your uterus by a physician. The two IUD brands available in United States are the ParaGard IUD and the Mirena IUD. The ParaGard IUD doesn't contain hormones; it contains copper. This device is effective for 12 years. The Mirena IUD releases the hormone progestin, and this device is effective for five years. Both IUDs are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Withdrawal Method
The withdrawal method involves the male partner withdrawing from the vagina before ejaculation occurs and then ejaculating away from the vagina. This birth control method is 96 percent effective when performed correctly each time and 73 percent effective when not used correctly each time.
References
- "Introduction to Maternity & Pediatric Nursing: Fourth Edition"; Gloria Leifer, MA, RN; 2002
- Parents.com: Birth Control While Breastfeeding
- Mayo Clinic: Minipill
- Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Shot
- Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Sponge
