Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting and life-changing experience. But along with all the excitement, many new parents wonder when to begin birth control again to avoid expanding their family unintentionally.
At Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, and her team help new moms choose a contraceptive that works for their postpartum and long-term needs. If you’re pregnant or you’ve recently given birth, here’s what to know about choosing a contraceptive method that’s right for you.
Pregnancy upsets your hormone levels, but once those levels return to normal and ovulation returns, it’s possible to get pregnant again. How quickly ovulation resumes depends on several factors. Still, in some cases, you might be able to conceive as soon as a month after delivery, even before your first postpartum period.
Even if you plan on having another child soon, it’s still a good idea to give your body time to recover before becoming pregnant again. For most women, waiting at least 18 months is ideal. Having a baby earlier than that can result in risks for your baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, and an increased risk of long-term health issues or health problems later in life.
Family planning revolves around having a form of birth control that’s right for your goals and your preferences. Fortunately, today, there are plenty of options, including contraceptive methods, that can be safely used during the postpartum period.
Depending on your own goals and preferences, you can begin birth control immediately after delivery if you like. Both IUDs — hormonal and non-hormonal — and birth control implants can be placed right after vaginal or cesarean delivery, so protection begins right away.
If you prefer birth control pills, patches, or the vaginal ring, you should generally wait at least three weeks. These methods could increase the risk of clots, especially during the immediate postpartum period. Before six weeks, contraceptives that use progestin alone may be used safely.
Breastfeeding moms have a few more considerations. If you plan on nursing your baby, you’ll need to wait at least six weeks before using hormone-based methods. Using these methods before that could affect your milk supply. Non-hormonal IUDs can be used immediately after birth.
If you don’t opt for contraception right after delivery, it’s still important to protect yourself against unintended pregnancy. Condoms and diaphragms are generally OK to use as soon as sex resumes.
Bottom line: Family planning should begin while you’re still pregnant, especially if you plan on getting an IUD or implant immediately after delivery. Even if you plan to wait to start using contraception, having a plan in place is essential for taking control of your life and your future.
Our team is ready to help you decide on a postpartum form of birth control. We’ll review your health history, your future child-bearing plans, and your personal preferences to help you decide on the ideal type of contraceptive for your peace of mind.
To learn more about your birth control options, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Taylor and the team at Desert Star Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, today.
