Mazal tov on the recent birth of your baby!
1) Since the
minipill often causes irregular staining, it can interfere with completing the
clean days. Therefore, we recommend starting the pill after you immerse.
You may experience actual bleeding (which would render you
niddah) or staining (from which you may take precautions against becoming
niddah – see our article on
stains for details). The staining is usually irregular, and may last for the entire time you are taking the minipill. Different women have different reactions to the minipill – some women have little to no staining, other women have frequent light staining, and yet other women have heavy staining or actual bleeding. You will only know how your body reacts to the minipill once you start taking it. However, despite the staining, many women are able to manage using the strategies described in the article linked above.
2) You can use
spermicide as a backup contraceptive method until you start the minipill and until the minipill takes full effect. In Israel the commonly used form is vaginal suppositories called Glovan, which are available over the counter at the pharmacy. While spermicide on its own is not a very effective form of birth control, if you are fully nursing, use of spermicide in addition to any natural protection you have from breastfeeding would be reasonably effective. If you are not fully breastfeeding, you may wish to use a contraceptive sponge (available over the counter) which is slightly more effective than spermicide alone. If there is a medical reason that even a small risk of pregnancy would be dangerous, then you might wish to discuss the use of a
diaphragm with your physician.
Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.
B'Hatzlacha!
Postscript: As of fall 2017, Glovan is no longer sold in Israel. However, Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF), a particularly effective form of spermicide, is increasingly available. Many Israeli pharmacies carry VCF and it can be found online.
