Does Your Postpartum Checklist Include Birth Control?

Because you may need more than just diapers and wipes.

It’s no secret that having a baby can come with a long to-do list. From setting up the nursery to learning how to properly install a car seat (I can’t believe they’re just going to let us drive off with a newborn!?) to stocking up on diapers, wipes, and onesies, the list can feel endless.

And yes, we know becoming a mother is amazing, hello, your body just grew a whole human, but we also know you may not be ready to do it again so soon. Which is why you may consider adding a birth control plan to that postpartum to-do list.

The good news is that there are birth control options that can be started right after you give birth including intrauterine devices (IUDs).

So, if you’re considering an IUD for birth control post-baby, here are some questions to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Some things to know about getting an IUD after giving birth

Doctors usually say to wait four to six weeks after having a baby before having sex again. For some people, that might still be too soon, while others are ready to jump back in earlier.

The timing of starting birth control in postpartum is something you and your healthcare provider should discuss, but if your goal is to prevent another pregnancy, you should have a plan in place and birth control might be a part of that plan.

“Typically, it is helpful to discuss contraception options during pregnancy so the options can be weighted and so there is a plan of action once the baby gets here,” says Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, OBGYN and women’s health expert.

While progestin only oral contraceptives are an option that can be started around three weeks postpartum, an IUD can be inserted immediately following birth or in the days before you go home. It can also be inserted at your six-week appointment.

“The potential benefits to having your IUD placed immediately postpartum is that it is usually taken care of without the need for an extra visit,” says Dr. Shepherd.

And if you’re hesitant to get an IUD immediately following birth, you can wait and have one inserted at any routine postpartum check-up.

Why an IUD may be an option

When you’re welcoming your baby into the world, it’s understandable to prioritize their safety and well-being, making it hard to focus on anything else – let alone birth control. That’s why an IUD, like Mirena^® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system), may be a great birth control option for you.

The Mirena IUD is a hormonal, estrogen-free option that is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and lasts up to eight years.

For busy moms, Mirena may be a great low-maintenance birth control option. After insertion, you need to check for the threads once a month to make sure Mirena is still in place. The risk of perforation is increased with insertion after delivery if Mirena is inserted while you are breastfeeding, or if you have recently given birth. The risk of expulsion is increased with insertion after delivery.

Unlike pills or a patch, you don’t have to remember to take anything when you resume sexual activity. Mirena eliminates the responsibility of taking a daily pill—that’s 2,920 daily pills over eight years vs one Mirena IUD. You will need to do a thread check once a month to make sure Mirena is still in place and your healthcare provider can show you how.

The birth control you select should be what’s right for you, and for some busy moms who do not want to worry about remembering to take a daily pill, an IUD may be a good choice. During your next pregnancy check in visit, discuss your post-partum birth control plan with your provider so you can simplify your to-do list and focus on your new little human.

INDICATION FOR MIRENA
Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.

Pregnancy while using Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.

Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.

Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

Mirena does not protect against HIV or STIs.

Only you and your HCP can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is available by prescription only.

For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see the accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

Visit Mirena.com to learn more.

Dr. Shepherd has provided paid consultation services to Bayer in the past but is not being compensated for this information.

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This article was originally published on sheknows.com.