- Share This Post
- Pin It
- 0
- 2
-
Sparkle (0)
Yesterday I had my first appointment with my midwife, Suzanne, since home birthing Nolan. I was excited to see her because we had not spoken since that magical night she was summoned to my house. Though she only came as moral support (since her practice doesn't do home births) we were honored that she still wanted to be a part of our amazing experience.
Aside from getting my yearly check-up (which includes the über uncomfortable Pap Smear) I was there to discuss birth control options with her. In the past I have tried everything from Ortho Tri Cyclen (aka the pill), Depo Provera (a monthly shot), and the Nuva Ring (which is vaginally inserted and removed every three weeks). I had little to no complications with these methods, but wanted to explore all available options (minus condoms, they're mood killers for me).
When breast feeding, it is recommended that women do not take any forms of birth control that contain estrogen. According to Dr. Sears:
"Estrogen- containing birth control pills are not considered compatible with breastfeeding since estrogen suppresses milk production."
This rules out the Nuva Ring. Methods, like the pill, that include only the synthetic hormone progestin, may be linked to changing a child's sexual reproduction or development (though Suzanne believes that they are safe). To me the pill is not an option because I can barely remember to shower everyday, much less take a pill. I'd be knocked up again in no time.
Suzanne suggested I research the Mirena IUD. An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small plastic or copper tube that gets inserted in a woman's uterus by her doctor. It's effectiveness is the same as most other contraceptives, but it lasts up to 5 years.
I never thought I would want something implanted in me for such a long period of time, but the demands of being the mom of three has me strongly reconsidering. But honestly, the idea of having this inside of me long-term, and having no way to remove it, myself, kind of bothers me.
Last night while scouring message boards I came across a method that I almost shrugged off as an "old wives tale". LAM ( lactational amenorrhea method) uses the natural infertility period after giving birth, as long as the woman's period has not returned and she is fully breast feeding. If you meet the criteria below this can be 98-99% effective within the first 6 months.
- Breastfeeding must be the infant’s only (or almost only) source of nutrition. Feeding formula, pumping instead of nursing[2], and feeding solids all reduce the effectiveness of LAM.
- The infant must breastfeed at least every four hours during the day and at least every six hours at night.
- The infant must be less than six months old.
- The mother must not have had a period after 56 days post-partum (when determining fertility, bleeding prior to 56 days post-partum can be ignored).
Ecological breast feeding, developed by Sheila Kippley, is a stricter version of LAM, and claims to have a 1% failure rate within the first six months after delivery, and only a 6% thereafter (before getting back a period). The 7 rules are:
1. Exclusively breast feed for the first 6 months
2. Pacify your baby with breasts (only)
3. Don't use bottles or pacifiers
4. Sleep with your baby for night feedings
5. Sleep with your baby for daily nap feeding
6. Nurse frequently and avoid schedules
7. Avoid anything prevents you from being away from your baby
While both methods are appealing, for most women they are not realistic to the demands of working outside the home. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my kids at the present moment. However, if I was working full-time or ever wanted to leave my house without the baby, LAM would not be an option.
I have a lot to think about.
Which form of birth control works best for you?
Contemplating From Boyland,
