Use of the following hormones and contraceptives should be with caution. Read on to know the effects and other safe contraception options.Anabolic and androgenic steroids
| Product: | Progesterone and Hydroxy-progesterone |
| For Children: | Not recommended |
| For Pregnant Women: | Rule out pregnancy where abortion is not the indication |
| For Breastfeeding Mothers: | Contra-indicated |
| Contra-indications*: | Undiagnosed bleed per vaginum |
| Caution: | Migraine, bronchial asthma |
| Product: | Danazol |
| For Children: | Not recommended |
| For Pregnant Women: | Contra-indicated. Causes virilisation of the female foetus. Avoid pregnancy for three months following cessation of the treatment |
| For Breastfeeding Mothers: | Contra-indicated. May affect the nursing infant. |
| Contra-indications*: | Thrombo-embolic disease |
| Caution: | Unexpected vaginal bleeding |
Spermicidal contraceptives
| Product: | Nonylphenoxy Polyethoxyethanol |
| For Children: | Not applicable |
| For Pregnant Women: | Contra-indicated |
| For Breastfeeding Mothers: | Contra-indicated |
| Contra-indications*: | Suspected pregnancy |
| Caution: | Perform periodic medical check-ups |
*Not to be used in the conditions stated, because it could cause complications
Effects of Birth Control Pills on Breastfeeding
Let us take a look at some of the common concerns of mothers related to contraceptive pills and breastfeeding.
Is it safe to breastfeed a baby if breastfeeding mother is taking contraceptive pills?
Contraceptive pills that contain only progesterone may not affect breastfeeding. But pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone may affect the breast milk supply. Estrogen is mainly responsible for the reduction in breastmilk supply in breastfeeding mothers. The progesterone only contraceptive pills in fact are able to boost the breast feeding supply in breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers must make sure that they do not take any birth control pill without consulting a doctor. It is a must to consult a doctor to choose any kind of birth control pill while breastfeeding.
Although, the hormones in the birth control pill enter the breastmilk in little quantities, it does not cause any effect on the babies. There are no evidences of any harmful effects in babies but problems related to sexual or reproductive health of children may be linked to the use of birth control pills while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is a must to be on a safer side and use other forms of contraceptives that are safe.
Safe Contraception Options for Breastfeeding Mothers
The use of contraceptives becomes a must after delivery as getting pregnant immediately after delivery may affect mother’s health.
Copper-T and Condoms
Copper-T or condoms are considered as safe contraceptive options. These two methods do not in any way affect the health of the baby.
You may have to visit your obstetrician for getting the copper-T inserted. Your doctor may ask you to visit him or her when you get your period after delivery. The copper-T is usually inserted during the menstrual cycle as the mouth of the uterus is open and doctors can easily insert the Copper-T it. Condoms are also one of the cheap and convenient options of contraception after delivery.
Withdrawal Method
Withdrawal method is also one of the methods of contraception after delivery. Withdrawal method is one of the popular methods of natural family planning. However, this method is not 100% reliable. But if this method is followed properly, it can prove very useful. In this method, the male partner withdraws from the sexual intercourse when he is about to ejaculate. This option can be convenient when the menstrual cycle of the women is regular. When menstrual cycle is regular it is easier to track the fertile days and the intercourse can be prevented during these days in order to prevent pregnancy.
Sterilization
In case if you do not want to have children anymore, you can go for sterilization. The process of sterilization can be undergone by females as well as males. This is the permanent birth control option so it is very important to think carefully while opting for this method. After undergoing this process an individual losses his or her ability to reproduce permanently.
There are many contraceptive options available nowadays. You need to choose the one which suits you best after having discussion with your obstetrician. There are many factors including your baby’s health which you need to keep in mind while choosing the right contraceptive option after delivery.
