Contraception after baby
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Once pēpi is born, it’s a good idea to start using a contraception type that works for you.
We recommend starting your contraception straight after delivery. That means you'll have good contraception in place right away — it’s one less thing to worry about while you're caring for pēpi.
We recommend progestogen-only contraception straight after delivery. Research shows that progestogen-only contraception has no effect on breast milk volume, or on infant-growth.
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Contraception types you can use after pregnancy
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- Contraceptive implant — the implant lasts for five years and can be removed at any time. It’s very effective, and can be inserted immediately after delivery
- Depo Provera injection — the injection is given every 10-14 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
- Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) — can be taken up to three days after sex. Because pregnancy is extremely unlikely in the first 21 days after delivery, you won't need emergency contraception if you have unprotected sex during that time. If you weigh more than 70kg, you will need to take two ECPs or a different type of emergency pill, or use a copper IUD for emergency contraception. Most adults weigh more than 70kgs. You can’t use an IUD for emergency contraception for at least 28 days after giving birth.
- Progestogen only pill (POP) — can be started immediately. The POP does need to be taken at around the same time every day, which some people find tricky to remember.
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Other methods of contraception
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- Intra uterine device (IUD) — a copper or hormone IUD can be inserted immediately after delivery if your lead maternity carer is trained to do so — but it’s much more common to have it put in four weeks later. IUDs last for 3-10 years and can be removed at any time. A copper IUD can be inserted as emergency contraception in certain circumstances.
- Combined oral contraceptive pill — your nurse can help you work out when it’s best for you to start taking the pill.
- If you’re not breastfeeding: you can usually start taking the pill 21 days after delivery. For some people it’s safer to wait until 6 weeks. Your nurse or midwife can help you work out what’s best for you
- If you’re breastfeeding: you can start taking the pill after six months, but it may affect breast milk supply.
- Breastfeeding as contraception — breastfeeding can be used as a form of contraception for the first six months after giving birth. This is more effective if you have not yet had your period after giving birth, and are fully breastfeeding, with no formula feeding, at least every four hours during the day, and every six hours at night. Ask your nurse or midwife about how this works and what you need to know to use breastfeeding as contraception.
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How we can help you
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We can help you work out what contraception is right for you to use after you have given birth, and when to start using it.
Anyone can visit our clinics. If you want to talk with us, we want to talk to you.
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