Birth control after a baby

Why it matters

Experts recommend waiting 18 months after giving birth before getting pregnant again, for the best health for the parent and the next baby. Birth control also gives the body time to heal.¹

When fertility returns

Not breastfeeding: ovulation can return within a few weeks of birth.¹ The NHS says pregnancy is possible as soon as 3 weeks after birth.²
Breastfeeding: ovulation may be delayed, but it usually returns by about 6 months.¹

Because ovulation happens about 2 weeks before a period, pregnancy is possible before the first period comes back.¹

Choosing a method

A good time to choose is during pregnancy.¹ Things to think about:¹

Timing. IUDs can be placed right after a vaginal or cesarean birth, or at the first visit. The implant can go in right after birth, even before leaving the hospital. Some methods need a few weeks' wait.
Breastfeeding. All methods are safe while breastfeeding. A few aren't recommended in the first weeks because of a very small chance of affecting milk supply.
What worked before may not now. For example, the cervical cap is much less effective after giving birth.

An IUD placed right after birth is a little more likely to come out than one placed later.¹ The birth control methods lesson compares every method.

Questions to ask

Which methods can I start before I leave the hospital?
Which are best if I'm breastfeeding?
When should I come back if I want an IUD later?

Recap

Without breastfeeding, ovulation can return within a few weeks. With breastfeeding, it usually returns by about 6 months.
Pregnancy is possible before the first period comes back.
Experts recommend waiting 18 months after birth before the next pregnancy.
IUDs and the implant can be placed right after birth. All methods are safe while breastfeeding.
Choose a method during pregnancy, so it's ready when the baby arrives.

Words to know 2

birth spacing	The time between giving birth and getting pregnant again.
postpartum	The time after giving birth.