“What contraceptive method is safe?” This question is asked by almost all women to their doctors. Especially postpartum contraception is matter of more concern to the women, when they are breast feeding. A review provides all available contraceptive methods in its current recommendations.

Team@CMHF.

Planning for contraception after delivery is a critical element of family planning, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a review of all available contraceptive methods in its current recommendations. Progestin-only hormonal contraceptives are safe to initiate immediately after delivery, and they can be used among women who are breast-feeding. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can be placed immediately after delivery.

Although there is a higher risk for expulsion immediately after delivery, continuation rates of IUDs at 6 months postpartum is similar regardless of when the device is placed. Women should not initiate contraception with a diaphragm or cervical cap until 6 weeks postpartum.

The postpartum period is an important time to initiate contraception because women are accessing the health-care system and might have increased motivation to avoid another pregnancy,

The revised guidelines affirm the importance of starting contraception during the postpartum period to prevent unintended pregnancy and short birth intervals, which are associated with adverse health outcomes for the mother as well as for the infant. These include greater risks for low birth weight and preterm birth.
“Health-care providers assessing a woman’s individual risk also should consider any other characteristics or medical conditions that might impact the classification,” the guidelines authors write.

The CDC recommendations are unchanged regarding progestin-only contraceptives (progestin-only pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injections, and implants), IUDs, and contraceptive methods other than combined hormonal contraceptives. These methods can be started immediately after delivery and are safe for postpartum women, including those who are breast-feeding. However, clinicians should consider that combined hormone contraceptives may hinder successful breast-feeding.

Reference:   http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/746178?src=cmemp