Contraceptive Options After Delivery

Condoms:

• Pros: Easy to get and use, hormone-free.
• Cons: Must be used every time, less effective if not used correctly.

Progestin-only pill (minipill):

• Pros: Safe to take right after birth, doesn’t affect milk supply, easy to stop.
• Cons: Must be taken at the same time every day, slightly less effective than some other hormonal options.

Depo-Provera injection:

• Pros: Injected every 10 to 12 weeks.
• Cons: Can cause irregular or heavy periods or no period at all.

Implant (Nexplanon):

• Pros: Can be inserted immediately after birth, lasts up to 3 years, highly effective.
• Cons: Requires a small procedure.  Copper versions may cause heavier periods.  Hormonal versions may cause irregular periods at first, then no periods at all.

IUD (intrauterine device):

• Pros: Can be inserted right after birth, lasts 3 to 10 years, very effective, doesn't affect milk supply.
• Cons: Requires a procedure, can cause cramping or spotting at first.

Tubal ligation ("tying" your tubes):

• Pros: Permanent, can be done during or right after a C-section or vaginal birth.
• Cons: Not reversible, involves surgery, not recommended if you might want more kids.

Vasectomy:

• Pros: Permanent, procedure is quick with a short recovery.
• Cons: Not reversible, not recommended if you might want more kids.

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Combination birth control pill (estrogen and progestin):

• Pros: More forgiving than the minipill if you miss one.
• Cons: May affect your milk supply, not safe to take before 6 weeks due to blood clot risk.

Diaphragm or cap:

• Pros: Hormone-free.
• Cons: May need to be resized, not as effective as other options.

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The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), or exclusive breastfeeding, works as a form of natural birth control because it delays the return of your period.  It can be effective, but it only works for a short time and you'll need to follow a strict breastfeeding routine.

Pros:

• No cost, hormone-free.
• Helps you bond with your baby.

LAM is 98% effective if all of the following are true:

• You're breastfeeding exclusively (no formula or solids).
• Your baby is under 6 months old.
• You haven’t gotten your period back.

Cons:

• Stops working when your baby is 6 months old or if you stop breastfeeding exclusively.
• Less effective if you aren’t breastfeeding consistently (every 4 hours during the day, every 6 hours at night).
• You could ovulate before your period returns, making it possible to get pregnant without realizing it.
• Small chance of pregnancy, even if done perfectly.

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