Despite massive campaigns by different health sectors in the government regarding contraceptive methods, many women are still reluctant to respond the call.  The choices are many and each of these methods is carefully studied; their advantages and disadvantages well elucidated. Yet, what’s troubling most women is not the scientific implication of contraceptive use, rather the socio-cultural beliefs that are associated with it.
 
Myth #1:   I am breastfeeding so it’s impossible for me to get pregnant

 Fact: Breastfeeding has an inhibitory effect on the hormones responsible for ovulation. But this is not absolute. A woman is protected only from unplanned pregnancy during the first six months and the condition must be that, first, she should breastfeed fully her baby without supplementing milk formula or baby food. Second, she should breastfeed at regular intervals during day and night and that no feeds are missed for any reason. Third, she should make sure her menstrual periods have not returned.

Myth #2:   All hormonal methods of contraception are the same

 Fact:   Hormonal method of birth control can be either combined which contain two hormones – estrogen and progestin, or progestin only. While both are highly effective (92% to 97%), combined contraceptive has more side effects. If the woman is breastfeeding, progestin-only is safer than combined.

Myth #3:   Any woman can take contraceptive pills.

 Fact: Before starting on contraceptive pills, one should consult her ob-gynecologist. Combined oral contraceptive pills are not suitable for women who have the following health risks: being a smoker older than 35 years old, have migraines, high blood pressure, stroke, blood clots, heart disease, diabetes, liver diseases

Myth #4:   I’m afraid of using IUD (intrauterine deivce). It might get lost and travel through my body.

 Fact:  IUD is a small T-shaped device with a single string attached to the base of the stem. This is inserted into the uterus and almost always stays inside. If it does come out, it will come out from a tear in the uterine wall, which in this case will need surgery in order to be removed.  To be certain that IUD is in place, have it check monthly with your health professional.

Myth #5:   Condoms can get lost in the woman’s body

 Fact:   Condoms are too big to get into the small opening of the cervix.

Myth #6:   I won’t get pregnant because I haven’t had menstruation yet

 Fact:  Absence of menstruation does not necessarily mean absence of ovulation. There are many cases of teen pregnancies wherein menstruation has not yet occurred. This is possible. The menstrual cycle of  young women is expected to be irregular during the first few months because of hormonal imbalance. Since ovulation precedes menstruation, it could be that, a young woman is ovulating for the first time and had sexual intercourse, paving the way for fertilization and pregnancy, instead of her first menstruation.
 
Myth #7:   I don’t need contraception to avoid getting pregnant because we only have sex
during my “safe” time

 Fact: If a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, a “safe” time can be theoretically determined. This is the time when she is not fertile or ovulating and therefore safe from getting pregnant. However, it should be understood that the entire menstrual cycle is an interplay of 4 different hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and progesterone. What regulates ovulation is a delicate balance of these hormones. Unfortunately, this balance can be disrupted by a lot of factors like stress, age, medicines and weight change. Because of these uncontrollable external factors, it is therefore difficult to pinpoint the “actual safe” days, making any woman still at risk for pregnancy. This is one of the reasons why rhythm method of birth control has high failure rate.

Today, only a handful of women will frankly inquire their health care provider how true contraceptive myths are. And seeing how these false beliefs strongly influenced their choice of birth control method, it is high time for both the woman and her health care provider to talk more about disconcerting myths and get it out of the closet.
 

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to protect your child from certain illnesses. Aside from providing the baby adequate amounts of carbohydrate, fat and protein, it also contains antibodies that enable them to fight infection. Deciding to breastfeed is not only a wise decision financially but its benefits are actually both beneficial for the mother and child.

Milk production starts at about 2 to 5 days after delivery. During this time, the concern for mothers who plan to breastfeed, is how to latch on the baby. If problems occur, the mother may suffer from a condition called breast engorgement.This usually happens 3 to 7 days after delivery when regular milk production sets in. The common symptoms of breast engorgement are swollen, firm and painful breasts. There is a tendency for the breast to be slightly lumpy if it is severely engorged. The nipples would also be flattened-out. A noticeable hardening of the areola, or the dark area around the nipple may also be present . This makes latching on even more difficult for the baby. Mothers also complain of having a low grade fever of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of the discomfort, Women who suffer from engorgement, generally does not breastfeed as often as they should which actually aggravates the problem. The key to preventing this is simply managing the milk in your breasts. It is important to feed the baby everytime he shows signs of hunger and to empty the breasts after each feeding. This promotes adequate milk supply and it also relieves discomfort. If engorgement does occur, home remedies can be done to address it. Here are a few simple ways to do it:

1. Cold compresses AFTER breastfeeding are helpful to decrease the swelling and pain. Make sure to wrap ice bags with a thin towel so that it will not be too cold on your breasts.

