• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Uncategorized

Making The Right Birth Control Choice After Giving Birth

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 17, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Picture this; you just had a baby and you are positively obsessed with learning how to mother your new child, a sort of baby love haze. Then at your first postpartum doctor’s visit your doctor snaps you back into reality by bringing up birth control. As if you aren’t dealing with enough, you are urged to make an important decision to avoid getting pregnant again, so soon after giving birth.

The birth control pill, Nuvaring and Mirena IUD are the most commonly prescribed birth control methods for new mothers. But wait, why would your doctor suggest you take something that contains synthetic hormones when you just went through one of the biggest hormonal changes of your life? Over the past year you have been through pregnancy, labor, childbirth, postpartum recovery and lactation. Wouldn’t it be best to continue letting your body adjust to all of these hormonal and physical changes naturally, so as not confuse or alter this process?

The use of hormonal birth control after giving birth is not a black and white matter. Doctors deem it safe, but I’m not so sure it is. While it may seem easy to just take the pill, or get a Nuvaring, what many women don’t know is that there is a highly effective alternative natural birth control method. Why go the natural route? You will be helping to preserve your fertility (more on this below) and as an added bonus, you will get to know your fertility cycle on an intimate level!

My Personal Experience

I’m an herbalist who has given birth twice in a hospital with the assistance of medical doctors. To some this may seem a bit strange but, for several reasons, this was the best choice for my husband and me.

I chose to work with two women, both DOs or Doctors of Osteopathy in their residencies (meaning fresh out of medical school), knowing they may be more open to my herbalist ways, and they were. While they didn’t pressure me to have many prenatal tests, or receive vaccinations, and trusted my choice in prenatal multivitamins, they both took a significant amount of time to ensure my husband and I had thought about how we would prevent pregnancy after giving birth. Both were ready to write a prescription for the birth control pill and/or set up a future appointment to fit me with an IUD well before I had even given birth.

If you are going to regular prenatal appointments or have given birth, you may recall these conversations and feeling the pressure to just take the prescription for the pill. I know I did; even though the last thing I wanted to think about while eight months pregnant was having sex; and the very last thing I wanted to consider doing in the weeks after giving birth was having sex.

So, Why Are Doctors Quick to Push The Pill?

Doctors commonly prescribe birth control (low-hormone birth control pills and methods that do not contain hormones like the copper IUD) to help prevent pregnancy from happening again too soon after giving birth. I personally feel they do so for good reasons, which are because they know:

  • it is best to allow the female body 12 months to heal properly after giving birth before conceiving again
  • the uterus is weak after being stretched to its max for many months
  • the risks for blood clots and complications in pregnancy increase with some pregnancies that happen too close together
  • the risk for having a preterm birth increase the closer together that pregnancies occur
  • breastfeeding alone is not a reliable birth control method

They also prescribe birth control because a breastfeeding woman is not likely to know when her cycle will begin again. Breastfeeding suppresses ovulation, but not for the same length of time for each breastfeeding woman. Doctors feel using birth control is an easy way to keep the cycle from returning to allow the body to heal properly post birth. While it may be easy, there are known long-term impacts on fertility health when using birth control.

Doctors and many organizations like the Office of Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services share that there is no harm in beginning some forms of birth control three to six weeks postpartum even while breastfeeding (although this does depend on each woman’s birth experience and overall health post-birth).

The Long-Term Impacts to Fertility

On the contrary, what we see with our clients is that taking the Pill can negatively impact long-term fertility, especially if it is taken for extended periods of time. Birth control use confuses the body and may negatively impact long-term fertility by causing:

  • menstrual cycle disruption
  • hormonal imbalance
  • disrupted ovulation
  • changes in cervical mucus
  • changes in uterine lining health and receptivity to an embryo

Not to mention that even small amounts of hormones from low-dose hormonal birth control can pass through breast milk to an infant.

