A Mom's Guide to Birth Control

Extended Pills

Best if: You don't want to get pregnant tomorrow; You're thinking "maybe baby"; You've found your perfect family size

How they work: First there was Seasonale and its spin-off Seasonique, combo pills you take for three months, making your period a four-times-a-year event. Newer on the scene is Lybrel, which eliminates your period altogether, since you take an active pill every day.

Perks: Extended pills can provide major relief for women who experience intense cramps, heavy bleeding, and other severe menstrual symptoms.

Drawbacks: Many women experience break-through bleeding during the first few months, but it tapers off with time. Extended pills have the same health risks as traditional combo pills.

Fertility returns 2 to 3 months after discontinuing the pill.