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- Navigating Birth Control After Baby
by Laura Benson
Updated: Feb. 23, 2023
Originally Published: Feb. 23, 2015
Embarking on the journey of trying to conceive can be incredibly challenging, as I’ve discussed in depth regarding the emotional toll of infertility. However, there’s one delightful aspect of this experience that stands out: the freedom from birth control concerns. It’s a refreshing shift to transition from desperately trying to conceive to actively avoiding it.
I had heard about diaphragms, mainly from retro movies, so when my midwife suggested getting fitted for one, I thought, “Why not? This could be fun!” Little did I know that diving headfirst into this decision without proper consideration would lead to quite the adventure. Spoiler alert: knowing yourself is crucial in these situations!
Let me share a rather silly fear I have: I’m terrified of becoming the person who accidentally leaves something up there and has to rush to the ER. I vividly recall hearing tales in my twenties about disastrous scenarios involving neglected tampons or misplaced condoms, which have left me a tad paranoid about anything going near my lady parts. And yes, diaphragms must be positioned quite snugly up there.
So, back to my midwife. With a casual demeanor, I agreed to let her assistant and a nursing student observe my fitting. After all, who doesn’t want to contribute to education? I figured it would be a simple procedure similar to my past gynecological visits, where I’d lay back and look the other way. I didn’t expect to be so actively involved.
The diaphragm resembles a larger, rolled-up balloon with stiff edges, and as my midwife demonstrated, it quickly vanished into my vagina. I felt a wave of panic wash over me, but I reassured myself that she would retrieve it. To my surprise, she informed me that I would need to remove it myself. Oh boy.
“Just stand and prop your leg up on this stool, then hook your finger around the edge,” she said. Sure, easy enough! But with three women watching me, one taking notes, I felt like I was in a comedy sketch. I can just imagine their thoughts: Patient appears flustered. Paper curtain slipping. All instructions seem to be lost on her. Patient looks bewildered.
Despite my growing anxiety, I knew I had a midwife right there to assist. Yet, as I fumbled around, I could feel the pressure mounting. Eventually, the midwife intervened and popped it back in place. “No! Why did you do that?” I thought. I was convinced that the diaphragm would somehow get lost forever, and the idea of having sex again felt daunting.
We went through this little routine several times, and after 45 minutes, I realized there was no way I could make this my go-to birth control method. I was already convinced that intimacy would somehow send this thing spiraling into my abdomen—yes, I know that’s not anatomically possible. Every ten days, I received reminders from the pharmacy about picking it up, but I was resolute: “No thanks!”
If you’re contemplating similar options, you might want to check out resources on home insemination, like this informative piece on pregnancy and home insemination. Also, see how Cryobaby offers insights into at-home insemination kits. And for additional guidance, feel free to visit our privacy policy.
In summary, transitioning from trying to conceive to selecting a birth control method can be a whirlwind. My experience with the diaphragm taught me the importance of self-awareness and comfort. It’s crucial to find a method that suits you without unnecessary stress.