Choosing Safe Contraception for Breastfeeding Mothers

Exclusive breastfeeding can significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant again during the first six months. Medically, this is due to the postponement of the natural ovulation cycle postpartum. But to make sure you don't get pregnant while breastfeeding, you are advised to choose the right contraception. This is because inappropriate contraception can cause a reduced supply of breast milk. Some health experts consider that the use of contraception can begin when the baby is more mature and the milk supply is proportional. Furthermore, it is recommended for mothers who exclusively breastfeed babies, use contraception after the baby is six weeks old. Another case if Mother does not exclusively breastfeed, use contraception when the baby is three weeks old. All choices of contraceptive methods that can be used by nursing mothers, whether in the form of injections, implants, taking pills, or IUDs, in principle, should only contain progestins, without estrogen. This is because contraceptives that only contain progestins are known to be safe to use while you are breastfeeding. Conversely, contraception with a combination of progesterone-estrogen is not a good choice for nursing mothers, especially in the first six months, because it can inhibit the production of Mother's milk. Meanwhile, contraceptive methods through the estimated fertile period, such as interrupted intercourse or the calendar system, are not recommended as long as you are still breastfeeding. Similar to the forms of treatment in general, the choice of using contraceptive methods is also faced with their respective risks. Well, here are some choices of contraceptive methods for breastfeeding mothers and their consequences.

• Progestin birth control pills

The method of contraception by taking birth control pills that only contain progestins can be declared to be effective in preventing pregnancy when combined with exclusive breastfeeding. Even so, Mother also needs to set a consumption schedule at the same time every day to be effective. The consequence is that if you are late, for example three hours from the pill schedule, you will have to fast having sex with your husband for the next two days. Therefore, for some new mothers who often forget about the pill taking schedule, they can choose other contraceptive methods such as implants, IUDs, or family planning injections.

• Progestin KB injection

This method also does not affect the supply of Mother's ASI. This injection can be done at six weeks postpartum and must be repeated every 12 weeks. The consequence is that if you stop using this method, you might not be able to get pregnant immediately because it might not be fertile for a year or more. In addition, progestin injections have been linked to decreased bone density. The decrease will be even greater as you use this method for longer. Therefore, Mother is not recommended to undergo this method for more than two years. Even so, studies show evidence that the bone density of the Mother can again increase after quitting this method, although this is still further investigated.

• Hormonal Implant

This progestin hormone implant is very effective in preventing pregnancy for a period of three years and the quality of fertility Mother can return immediately after the implant is released. The consequence is Mother can experience menstrual cycles not smooth or spots, and bleeding for several days a month.

• IUD (intrauterine device)

This method uses the 'T' shaped tool inserted into the womb of the Mother. Progestin IUDs can stay in place for up to five years. The consequence is Mother needs to control the condition to the doctor 1-3 months after installation to ensure that the IUD is still in place. In addition, most users tend to experience fewer periods or stop altogether.

In addition to the contraceptive methods above, there are also alternative choices that do not tend to interfere with the supply of breast milk, namely using condoms or spermicides or sperm killers. However, whatever the choice of contraceptive method Mother, you should consult with your doctor first.