What Moms Should Know About the Pill

When it comes to the birth control pill there are a few things you should probably know.
The big question has always been about whether or not you can be on the pill after breastfeeding? Will there be problems with breast feeding if you take hormones? Does breast milk loose quality or stop.
The main thing to avoid is contraceptives that contain estrogen, which can reduce your milk supply. So women who are breastfeeding need to stay clear of birth-control pills that contain estrogen and progestin, as well as the Patch (a bandage like square that delivers hormones into your bloodstream) and the Ring (which you insert into your vagina, where it releases hormones).
Instead, you could use a “mini-Pill” — a progestin-only contraceptive, such as Micronor, that won’t affect milk supply. (One caveat: It’s important to take the mini-Pill at the same time every day for optimal effectiveness.)
You can also safely use an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) or try any barrier method, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, condom, and Leah’s Shield (a reusable rubber insert) if you do not want to get pregnant.
If you are not sure whether or not you are done having babies then the IUC is idea. There are two types.
The first, the Mirena IUC, releases a steady stream of progestin and is the most popular birth control with female ob-gyns.
This is because it is better at preventing pregnancy than tubal ligation if it stays in place, says Dr. Meckstroth. It changes the texture of cervical mucus so that it blocks sperm from reaching the eggs. It can also prevent ovulation. It’s approved for up to five years, and once it’s removed you can get pregnant right away.
There’s also ParaGard, an IUC that’s approved for up to ten years and doesn’t use hormones. It releases copper instead, which experts think creates an environment that’s toxic to sperm. It may also keep the egg from attaching to the uterus.
Another option is the Implanon, a matchstick-size rod that’s implanted under the skin of your arm to release progestin and lasts for up to three years. One downside to using this is that It often causes breakthrough bleeding, so you’d have to be willing to put up with that.
If you want to get pregnant soon the only option you should avoid is the Depo-Provera injection. That is because it can delay fertility for up to a year.
Of course for real advice about this matter you really do need to see a doctor.

The Lost Art of Bargaining

One way to get more for your money in these hard times is to simply remember how to bargain for it.
In an uncertain economy, it pays to shop smart. In fact, hardest part of negotiating is simply getting past the idea of paying the full sticker price. Keep in mind that in these hard times, people are increasingly willing to strike up a deal.
Just ask the sales clerk – 'Can we get a better price? ' It is especially good to do this if you think that it is not just a sales clerk you are talking to and that it is the owner you are talking to…
It also helps simply to look around for a deal. Do your price checks. Stores are often eager to match or beat the prices of their competitors, so check flyers, newspaper ads, internet auction and shopping sites (including eBay, Amazon and Yahoo) and bargain websites for comparisons. Print or cut out the information and take it on your shopping trip; sometimes if you can show you got a lower deal on the internet you do not have to pay as much.
Negotiating the price of a house or car seems obvious, but you do the same tactics to try and get deals department stores, travel centers, home contractors and cell phone providers. Haggling can work almost anywhere.
Try bargaining in person rather than over the telephone. To give yourself a lot of time to strike a deal, shop when a store is less busy and make sure that you are friendly, patient and polite.
You can also look out for damage on items. If you find a flaw on an item that you can live with or fix – such as a missing button on a jacket or a scratch on a table – ask for a better price.
Offering to pay cash in return for a discount doesn't mean you're helping someone skirt taxation; there's no need to put down $20 for dishware and make a run for the nearest border. Many retailers prefer cash payments because they pay a fee for credit- or debit-card transactions.
It is also a good idea to simply keep an eye out for sales. Ask when an item will be marked down and when new models are coming. They might be prepared to wait a bit and then give you a deal. I got a really great baby carriage that way.