Lifestyle
Selecting Birth Control After Baby
Updated: Feb. 23, 2023
Originally Published: Feb. 23, 2015
The road to parenthood can be a tumultuous one, filled with challenges and heartache, especially for those grappling with infertility. I’ve shared my fair share of thoughts on the emotional toll that comes with trying to conceive. But today, let’s flip the script and discuss one unexpected benefit of this journey—freeing yourself from the worries of birth control. Yes, that’s right! No more fretting about contraception can feel liberating.
Shifting from a mindset focused on conception to one dedicated to avoiding pregnancy can be quite the adjustment. It’s a strange transition that takes time to embrace. When my healthcare provider suggested I explore the option of a diaphragm, I thought, “Why not? It’s so retro!” However, looking back, I realize there were several reasons I should have paused before jumping into that fitting.
Here’s my confession: I have a deep-seated fear of getting something stuck up there and needing to rush to the ER—where I imagined encountering a doctor wearing a coal miner’s hat. Even though I know my anatomy well enough to understand it’s not a bottomless cavern, a collection of horror stories from my twenties had me convinced that once something goes up there, it could vanish indefinitely.
Take, for instance, the tale of a friend who discovered she had left a tampon lodged inside her for months. She continued her daily life—exercising, shopping, and more—unaware of the foreign object residing within her. Then there are the countless stories from college friends about boyfriends who had to go on treasure hunts for wayward condoms. These anecdotes, combined with my natural paranoia, made the idea of inserting a diaphragm quite daunting. Spoiler alert: diaphragms do require being inserted deep within!
So, back to that fitting. My midwife enthusiastically suggested the diaphragm, and instead of expressing my apprehension, I played it cool. When she asked if her assistant and a nursing student could observe, I naively agreed. What I thought would be a simple, discreet fitting turned into a rather public affair.
The diaphragm resembles a larger version of a rolled-up balloon with firm edges. My midwife demonstrated its insertion, and to my surprise, I could hardly feel it. However, panic set in when she informed me I would need to remove it myself. This was not part of the plan!
“Just stand up and prop your leg up on this stool. Reach in and hook your finger around the lower lip of the diaphragm,” she instructed. Easy enough in theory, but with three pairs of eyes on me, that simple task morphed into a mini panic attack. I could envision the notes being taken: “Patient sweating. Curtain slipping. Looks confused.” The pressure mounted as I fumbled around, desperately trying to locate the diaphragm.
Eventually, the midwife stepped in to help, but instead of relief, I felt horror as she popped it back in. We repeated this dance several times, and by the end of it, I knew in my heart there was no way I could use this as my primary form of birth control. I had convinced myself that the diaphragm would somehow migrate into my stomach—yes, I realize that’s not anatomically feasible.
Every ten days or so, I receive a reminder call from the pharmacy about the diaphragm waiting for me. At this point, I’m happy to pass on that!
For those exploring birth control options, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. Whether you’re looking for traditional methods or more modern ones, resources like this blog post can help navigate your options. You might also want to check out this reputable online retailer for at-home insemination kits. And don’t forget to visit this excellent resource for comprehensive information about pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, choosing the right birth control method is a personal journey, and it’s crucial to be well-informed. Take your time, weigh your options, and don’t rush into decisions that could leave you feeling more anxious than empowered.
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