I have just stopped breastfeeding after 7 months. Can you advise
on contraception and periods? I am currently on Microval since
my baby’s birth.

A Now that you have stopped breast-feeding you can consider
yourself fertile. Ovulation happens before a period so fertility can return without you realising it. However the return to fertility varies from women
to women. Periods can return in some women when the baby starts to space feeds or begins taking anything other than breast milk.
Some start as early as a few weeks after birth. Individual differences
in mothers and babies can lengthen or shorten the period of natural infertility and some mothers resume their periods within the first three months even while they are exclusively breast feeding while others
can go as long as two years or more without having periods.
You say that you have been taking Microval since the birth of your baby and if you are happy with it and it suits you there is no need to change. Microval is a progestrogen only pill (mini-pill) and it works mainly
by preventing sperm entering the womb and blocking egg release. However it does not consistently prevent egg release but is
96-99% safe if taken correctly. It should be taken about the same
time each day and if you forget the Family Planning Organisations recommend the following.

• That you take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time.
• If you have forgotten for more than three hours, continue as normal but use a condom for three days
• Emergency contraception is recommended if you had sexual intercourse during the time one or more pills have been missed or taken three hours late.
A frequently reported side effect, irregular bleeding, which is generally not experienced while taking Microval during breastfeeding, may be experienced.

For advice on other methods or if you are worried or unsure about
which method of contraception is best for you don’t hesitate to consult your General Practitioner or Family Planning Clinic.

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