Advice about contraception choices after the birth of your baby

Many women feel pressurised to get ‘back to normal' as soon as possible after having a baby but it's important to take your time and do things at your own pace. This is a time of physical and emotional upheaval, not just for you but for your partner too and it can take a while before you want sex again. When you do though, contraception is something you'll need to think about.

When will my periods start again?

If you are fully breastfeeding, your periods will not return until you stop. If you bottle feed or combine bottle and breastfeeding, your first period could start five to eight weeks, maybe a bit longer, after the birth.

How quickly could I conceive again?

If you are not fully breastfeeding you can be become pregnant again quickly after birth. You can ovulate (release an egg) within four weeks of birth.

So when is an ideal time to start using contraception?

Possible methods of contraception:

•  The condom - can be used by anybody at any time, but has a high failure rate.

•  The cap or diaphragm - can be used six weeks after delivery. If you have one from before your pregnancy make sure you have the size checked before use.

•  The mini pill - this is best started 21 days after delivery and must be taken at the same time each day. There is no evidence to suggest the mini pill is unsafe if you are breast feeding, but you may still prefer to use another form of contraception instead.

•  The combined pill - this is also started 21 days after delivery and it is not as important to take it the same time each day. It should not be taken if you are breast feeding.

•  IUD (intra-uterine device ) - this can be fitted at your post natal check, provided the womb has returned to it's normal size.

More specialized forms of contraception are also available the hormonal IUD and implants. You could either visit your local family clinic or ask your GP for advise on which methods best suits your own individual needs.

Does breastfeeding really act as a contraceptive?

Yes, it's a very effective contraceptive when you are fully breastfeeding a baby under six months old. This is also known as LAM (Lactational Amenorrhoea Method). But remember, fully breastfeeding means what it says:

If it is very important for you not to get pregnant, play safe and use contraception, whichever way you choose to feed your baby.