Did you hear the big news? On July 13, 2023, the FDA officially approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill available in the United States! This OTC pill, called “OPill” differs from traditional, prescription birth control pills in a few ways. Here, we’ll dive into some of the key points to know if you considering this contraceptive option.
Oral Contraceptive Pills, aka “the pill”, have been around for over 60 years. First approved for use in the United States in 1960, 1.2 million American women were using the pill within the first 2 years of its distribution. Today, the pill is still the most popular method of reversible contraception in the U.S., with 16% of women between ages 15 and 44 taking the pill – that accounts for 30% of all American women! To say that A LOT has changed between its initial approval and today, however, would be an understatement. From the pill dosage, risks and benefits, and reasons we love it – there is much to praise the pill for in its modern form.
Birth control might not be the first thing on your mind in the whirlwind of new parenthood and breastfeeding, but it’s important! Preventing pregnancy for the first 12-18 months after delivery improves bonding with your baby, promotes your physical recovery, and reduces the risk of complications in your next pregnancy. You may be concerned that birth control could negatively impact breastfeeding, but fortunately there are some great options that won’t interfere with your nursing or pumping journey.
Although less common than the baby blues, PMADs also affect a great number of new parents: 1 in 5 women, or 20%, are affected. More traditionally termed “Postpartum Depression,” it is important to recognize that PMADs actually encompass a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar mood disorder, and postpartum psychosis.
We are all well aware that labor and delivery cause pain. Despite this expectation, it’s hard to know what it will feel like and what you may need to cope until you are in the thick of it. Because of this, it’s helpful to think about what pain management techniques, both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic, are available to you before you are actually in labor.
A question that has been increasingly coming up in the office is, “Should I be collecting colostrum before my baby is born?” Let’s take a closer look.
