Postpartum Birth Control

Postpartum birth control is important because getting pregnant shortly after having a baby can cause increased risks for the birthing person and pregnancy. Short interpregnancy intervals have an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Ovulation happens before menstruation, so pregnancy can happen even before your period returns.

What are the best options for birth control after having a baby?

From hormonal to natural family planning, to medically administered, to what you can buy at a drugstore, there are so many options of birth control.

Non medical options:

• copper IUD (on average 99%+ effective)

• condoms (on average 85% effective)

• fertility awareness (on average 90%+ effective)

• withdrawal (on average 75% effective)

Medical options:

• hormonal IUD (ex: Mirena, Kyleena) (on average 99%+ effective)

• vaginal ring (on average 95%+ effective)

• the pill (on average 90% effective)

• contraceptive injection (on average 99% effective)]

• implant (on average 99% effective)

• spermicide (on average 70% effective)

Birth control options when breastfeeding

For the first four to six weeks postpartum, it is recommended to not use any estrogen-based methods (ex: the pill, ring, patch), as it can reduce milk production. Some birth control methods (like an iud or or implant) can be placed immediately after birth, while still in the hospital. As always, talk to your provider about which method works best for you and your family planning.

Disclaimer: Doulas are not medical personnel and do not diagnose, perform any medical exams or clinical tasks. Information presented above is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional.

For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com