Download During the prenatal period it is a good idea to

During the prenatal period it is a good idea to consider your birth control options after delivery. There are many birth control options that are safe and effective during breastfeeding. The timing of introduction of any birth control method is important. To discuss your options, speak to you primary health care provider, a lactation consultant or a public health nurse. Contact the Sexual Health Program at 519‐883‐2267. Methods Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) Barrier Methods (condoms, spermicides, diaphragm, cervical cap) Non‐Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (IUD) Hormonal Intrauterine Systems (IUS) Progestin Only Birth Control (progestin only pills, Depo provera) Combined Hormonal Birth Control (the pill, the patch, vaginal ring) Surgical Sterilization Procedures (permanent) Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) (Plan B) Does not terminate or interrupt a pregnancy Description Breastfeeding can be used as a natural form of birth control after giving birth as long as: 1. Your monthly periods have not returned 2. Your baby is under 6 months 3. Your baby gets all food from sucking at the breast, breastfeeds at least every 4 hours and doesn’t have more than one 6 hour stretch between breastfeeding in 24 hours. *98% effective if all 3 criteria are absolutely followed. Female condoms are polyurethane sheaths that line the vagina to stop sperm from going into the vagina. *79‐95% effective. Male condoms are a thin covering of latex that is rolled onto the erect penis to stop sperm from going into the vagina. * 85–98% effective. Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm and are inserted into the vagina before sex. *71–82% effective. Diaphragms/cervical caps cover the cervix to block sperm from going into the uterus. These must be used in combination with spermicide. *Diaphragm 84‐94% effective; Cervical cap 40‐91% effective A small T‐shaped device, usually wrapped with copper, that is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. It changes the chemistry in the uterus to stop sperm from reaching an egg. Reliable, long‐term birth control for up to 5 years, but can be removed at any time. *99.1% effective. A small T‐shape device containing a hormone that thickens the cervical mucus, thins the lining of the uterus and may also stop an egg from being released. It is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. Reliable, long‐term birth control for up to 5 years, but can be removed at any time. *99.8% effective. Progestin only birth control comes as either a daily oral mini‐pill or an injection (Depo provera) which is given by a health care provider every 10‐13 weeks. They contain a hormone that thins the lining of the uterus, thickens the cervical mucus and may stop an egg from being released. *Pill 92–99.7% effective; Depo provera 97‐99.7% effective. Contains small amounts of hormones (progestin and estrogen) that stop an egg from being released each month and thickens cervical mucus. *92–99.7% effective. Female sterilization is when a doctor cuts or blocks the tubes that carry the eggs to the uterus. This is done in a hospital. *99.5% effective. Male sterilization is when a doctor cuts or blocks tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. This may be done in a doctor’s office. *99.9% effective. These pills must be taken as soon as possible and within 5 days of unprotected sex .This is an emergency method. *Effectiveness ranges from 95% on Day 1, to 58% on Days 3–5. Additional Information Consult with a Public Health Nurse or Lactation Consultant before starting this method. These methods are hormone free, user controlled and only needed when you are actually having sex. Condoms can be used immediately after birth. Only condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections. Diaphragms and cervical caps cannot be used until 6 weeks post delivery and should be fitted or refitted postpartum. Can be inserted 4‐6 weeks after birth. Can be inserted 6 weeks after birth. If breastfeeding is well established breast milk supply is usually not affected. If breastfeeding is well established breast milk supply is usually not affected. Can be started 3 weeks after birth if not breastfeeding. In breastfeeding women, research has shown estrogen can reduce breast milk supply. Female sterilization can be done 48 hours after delivery or wait until at least 4 weeks after delivery. Male sterilization can be done at any time. Can be used anytime following birth. Available over the counter at drug store (pharmacy) or Sexual Health Clinic. Effectiveness may be less in women over 165lb (75kg). Talk to a health care professional before use.