Childbirth/is this normal

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Expert: - 7/25/2008


Question
i had my 3rd baby on 4-1 of this year and i had my 1st period after giving birth last month on the 17th and i havent had another one and its already the 25! i have been having sex with my husband but we have been doing the pull out method and condoms and i also use the foam for myself. im kind of worried should i be?

Answer
Sally,

It is quite common to have irregular cycles or skip periods soon after giving birth, especially if you are breastfeeding.  

If you have been using condoms and foam each time you have intercourse, you should be fine.  I do want to mention that there is no such thing as a "pull out method" for reliable birth control.  Without a condom or foam, simply pulling out will NOT prevent pregnancy.

If however, you meant that you are using condoms, foam and pulling out as well all at the same time, then there should be little concern about pregnancy.


Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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