How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Childbirth?

After the birth of a baby, many women wonder when their menstrual cycles and subsequently, fertility, will return. The answer to this depends on several factors, including whether or not the mother is breastfeeding her baby. Childbirth takes a toll on the mother's body, and therefore, achieving pregnancy in the weeks immediately following the birth of your baby is not recommended by most health care professionals. Because of this, it is important for mothers to know when they could become fertile again and take precautions to avoid pregnancy.

Ovulation after Childbirth

Most women experience three to eight weeks of bleeding following childbirth. In the first days immediately following the birth of your baby, this bleeding is bright red in color. As time passes, this bleeding, also known as lochia, will become lighter in flow and color, signaling the mother's uterus is nearly fully healed. The chances that a mother will ovulate during the first six weeks after giving birth is relatively low, although not impossible.

Once the postpartum bleeding has stopped and if the mother is not exclusively breastfeeding, she likely will resume ovulation around 10 weeks after childbirth. In fact, 80 percent of all women who do not breastfeed report that their period has returned by this time. Because of this fact, it is possible for a woman to become pregnant before she ever has a period. If a woman is not exclusively breastfeeding, she should talk to her health care provider about contraceptive options at her six-week postpartum checkup.

Breastfeeding

If a mother exclusively breastfeeds her baby, her chances of ovulating soon after giving birth decrease tremendously. In order for this to occur a mother must nurse her baby on demand and limit the amount of supplementation with a bottle. This method, known as the lactational amenorrhea method, has been proven to be 98 percent effective in preventing ovulation when used in this way.

The reason breastfeeding is so effective at preventing ovulation is because the hormone prolactin is produced in large amounts every time the baby suckles at the breast. Prolactin naturally suppresses ovulation. Mothers should be aware that this method will only work as long as they continue exclusively breastfeeding. Once the baby begins to take more solid foods, or begins sleeping through the night thereby increasing the amount of time between feedings, mothers should begin to use another form of birth control because ovulation could resume at any time.

Resuming Sex

Most doctors advise mothers to wait at least six weeks after child birth has occurred before resuming sexual activity. This is because the mother's body takes at least this long to heal and recover from the trauma of childbirth. Many woman find sex to be uncomfortable for several months to a year following the birth of their baby. This is very normal, but women should discuss any concerns they have with their doctors.

Around six weeks after giving birth, most women will return to their doctor for a postpartum checkup. At this visit, the doctor will examine the patient and make sure she is healing properly. Around this time, most doctors give the green light to resume intercourse and also will discuss appropriate birth control options.

Looking Ahead

A study in the British Medical Journal has found that women who wait less than six months between pregnancies are at an increased risk of complications in the subsequent pregnancy including miscarriage, preterm labor or neonatal death. Because of these heightened risks, most health care providers advise women to wait at least six months before trying to conceive again.

If a woman is still breastfeeding her baby, it is recommended she wean her child once she becomes pregnant again, a consideration mothers should make when deciding when to begin trying to conceive.

Considerations

Because every woman and situation is unique, remember that it is possible at any point after giving birth to become pregnant if you have unprotected sexual intercourse. If ovulation occurs and birth control is not used, pregnancy is a distinct possibility. Therefore it is important to discuss birth control options with your health care provider and partner if another pregnancy is not immediately desired.

How to Use Cloth Diapers to Make Nursing Pads

Using cloth diapers to make nursing pads is so easy that a new mother or father without sewing skills can easily create a dozen homemade nursing pads in under 30 minutes. The World Health Organization promotes breastfeeding a baby exclusively for the first six months of life and then continued breastfeeding for two years with complimentary foods, because the health benefits to the mother and the children are unparalleled by formula feeding. Multiple other authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that infants are breastfed for at least 12 months. Nursing pads are one necessary item when nursing an infant, and the cost of disposable pads adds up quickly, so making reusable breast pads is a cost-effective venture.

Instructions

1

Lay a disposable nursing pad on a flat, clean cloth diaper, close to one corner. The disposable nursing pad serves as a homemade nursing pad pattern.

2

Trace the disposable nursing pad shape onto the cloth diaper using a marker or pencil. Repeat this action on the entire cloth diaper. This will result in about one dozen nursing pad outlines.

3

Cut the homemade nursing pads out of the cloth diaper.

