A recent article in Contemporary OB/GYN reports a new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirming that women in the United States opt for tubal sterilization over the intra-uterine devices (IUDs) for postpartum contraception.

The choice for tubal sterilization vs. an IUD depends on several factors including cesarean vs. vaginal deliveries, long term efficacy and patient preference. Both options are reliable birth control.

Modern tubal ligation (sterilization) is usually done in the office without an incision. The procedure is called Essure, which is a non-invasive 5-10 minute in-office option. To find out more about Essure, you can visit our website: Essure Procedure

IUDs are typically placed in the office setting. The modern IUDs are much safer and more reliable than the original versions.

It is important to discuss your options with one of our doctors. There are several solutions that can be chosen based on your personal needs. 

When my first daughter was born, about 13 years ago, I envisioned balancing motherhood, my work as a psychotherapist and home with grace and ease - seamlessly merging my new mom responsibilities with my career.

My hope for becoming Supermom was challenged on the very day my daughter was born. Exactly 12 hours after my darling daughter's birth, she began to cry. Actually cry is an understatement - she began to wail uncontrollably and with high-pitched fervor I had never before experienced. And this continued for every night thereafter for the next three months.

I spent my daughter's early years in a constant state of anxiety. Just when I thought I was getting into a groove and managing the perfect juggling act, the birth of my second daughter, 2 years later, caused my workload to multiply exponentially.

Yup, I tried to be supermom - working as a therapist to help heal others' pain by day, and then attempting to keep a cheerful disposition and get all the housework and caretaking done by night. And, I was able to do if for a little while - and then I had a wake-up call. I was trying to do the impossible. Excel at everything - which actually seemed to detriment my performance at everything - mother, professional and wife.

The next day I made the wise decision to cut back on my hours at work and to delegate everything that I didn't need to do. And that day I said goodbye to Supermom. Both my children are happy and unbelievably interesting people. And I am back to working full time and loving it.

So here's what I learned about Supermom - she's a myth. The best thing we can do for ourselves as moms is to walk the middle path - not taking anything too seriously or to lightly, not taking over control and not giving up all of it, and most, importantly, realizing that the time we spend with our children and on ourselves needs to be well balanced in order to achieve success and keep both feet on the ground.

Danna is a Psychotherapist in Livingston, NJ. www.mindsoother.com; 973-220-1885.