Post-natal contraception
Once you’ve had your baby it’s likely that getting pregnant again will be the last thing on your mind.
However, you will be able to conceive again – possibly sooner than you think. It’s widely held that women can’t fall pregnant while breastfeeding and it’s true that this does offer some protection if you’re fully breastfeeding, your breastfed baby is under six months and your periods haven’t returned. However, it’s advisable to use contraception as it’s hard to predict when your periods might return. If you’re supplementing breastfeeding with formula feeds, find a suitable method of contraception to safeguard against getting pregnant again straightaway.
What kind of contraception should I choose?
If you’re thinking about trying for another baby relatively soon, there are three methods of contraception that are suitable for you:
Condoms These offer the simplest birth control method to use in the weeks directly after the birth of your baby, once you get the all-clear for resuming your sex life from your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife (usually at your six-week postpartum check). You may find that you need to use lubricating gel to begin with to alleviate any dryness.
Diaphragm or cap These are also barrier methods of contraception that prevent sperm from passing through your cervix. If you used one before you became pregnant you may want to use it again but you’ll need to have a new one fitted, as your cervix can alter in shape and size after birth.
The Pill This uses hormones to prevent ovulation and is the most effective method of birth control. You’ll need to wait at least a month after the birth to start taking it as it can raise your risk of blood clots. If you’re breastfeeding you won’t be able to take the standard combined pill as it can reduce milk flow but you will be able to take the minipill, which doesn’t affect milk supply.
If you aren’t planning another baby for a while, there are other methods of contraception which you may want to consider. These may affect your fertility over a longer term, and are not suitable if you are considering trying to get pregnant again soon:
Progestin injection This lasts for three months and like the Pill, it’s highly effective. It incorporates the same hormone as the combined and mini pills, and while a small amount of hormone will be passed on to your baby if you’re breastfeeding this isn’t thought to be harmful, although many doctors recommend not start on it until six weeks after the birth of your baby.
Progestin implant These are small plastic tubes containing progestin which are inserted, usually under your arm, under local anesthetic. They can work for anything up to three years at a time, so you should think carefully about if and when you want to have another baby before opting for this method.
Intrauterine device (IUD) Also known as a coil, this is a small plastic device which is inserted into your uterus and works by preventing sperm from reaching the egg or by stopping a fertilized egg from implanting. This can be fitted six to eight weeks after your baby is born and are safe if you’re breastfeeding.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 02/07/2007
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