Many breastfeeding mothers are interested in permanent sterilization after they have their babies. One method of tubal sterilization is Essure, which are coils that are inserted into your fallopian tubes. The coils promote the formation of scar tissue, which blocks your tubes. While you can breastfeed and use Essure, you need to know how the procedure could affect your breastfeeding.
Essure
To use Essure, a physician advances micro-coils through your cervix and uterus into your fallopian tubes. The micro-coils encourage growth of your body's own tissue, and creates permanent blocks in your tubes. The tissue growth requires several months, and you need to use a reliable form of birth control until you have a test that proves your tubes are blocked. If you have unprotected intercourse before the tubes are thoroughly blocked, you can have an unplanned pregnancy -- and it may be ectopic, or occurring outside the uterus.
Hormonal Contraception
Your physician may recommend that you use hormonal contraception before and after your Essure procedure. Hormonal contraception keeps your uterine lining thin, so that your surgeon can see your fallopian tubes easily. A second reason to use hormonal contraception is to protect you from pregnancy from before you have the Essure placed until your doctor has tested to be certain your tubes are fully blocked. In general, breastfeeding mothers can use hormonal contraception that contains progesterone, such as progesterone only birth control pills and Depo-Provera. You should remind your doctor that you are breastfeeding so she gives you a prescription that is compatible with lactation.
Anesthesia
One of the advantages of Essure is that you do not need general anesthesia, as you would with a traditional tubal ligations. When you have the Essure placed, your doctor may use a small amount of local anesthesia on your cervix, and some doctors also give you intravenous pain medicine to help you relax. Discuss with your doctor what medicines she uses during her procedure. Even if your physician recommends that you interrupt breastfeeding briefly due to pain medicine, you can express your milk to keep your supply up and resume breastfeeding soon.
Advantages of Essure
Essure offers several advantages to you as a breastfeeding mother. The procedure is done very quickly, so you will be home and feeling well the same day. You will not have any abdominal incisions or sutures that can cause discomfort as you hold and breastfeed your baby. As Essure is more than 99 percent effective, you can relax after you have your follow-up test and enjoy your baby without worrying about having an unplanned pregnancy.
