permanent sterilisation (tubal ligation).

a contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera® or Depo-Ralovera®).

If you are breastfeeding, you may safely use: Contraception that is safe if you are breastfeeding Once your baby stops exclusive breastfeeding, this method is not effective contraception and you will need to use another form of contraception.

you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby on demand, night and day (that is, a minimum of six long breastfeeds every 24 hours, without a gap of more than four hours between feeds).

your baby is younger than six months old.In particular, breastfeeding as a contraceptive only works if: However, it only works if your breastfeeding is frequent and regular. Does breastfeeding work as contraception?īreastfeeding may work as a form of birth control by delaying the return of your periods. If you plan to start using contraception after giving birth, it is recommended that you start it from around three weeks after the birth. However, you may still become fertile, without knowing. Your periods may not restart until you reduce or stop breastfeeding. Your periods will return any time from around six weeks to three months after giving birth, depending on whether you exclusively breastfeed, formula feed or use a mix of both. Generally, women are fertile two weeks before their period. When to start using contraception after birth But you still have plenty of other contraception choices.īefore starting any contraception, make sure you're not already pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, then any contraception containing oestrogen (such as the vaginal ring and the combined pill) is not recommended unless your baby is at least six weeks old and at least half bottle fed, because it may reduce your supply of breastmilk. Talk to your doctor about the options that suit your health and lifestyle, and when you can start to use them.

If you are not breastfeeding, then you can use any contraception that suits you. If you do not want to become pregnant soon after having a baby, you need to choose an effective method of contraception.

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