Some forms of contraception are not suitable to use straight after having a baby.
For example the combined pill, progestogen-only pill and contraceptive implants can only be used from 21 days after the birth. It is not recommended that you start taking the combined pill until after you finish breast feeding because it can affect your milk supply. Both male and female condoms are suitable to use at any time after giving birth.
You usually have to wait about six weeks before having a contraceptive injection or using a diaphragm or cap. If you used a diaphragm or cap before you were pregnant you will have to speak to someone at the family planning clinic or your GP because it may not still fit. Childbirth and weight gain/loss can effect the way it fits. An IUD ('coil') or IUS can usually be fitted 6-8 weeks after giving birth.
You can discuss contraception options with a family planning advisor in hospital or with a GP, but it is important to sort it out because it is still possible to become pregnant very soon after giving birth. You might not know when your fertility returns because it happens before you have a period. It is also possible to become pregnant when you are still breast feeding.
June 2011 | 
Diaphragms and Caps
