The Pill for Most Women: Saheli Plus for Breastfeeding Mothers

Hormonal OCPs (Oral contraceptive pills) are among the most effective contraception methods available in the market. They are convenient, accessible, and easy to use. However, they are not necessarily for all women. Women who are susceptible to certain health risks cannot take these hormonal pills. Similarly, breastfeeding women are also among those who cannot take hormonal pills.

Postpartum contraception options for women are limited, as new mothers face the challenge of preventing pregnancy effectively without affecting breastfeeding or the baby`s health. It calls for effective non-hormonal contraception methods like Saheli Plus.

This article explores the need for safe and effective postpartum contraception and outlines the drawbacks of using hormonal contraception. It explains how Saheli Plus is a safe and effective postpartum contraception method for breastfeeding women.

OCPs: The Most Effective Contraception Method with a Few Caveats

Contraceptive effectiveness and reliability are crucial for women, as they would be the ones to bear the brunt of a contraceptive failure. It is especially more critical during the postpartum phase, as an unwanted pregnancy immediately after childbirth can severely affect their health and derail their path to recovery post-childbirth and regaining nutritional stores. It can also impact child spacing and family planning, forcing families to find resources to raise children born in quick succession.

Oral contraceptive pills are among the most reliable forms of birth control. They are 99% effective at preventing pregnancies if used properly. They offer convenience, accessibility, and ease of use. However, they have significant drawbacks, especially for young mothers.

Hormonal pills achieve contraception by modulating hormone levels in the body or suppressing ovulation using synthetic hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone. So, using them affects natural hormonal balance, which can make life difficult for young mothers trying to manage their reproductive health and recover from a pregnancy.

They also bring side effects and long-term health risks, some of which can be exacerbated during the vulnerable post-childbirth phase. For instance, according to a large Danish cohort study, initiation of hormonal contraceptives in the first 12 months postpartum was associated with a 1.49 times higher instantaneous risk of depression compared with no hormonal contraceptive use in new mothers.

How Hormonal OCPs Can Affect Breastfeeding

For new mothers who are breastfeeding, hormonal OCPs can impact milk supply and alter the hormonal balance essential for lactation. Numerous studies have examined the effect of hormonal contraceptives and breast milk.

• Pills containing oestrogen can reduce milk production, especially when started before six months postpartum.
• Traces of these synthetic hormones can potentially pass into milk. While it may not be high enough to cause serious safety concerns for the child, mothers who want to ensure complete safety for the child can choose an alternative.
• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is advisable to delay the use of hormonal pills containing oestrogen until at least six months postpartum, or until exclusive breastfeeding has reduced, i.e. until the baby is entirely reliant on the mother`s milk.
• Progestin-only pills do not affect lactation. So, they are considered more suitable for breastfeeding mothers. However, they can cause side effects such as headaches, mood swings, and irregular bleeding.

Due to these factors, breastfeeding mothers should avoid hormonal contraception despite their reliability and effectiveness. They should be careful while choosing their postpartum contraception method.

What are the Preferred Qualities of the Ideal Postpartum Contraception Method?

Safe contraception during breastfeeding requires more than just effectiveness; it demands a method that does not interfere with the dynamics of breastfeeding. An ideal postpartum contraception method:

• Is safe and effective.
• Supports reproductive health during the post-childbirth phase when the new mother is weak.
• Supports maternal health and successful breastfeeding.
• Does not affect lactation and nutrient balance in the breast milk.

This calls for non-hormonal contraceptive innovations that suit nursing mothers.

Saheli Plus: An Effective Alternative Safe for Mother and Child

Saheli Plus is a non-hormonal contraceptive. It is an alternative postpartum contraception that protects the mother`s reproductive health while ensuring her child remains unaffected.

Developed by the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Saheli Plus uses its active ingredient, Centchroman, to achieve contraception by selectively preventing implantation without interfering with ovulation or hormonal cycles.

Saheli Plus is suitable for breastfeeding mothers because:

• The effectiveness of Saheli Plus is comparable to that of hormonal OCPs.
• But it does not affect the natural hormonal balance, unlike hormonal pills.
• It does not affect lactation.
• Since it does not introduce synthetic hormones into the body to achieve contraception, the breast milk remains natural and nutrient-rich, ensuring complete safety for the mother and child.
• Since Saheli Plus follows a weekly dosage schedule as opposed to the daily dosage schedule of hormonal pills, the likelihood of its active components passing to the child through the mother`s milk is reduced multifold.

Final Thoughts

Safe contraception during breastfeeding is a must for young mothers. Hormonal pills can affect the hormonal balance, cause side effects, and affect reproductive health. It can affect lactation, and trace amounts can also potentially get into the milk.

Saheli Plus is a suitable non-hormonal birth control for nursing mothers who do not want to take any chances. It has a proven safety record, protecting both mother and child. It preserves reproductive health and eliminates the risk of hormone transfer through breast milk.

While it is crucial to discuss postpartum contraception options with your doctor, Saheli Plus is a promising option for women who want safe, effective, and reversible contraception in the long term for breastfeeding mothers.

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