When should I start using birth control again?
We all know the classic joke that having a baby is birth control enough. If you and your partner are back in the bedroom you might be itching to get back on birth control. From the sleepless nights to the showerless days, the thought of getting pregnant again right now is probably the furthest thing from your mind.
Can I fall pregnant if my period hasn’t returned?
Even though it might seem crazy to imagine, you definitely can get pregnant before your period comes back. If you’re waiting for your period to return before getting back on protection, you could be taking a serious gamble. Your body will start ovulating before menstruation occurs, and you could be seeing signs of pregnancy far earlier than expected. So, if you’re not ready to introduce a new family member, you need to start considering your options.
What birth control should I use?
If you are breastfeeding you should avoid any estrogen-based contraceptives. You still have plenty of options though, including:
- Condoms
- Hormonal IUD
- Implant
- Shot
- Paragard (copper based IUD – non hormonal)
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When can I start using it?
It all depends on the type you’re most comfortable with. If you use an IUD, you can schedule your insertion pretty much right after the birth. IUDs are fine to be inserted as soon as your little one is in your arms.
You can take the progesterone-only pill straight away after giving birth, and can also have a long-acting reversible contraceptive like an Implanon rod inserted straight away too. These will not affect breastfeeding/lactation.
Finding the birth control that works best for you is key. If the pill is your preferred contraception, remember to wait a few weeks to start having unprotected sex again to give it time to start working.
Consult your doctor or healthcare provider who can answer all your questions to figure out the best plan for you.
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Dr Christine Catling Follow +
Dr Christine Catling, a midwife for over 25 years, is the Director of Midwifery Studies at UTS. She believes research, innovation and good quality midwifery are pivotal to the well-being of mothers and young families. Christine has extensive experience in antenatal education, policy development and research, and has published on workforce issues, homebirth, vaginal birth...
