Hi, I am supposed to be going to the mikva soon after the birth of my baby, now 7 weeks old. This is my first time exclusively nursing, in the past I have bottle fed.
I'm unsure about contraception. Many years ago I used (combined) pills which threw me into depression. It took a few years of treatment to get out of it and I am no longer on medication for it. I have since used only the nuvaring and thankfully this hasn't had the same depressive effects for me. However, I'm hesitant to try any other birth control other than what I know I'm ok with.
Nuvaring is not recommended for breastfeeding though as it reduces supply. I have worked really hard to be able to breastfeed this time and don't really want to risk it. I did not use the minipill previously so I'm aware the effects may be different than the combined pill, though i much prefer NOT to have to take a daily pill that is so super time sensitive.
I have the after birth doctor checkup coming up soon and not sure who to ask about other options. I don't really ask my friends who are breastfeeding what contraceptives they use and how that works out for them. The doctor is male and not Jewish, he will prescribe whatever I request but won't really be able to give advice on how each method works with breastfeeding, mikva etc. I have googled extensively but would just like to ask advice from someone who gets it and understands... A rav has recommended a cervical cap which I am nervous is difficult to use. Additionally, the checkup is in a few more weeks.
Should I delay mikva until only after this is sorted? Or is it better to go earlier but still wait until then before having intimacy?