Irrespective of whether one is intent on another baby or not, here are answers to several confounding queries about what birth control choices a woman post-baby has.

What options does a nursing mother who earlier used birth control pills have?

Breastfeeding mothers must steer clear from birth control pills that have estrogen as a constituent as it could lower milk production. Hence, females that are entirely breastfeeding must avoid contraceptives which have estrogen-progestin duo presence, like the birth control patches (stick-on dermal patches which deliver hormones directly into the blood stream) and contraceptive ring (inserted within the vagina that release hormones).

Nursing mothers could safely use IUD (intra-uterine device) or opt for any of the barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, condoms and Leah’s Shield (re-usable rubber inserts).

What long-standing yet non-permanent birth control options are available for mothers unsure about another child?

Intrauterine contraceptive are apt in this scenario and have greater efficacy than even tubal ligation procedure. IUC come in duo forms, namely, Mirena which steadily release progestin and is widely advised by many obstetricians and gynaecologists. It functions by bringing about variations in mucus present in the cervix thus blocking sperms passage and their reach to the egg. Moreover, it could additionally avert ovulation. It could be safely used for about 5 years and on its removal one could conceive soon after.

ParaGard is another type of IUC which could be safely used for a decade’s time period and does not involve usage of hormones. Copper is released as opposed to progestin which produces a setting which is non-congenial to sperms and also prevents egg from lodging on to the uterine wall.

A third choice is Implanon which is about three inches in size, rod-like device whose implantation is done underneath the skin’s surface of the arms for releasing progestin and could be safely used for nearly 3 years. A drawback to this option is it mostly leads to breakthrough spotting hence one must be ready for it.

Which non-operative sterilization procedure is available for women and how does it function?

A plug-similar coil known as Essure is a birth control option which is placed non-surgically via the cervix inside the fallopian tubes. With passage of time, tissue growth over them occurs that leads to permanent blockage of the fallopian tubes and thus prevents sperm passage. However, till the time tissues totally form, it could not be relied upon; hence one has to employ some backup option in the initial 3 months after inserting it. It has efficacy similar to tubal ligation and has swifter recuperation, however its efficiency have not been researched for over a decade’s time period. Also its effects are non-reversible.