A common question often asked to me is what birth control methods can a woman use while breastfeeding. In and of itself, continuous breastfeeding (LAM), can be an effective contraceptive method if followed correctly. Of course, barrier methods such as condoms, female condoms or a diaphragm can be great options if you are not interested in using a hormonal birth control method. If, however, a woman wishes to use a hormonal option, then she is limited to progestin-only methods as combination options (i.e., combo pills, NuvaRing, and the patch) can interfere with milk production. The good news... there are several effective progestin-only methods available to choose from.

• Progestin-Only Options
• Top Questions About Hormonal Birth Control

_{Photo Courtesy of Andersen Ross/Getty Images}

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you all are celebrating some important things to be thankful for on this special day.  Hey - one of those things may that that you're thankful that your birth control has worked all year! Hopefully, you are not being a turkey - so if you are having sex (and don't want to get pregnant), you are using some form of contraception.

Speaking of turkey, how about some good 'ole pumpkin or pecan pie...Yummy! Maybe you can use your imagination as to what to do with the left-over whipped cream! Do you know if whipped cream can be used with a condom? And what about any left-over pumpkin seeds? Did you know that it is a widely held belief that the insertion of seeds before sex can prevent pregnancy? Is this fact or fiction?

• Find out the answer about seeds and sex as well as some other common beliefs people have about birth control and sex.

Also, for any of you traveling to your turkey dinner:

• Here are some simple birth control travel tips to help make sure your contraception doesn't ruin your Thanksgiving day plans.

Enjoy your hoilday...

_{Photo Courtesy of B.N. Parker}

It appears that people are finally becoming more aware of emergency contraception. Though most people don't realize that emergency contraception has been available for more than 30 years. It is a safe and effective contraceptive method that women can choose as a way to prevent a pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure.

Here is my "Top Picks" list of five little know facts about emergency contraception:

1. According to the medical world, emergency contraception is thought to be one of the best-kept secrets in the healthcare field. Emergency contraception is offered in three ways: Plan B One-Step (also known as the morning-after pill), ParaGard IUD, or a special regimen of birth control pills.
2. Plan B One-Step is sold, over the counter, at pharmacies. The catch? You have to be 17 or older to buy it without a prescription. It can be sold to either women or men; teenagers (under 17) can only purchase it with a doctor's prescription (but in many states, this can be achieved without parental notification), and there are 9 states that have pharmacy-access policies that allow women of any age to obtain Plan B One-Step from participating pharmacists at select pharmacies without a prescription.
3. Many believe that emergency contraception is the same thing as an abortion. This isn't true - Plan B One-Step doesn't work if you are already pregnant and does not harm a developing fetus.
4. To be most effective, Plan B One-Step should be started up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex (but may still be effective up to 5 days/120 hours) - the sooner it is obtained, the better the chances of preventing pregnancy (so it's good to have it on hand, just incase).
5. The morning-after pill is a misleading name because Plan B One-Step does not necessarily have to be taken the morning after unprotected sex occurs.

• The Emergency Contraception Debate
• Who Can Buy Plan B One-Step
• Emergency Contraception Quiz

_{Emergency Contraception Photo © 2009 Dawn Stacey}

It's finally here...come test your knowledge on my all new Extended Cycle Pills Quiz! If you find yourself thinking, "Huh? Extended what?" -- You may want to brush up on your knowledge about the newest evolution in the history of the pill.

Extended cycle pills provide women with even more control over their reproductive health and choices. In addition to being highly effective if used correctly, these pills also offer numerous noncontraceptive benefits. Like what (you may be asking)... how about drastically reducing the number of periods you get each year... some of these pills even allow for no more periods at all! So, how much do you really know about extended cycle pills? Take my quiz and find out!

• Extended Cycle Pills Quiz

• The Skinny on Seasonique
• Lybrel - The Continuous Birth Control Pill
• No More Periods: The Safety of Continuous Birth Control

_{Seasonique Photo © 2010 Dawn Stacey}