Contraception after Birth

For many women after the birth of baby with sleepless nights and exhaustion as well as your rapidly changing hormones sex is the last thing on the agenda. You may be worried about the first time you have sec post baby and have anxieties about breast tenderness and vaginal dryness.

When you and your partner do start to think about sex its important to consider the best  method for you and dates to start the method.Below is a brief look at when to start each method of contraception and which methods can be used whilst breastfeeding.

After pregnancy the earliest ovulation is found to occur no earlier than day 28  for non breast feeders, however the return of fertility varies in each individual and factors such as your nutrition, if baby was full term or premature and weather you are breastfeeding.

Is Breastfeeding a Satisfactory method?

No method could be more natural, if all the following factors apply the risk of pregnancy is less than 2%, this compares favourably to many other popular methods

• Baby is less than 6 months old
• You have had no periods since the birth of baby
• You are fully breastfeeding. However once baby is sleeping for longer periods at night you may start to ovulate and may get pregnant.

Once your baby is 6 months old and/or you commence weaning the risk of pregnancy increases.

For further peace of mind many women prefer to use the progesterone only pill (Mini Pill) in addition to breastfeeding.

Progesterone Only Pill (Mini Pill)

Studies have shown that this method has no effect on the volume of milk or duration and some reports suggest its increase. Careful studies have shown the amount of hormone passed through the milk is minute and most unlikely to present any hazard.

This pill combined with breastfeeding is nearly 100% effective. It can be started immediately after birth however any time before day 21 increases the incidence of bleeding and spotting so unless you have special reasons its best to wait until after day 21.

You have to take this pill at the same time (plus or minus 1 hour) each day so please bear in mind with as new baby as you know daily routines may vary day to day. However if you are breastfeeding the time window is much less rigid.

Implantable methods

Using the same hormone as the PO Pill this usually commenced after Day 21 with additional contraception needed for 7 days.

A single rod is inserted usually in the upper arm

This method is not recommended during breastfeeding

Inject-able methods

After baby the first injection should not be given before 5 -6 weeks, if given early studies have found that this may increase your chances of prolonged or heavy bleeding.

This method has no effect on breastfeeding

Intrauterine Devices (IUD, IUS, Coils)

Following a full term delivery an IUD or IUS (with hormone) is usually delayed until your postnatal check, generally around 6 weeks post baby. This method can be used during breastfeeding.

Combined Oral Contraceptive (The Pill)

Most people start this method around day 21, it is not recommended you start early due to the risk of thromboembolism

If you start this method after Day 21 you should use another method for the first seven days

Not recommended for Breast-feeders as can effect lactation

Diaphragm (Cap)

You will have to be remeasured for a new diaphragm post baby as the size and shape of your cervix will have changed so please don't use your Pre Baby device.

Please remember these are just brief guidelines of when to start methods of contraception and do not include contraindications and side effects, you should make an appointment with your family planning nurse to discuss which method is best suited to you.

Should you have any queries regarding any of the methods listed please contact us with your question