4

Sew around the perimeter -- 1/8 or 1/4 inch away from the edge -- of each nursing pad with a sewing machine to finish it. Alternatively, use a serger to quickly and conveniently serge each nursing pad edge to finish them. You can hand stitch the edges if necessary, but this method will take more time.

Breast & Nipple Pain

Throughout a woman's life, problems with breast or nipple pain are sure to arise. Although these symptoms are often quite normal, they can sometimes indicate more serious problems.

The Female Breast: Identification

Understanding the anatomy of the breast, as well as the function of its various parts, may help to specify the location and possible causes of breast and nipple pain. The female breast is composed of fat, connective tissue, milk ducts, lobes, lobules and various blood vessels. The ducts, which link together the lobes and lobules, come to an end at the nipple.

Symptoms

Breast and nipple pain can manifest itself in different ways. Many women experience pain in the upper area of the breast. Pain can also be closer to the nipple, or even feel as if it is in the nipple itself. Often, breast and nipple pain is accompanied by lumps in the breast. Regularity of pain can vary.

Causes

Constant, dull aching pain in the outer extremities of the breast is a normal problem and often results from changes in the breast tissue, often referred to as "fibrocystic" changes. Pain in the nipple may indicate infection, or it could result from injury or friction. While nipple pain is not usually serious, see a doctor if you experience any nipple discharge. Other causes of breast and nipple pain include benign tumors, mastitis and cancerous tumors (although these usually do not cause painful symptoms).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the underlying cause. In the case of fibrocystic breast changes, there is no cure. However, pain relievers may help to lessen pain. Other treatments include antibiotics (for mastitis cases), other medications and surgery (for breast abscesses or cancerous tumors).

Considerations

During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause, changes occur in the breasts that may cause painful symptoms. These are normal, and usually no object of concern. However, if your symptoms are accompanied by fever, or become very serious, be sure to see a doctor.

Milk Allergies and Breastfed Babies

Cow's milk protein sensitivity is the most common cause of digestive upset in newborns, but, thankfully, is generally outgrown by age 3. Depending on how sensitive your baby is, you might not have to eliminate all dairy from your diet, in order that the milk protein is not passed through your breast milk. Some babies are severely allergic, though, and require a strictly dairy-free diet for both themselves and their mothers.

Lactose Versus Cow's Milk Protein

There is a great difference between true lactose intolerance and the much more common cow's milk protein allergy. While many people will mistakenly claim that their baby has a lactose intolerance, according to Kelly Bonyata, IBCLC, an allergy to cow's milk protein is much more likely the cause of digestive upset or skin issues. Lactose intolerance is a much more rare diagnosis and would require cessation of breastfeeding, while continuing to nurse a baby that is allergic to cow's milk protein is far preferred to formula feeding.

Milk Protein Sensitivity Symptoms

A food sensitivity reaction generally doesn't show up in babies until 4 to 24 hours after exposure. If your baby is allergic to cow's milk protein, he might be fussy or gassy, as well as suffering from abdominal pain and cramping. Some babies also suffer from skin reactions, such as red rashes and eczema. More severe reactions would include diarrhea and vomiting. Babies only rarely suffer the extreme reaction of anaphylaxis, which involves immediate swelling, rashes or vomiting, right after exposure. Because swelling of the face and mouth can cause difficulty breathing, immediate medical care is needed.

Mother's Diet

Depending on how sensitive your baby is, you might only need to eliminate major dairy sources, such as milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt. If your baby is highly sensitive, you will likely have to eliminate all dairy sources, and be vigilant about reading labels on prepackaged foods--in order to guarantee they don't contain hidden dairy products, such as lactose and whey. Since it can take from 10 days to 3 weeks for an allergen to completely clear from a mother's breast milk, do not begin to reassess your baby's condition until at least 3 weeks from when you eliminated the potential allergens.

Baby's Diet

When your baby is 6 months old and ready to begin solids, do not introduce dairy products yet. Waiting to introduce dairy products to your previously allergic baby saves him from another potentially uncomfortable reaction. There are many other healthful options to feed him that do not include cow's milk. Your breast milk continues to be a complete nutrition, and the only milk needed until he is at least 12 months. By continuing to breastfeed beyond one year, you will continue to provide your baby with milk that is not only convenient and comforting, but also easily digestible.

