HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Choosing contraception after having a baby
Te kōwhiri ārai hapū i muri i te whai pēpi
To avoid another pregnancy, you will need to consider using contraception after your pēpi (baby) is born.
It is possible to get pregnant from 3 weeks after giving birth even if you have not had a period.
You can get advice on your options from your midwife, lead maternity carer, your usual healthcare provider or at a Sexual Wellbeing Clinic.
Breastfeeding as contraception
Breastfeeding can help to delay when you start ovulating (releasing an egg) and having periods after giving birth. This is known as lactational amenorrhoea (LAM), and it can be used as a contraceptive method. LAM can be up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 6 months after giving birth.
LAM is most effective only if all the following apply:
- You are fully, or nearly fully breastfeeding. That means your pēpi is only having breast milk or only getting other fluids occasionally.
- You are feeding at least every 4 hours during the day and at least every 6 hours at night.
- Your pēpi is less than 6 months old.
- You have not had a period since giving birth.
Once your pēpi is more than 6 months old, the risk of getting pregnant increases. So, even if you do not have periods and are fully or nearly fully breastfeeding, you should use another contraceptive method.
Contraception Choices
You can use the following options any time after giving birth:
- Contraception implant – the implant lasts for 5 years and can be removed at any time. It is very effective and can be inserted immediately after giving birth.
- Depo Provera injection – the injection is given every 13 weeks and is very effective. It can be started immediately.
- Condoms – condoms are a safe and affordable option and can be used at any time. Condoms are cheaper if you get a prescription for them.
- Progesterone-only pill (POP) – can be started immediately. The POP needs to be taken at around the same time every day, which some people find tricky to remember.
Other options:
- Intrauterine device (IUD) – a copper or hormone IUD can be inserted immediately after delivery. If it is not inserted within 48 hours, you need to wait at least 4 weeks for it to be inserted. IUDs last for 3 to 10 years and can be removed at any time.
- Combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) – while you can start the COC 3 weeks after delivery if you are not breastfeeding, it is usually started at 6 weeks. You can use the COC if you are breastfeeding.
- Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) – can be taken up to 3 days after sex. Because pregnancy is extremely unlikely in the first 21 days after delivery, you will not need emergency contraception if you have unprotected sex during that time. If you weigh more than 70 kg, you will need to take 2 ECPs or a different type of emergency pill. Or you can use a copper IUD for emergency contraception. Most adults weigh more than 70 kg. You cannot use an IUD for emergency contraception for at least 28 days after giving birth.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Contraception after having your pēpi
Contraception choices after you have had your baby.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIENB-439053
