You've just had a child...joy, excitement, worries, are all part of the process of welcoming the newborn into the family. The entire family participates in the initial chores required to make the baby comfortable and happy. The mother however, is the most preoccupied with her new offspring and the time required to take care of the infant. But, in order to ensure that your baby gets your undivided attention and grows up healthy, you need to be aware that ideally you should wait 3-5 years before your next child. But why? Many believe that lactation offers protection. This is a myth that most women believe and therefore they can get caught unawares with another pregnancy when they least expect it!
During the period of lactation when the mother is breast-feeding her baby, she needs to know some facts about contraception so that she can protect herself from another immediate pregnancy:
If the woman has not had her first menstrual period since childbirth and if she is fully breastfeeding her baby, she is unlikely to become pregnant during this period. This is known as the LAM (Lactational Amenorrhea Method) of contraception.
Women who are breastfeeding can start progestin-only methods of contraception as early as six weeks after childbirth. An important fact to remember is that the contraceptive should be estrogen free. Hence, progestin based injectables, condoms and IUD's are the best options. If she is not fully breastfeeding, she can use the pill as well.
The tri-monthly injectable DMPA (Depo Provera) can be started as early as six weeks after childbirth. The biggest advantage of this method is that DMPA does not affect the quality and quantity of breast milk or have any adverse effect on the health of the baby. DMPA is long acting and does not require daily action, nor is it coital dependent. Hence, mothers are more free to dedicate time and attention to her health and that of her newborn.
