After giving birth, women have to start thinking of a suitable birth control method or contraceptive. Although the options are many, not all may be suitable for you. Below are four common questions that women have regarding birth control which can help to guide you to make the correct choice.

Q: What is a safe method to use while I am breastfeeding my baby?

Women who are breastfeeding should avoid the Patch and the Ring that deliver hormones into the blood stream as well as birth-control pills that contain estrogen and progestin. All these can affect your milk supply.

The alternative is to take the “mini-Pill” (e.g. Micronor) or to use an intrauterine contraceptive like a diaphragm, sponge, cervical cap or condom.

photo credit: Raphael Goetter

Q: I would like to have another baby quite soon and would like to choose a suitable method that does not affect my chances of conceiving. What is a suitable choice?

You can apply the normal birth control methods except Depo-Provera which can delay or affect your fertility for a longer period.

Q: I would like to have a long-term contraceptive but I do not want it to be permanent. What is the recommended method?

An intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) is suitable, for example the Mirena IUC and ParaGard. Another option is the Implanon which is a matchstick-size rod that is implanted on your arm, just under the skin.

Q: Is it safe for women over 36 years old to take hormonal birth control?

It is safe as long as you do not smoke and do not have a heart disease problem. Research shows that taking the Pill gives protection against ovarian cysts and ovarian, uterine and colorectal cancers.