Reintroducing Milk Products

Many babies outgrow their cow's milk protein allergy at around 6 months. At that age, you can begin slowly to introduce dairy products into your own diet, but observe your breastfed baby closely for any digestive upset, or other reaction. According to Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, once your baby is 12 to 18 months old, and only under the advice of your physician, you can slowly begin to feed him dairy and other foods containing cow's milk protein. Offer small amounts of foods containing cow's milk, preferably early in the day so you can watch him for any possible reactions. If he reacts to the cow's milk, do not continue to offer. Instead, try again after 3 years of age.

How to Prevent Dry and Cracked Nipples While Breastfeeding

As common an experience as it is, breastfeeding should not hurt. Although the first few minutes of each session might be intense, and soreness may occur after a good feed, chronic or enduring pain - especially in the form of dry or cracked nipples - is not at all necessary. Luckily, a few simply steps can radically reduce the occurrence of dry or cracked nipples.

Instructions

1

Prior to feeding, express a little milk. This will assist the let-down reflex, softening the nipples and allowing your baby to latch on more gently and easily.

2

Have your baby latch on correctly - an improper latch is a main cause of sore, dry or cracked nipples. Your baby latches onto the areola, not just the nipple. If the nipple doesn't reach all the way into the mouth, massage the areola with your thumb and forefinger, and push it outwards.

3

Let your baby start feeding on the breast that is the least sore - a baby's sucking is at its strongest in the first few minutes. After the intensity has subsided, switch to the other side.

4

For each feeding, change your baby's position slightly, so that the pressure of the feeding is distributed evenly throughout the breast. Rotate different types of breast-feeding holds: the cradle hold, the Australian hold, the football hold, and so on.

5

Be careful not to let your baby fall asleep at the breast, or suck for comfort without a proper latch. In addition, don't pull the mouth away from the breast without first breaking the suction.

6

After each session, allow your nipples to air-dry. Leave some breast milk behind on the nipples - the milk includes natural skin softeners. To reduce pain, apply cool compresses. In-between feedings, use proper breast support like cotton bras that won't irritate the nipples. At the same time, avoid breast-feeding pads with plastic liners - they can incubate bacteria.

Facts About Skin and Perfume

Perfume reacts with skin in many ways. Your skin sensitivity and chemistry affect which scents are appropriate for you. Your lifestyle and hobbies should also be considered when choosing a perfume.

Making the Selection

Perfume can have different effects on varying skin types. The best way to find a perfume that reacts well with your natural scent is to try it on your skin, preferably overnight.

Reactions

"Marie Claire" magazine reports, "Fragrance is the number-one cause of allergic contact dermatitis." As a result, people with sensitive skin may need to avoid perfume and scented products.

Breastfeeding

Nursing mothers should be aware that perfumes can affect your baby's willingness to breastfeed. Scented lotions, soaps and hygiene products can also prompt disinterest in feeding. According to KidsHealth, smelling "different" to your child is the problem.

Bee Stings

Perfumes can make your skin more appealing to bees. If you intend to spend time outside, avoid wearing sweet scents.

Warning

EczemaNet warns consumers about the dangers of cheap or counterfeit perfume. "These fragrances sell for much less, because they contain inexpensive ingredients. Antifreeze, alcohol and even urine replace the more expensive ingredients. And you don't want these substitutes on your skin."

Lexotanil Side Effects

The medication bromazepam is available under numerous brand names, including Lexotanil in some countries. Lexotanil is a sedative and muscle relaxant categorized as a benzodiazepine, and is similar to diazepam (Valium). Many side effects are possible.

Uses

Doctors prescribe Lexotanil to relieve anxiety, panic attacks and tension. It also is used to decrease symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or opiate drugs, and for short-term treatment of insomnia.

Common Side Effects

The most common Lexotanil side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and coordination problems. Some patients experience dry mouth, headache, lightheadedness, slurred speech or upset stomach.

Time Frame

Prolonged use of Lexotanil can cause psychological and physical dependence. Patients who take Lexotanil on a regular basis should never abruptly discontinue using it because severe withdrawal effects can result.

Concerns for Women

Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not take Lexotanil because it causes severe birth defects. Lexotanil also should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.

Contraindications

People with certain health conditions may not be able to safely take Lexotanil. These include kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, depression or a history of drug or alcohol dependency.