Consider This Alternative to Birth Control

The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)

Kathryn Cardinal, Herbalist & Fertility Awareness Teacher, explains, “The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) offers a natural alternative to medical contraception methods that is both safe and very effective. The Fertility Awareness Method teaches women how to develop a deep awareness of their fertility by observing their personal menstrual cycles, identifying their most fertile time all while committing to building a respectful relationship with their body. Rather than suppress and ignore the menstrual cycle, the goal with FAM is to teach women how to recognize their hormonal signals in order to become experts on their fertility.”

Through observing and recording basal body temperature (BBT) shifts, cervical mucus changes and cervix position, etc., FAM is able to help a breastfeeding woman begin to see the signs of her fertility reappear post birth.

To begin creating an intimate relationship with your fertility cycle, an easy place to start is by reading the following guides:
Natural Contraception with the Fertility Awareness Method
Using Fertility Awareness Method as a Diagnostic Tool – Part 1
Using Fertility Awareness Method as a Diagnostic Tool – Part 2

Thinking ahead for the future, I urge you to give serious thought to using hormonal birth control after giving birth. If you want to have more children, avoiding hormonal birth control use may help to preserve your fertility and make trying to conceive in the future easier. I know that being a new mother to your baby is already a lot, and that FAM can feel like a big commitment, but believe me, FAM in the long-run is so much better for your health, which is good for the whole family.

References

  • Breast Feeding and Birth Control. (2012, March). Retrieved from: http://www.midwife.org/ACNM/files/ccLibraryFiles/Filename/000000002191/Breastfeeding and Birth Control.pdf
  • Share With Women. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://ourmomentoftruth.com/share-with-women/
  • Cardinal, K. (n.d.). Natural Contraception with the Fertility Awareness Method. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/natural-contraception.html
  • Pregnancy: Getting Pregnant Again. (2011, November 15). Retrieved from: http://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/get-pregnant-again.html

« Previous Post
Chiropractic Care to Aid Infertility - Interview with Dr. Jodi Sampson
Next Post »
Fertility Q&A - Fertilica Dong Quai & Uterine Fibroids

About the Author

Avatar photo

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
🚩The good news is that each of these red flags can be fixed through lifestyle upgrades and natural therapies! 

Type ‘STEPS’ in the comments below if you want to learn which steps are most important for fertility and hormone health. Let’s turn those red flags green. 💚

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 23

Open
🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 23

Open
Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 22

Open
☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 19

Open
What does the Fertility Cleanse Kit include and how to use the kit. 

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 18

Open
Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 18

Open
📈 Fertility charting will help you to better understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path.

Some things you will be able to see on a fertility chart….📈

🌸Thyroid function
🌸Estrogen dominance/deficiency
🌸When and if you are ovulating
🌸Progesterone state
🌸Length of follicular phase
🌸Length of luteal phase
🌸Pregnancy

👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
🌱 Using a greens powder such as FertiliGreens daily can be an easy way to get more greens in your diet….. But if you are new to green powders the taste may catch you by surprise.

💚I do think FeriliGreens is some of the best tasting greens powder out there, but here are to some tips to make taking your daily dose tastier… especially if you are new to taking the :

✅ Mix FertiliGreens into your fertility smoothie
✅ Mix with 8 oz of water and add a little juice for taste
✅ Mix with water and some chocolate stevia drops
✅ Mix with water and some cocoa powder and vanilla stevia drops

Do you take a greens powder daily? What is your go-to method.

I personally take mine mixed in water + all my powdered and liquid supplements mixed with some cocoa powder and chocolate stevia drops 😋

👇 If you would like to learn more about foods and nutrition shortcuts specifically for fertility start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type FOOD in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 16

Open
🧘🏽‍♀️ Rose Fertility Meditation.... Take 2 minutes to unwind and support your fertility with this gentle meditation.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 16

Open
Your journey towards motherhood is unique, but you don't have to go it alone 

🤍 Surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who believe in you and your dreams 💫 

#fertilitycommunity #supportsystem #inspiration

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 15

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Products

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us