2. Warm compresses BEFORE breastfeeding promotes milk flow. A warm towel on your breasts will work fine but some women prefer to take warm showers instead which works just as well. Use a gentle soap to prevent irritation and drying of the nipples.

3. Breast massage is essential in promoting milk flow. Gentle massages starting from the outer areas to the inner areas can help in emptying the breast completely and thus preventing plugged ducts.

4. If the swelling and pain is giving you too much discomfort, consult a health care provider, who will prescribe over the counter medication such as Acetaminophen.

5. Wear a properly fitted support bra. You can choose from a wide array of products that are now available to make breastfeeding more convenient. Underwire bras are also not advisable because it can squeeze your breasts, and may promote the formation of plugged ducts.

In order for a mother to nurse her baby properly, she should also take good care of her health. Many products commercially available like breast pumps, storage containers and other nursing gear are all designed to make this experience pleasant for both mother and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends at least one year of breastfeeding and six months of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. And the frequency of feeding newborns range from 8 to 12 times a day. Once you begin to notice that they don’t feed as much, it is then advisable that you initiate the feeding. This ensures that your baby will get all the nourishment that he needs. Breastmilk after all, is still the best for babies.

Breastfeeding does many wonderful things for our children, and it is absolutely the best choice for infants. Eventually, it will be time to wean your toddler from breastfeeding. Either you will feel it is time or your baby will, and there are several things to look for.

Often, a baby is ready to be weaned if he or she is not satisfied with the breast milk. The baby will be fussy and continue to act hungry after the feeding. The feedings usually increase at this point and become very frequent. The mother will typically suffer at this time as the child starts to bite or becomes rougher with the feedings.

Slower Is Better

Researchers have found that babies who are weaned very quickly can become distressed. This may result in your child becoming needier and more attached to you, demanding feedings more frequently, or even displaying physical symptoms of upset such as constipation and allergic reactions. Child Specialist Patricia Ray agrees with this point. “Your child has become so accustomed to having that time for bonding as well as feeding. Often, the problem lies more in missing the closeness than having anything to do with the breast milk. By gradually decreasing the feedings along with providing extra time for bonding, you can really ensure that the child continues to feel secure.”

The mother will also typically have issues, such as engorgement and pain. It has been shown that gradual weaning is much easier with a better transition period and a smoother switch from breast to solid foods.

One important thing you can do that will make the gradual weaning better is to replace the breastfeeding times with cuddling and closeness with your child. Since breastfeeding is such a great time for bonding, often the child will miss the close moments with you. Having close, quiet time with you will help them feel more secure and ensure they are getting the affection and time they need.

What Age is the Best for Weaning?

As with anything else, children develop at different speeds. Experts agree that babies and toddlers are usually ready to make the transition to solid foods anywhere from 9 to 15 months. However, it can be earlier or later, depending upon your child. Don’t panic if your 15-month-old child still isn’t eating solid foods all the time. He or she may be eating solid foods and supplementing that with breastfeeding. The key is to watch for the signs mentioned above so you can tell whether your child is ready or not.

Tips for Weaning Your Toddler from Breastfeeding

Everyone can tell you a different story about how they weaned their child from breastfeeding, and you have probably heard many different stories from family members or friends. That doesn’t mean their methods will work for you. You will need to work at your child’s pace and your own pace. Stopping breastfeeding abruptly isn’t a good idea, either, and should be avoided if possible.

Some mothers are perfectly comfortable breastfeeding until the child has outgrown the need for it. This is called ‘baby-led’ weaning. It is not unusual for toddlers up to four years old to breastfeed. If you and your child are comfortable, so be it. Remember to take your time, and do not set a particular time for your child to be weaned. This would be like setting a time for them to sit up or walk.

Don’t give in to pressure from your family or friends about the ‘proper time’ to breastfeed. Some people think you should breastfeed for as long as possible, while others feel the baby should be weaned at nine months or a year. Use your own judgment because you and your baby are what is important, and ensuring that you are comfortable weaning your child should be first priority.

Simply remember that every child and mother is different. What works for some may not work for you. If you attempt to wean your child and feel as if it is not working or perhaps it’s not the proper time, you can try again in three months, or six months. Don’t force the issue simply because ‘Aunt Becky’ thinks your child should be weaned. Utilize the knowledge you have of your child along with helpful advice from experts. The happiness and health of you and your baby depend upon you making your own decisions regarding breastfeeding.