Postpartum Contraceptive Methods

The last thing on most new moms' minds is having another baby after recently delivering the one in their arms. However, unless you pay attention to your birth control options, you just might be headed down that path sooner than you wish. The postpartum body and breastfeeding can interfere with some traditional birth control methods, so it is best to talk to your doctor right away about the prevention method you intend to use.

Birth Control Pills

• Birth control pills are typically the first thought a woman has when it comes to contraception. Non-breastfeeding women can use any birth control pill. Breastfeeding women need to avoid estrogen, which is in most oral contraceptive pills, because it can diminish the quality and quantity of a woman's breast milk. According to Dr. Spock's website, contraceptive pills containing estrogen should not be used during the first six months of breastfeeding. New birth control that contains only progestin is considered safe while breastfeeding, but these medications are slightly less effective than standard contraceptives.

Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding itself can be used as a postpartum birth control option. According to Family Health International, exclusive breastfeeding, as long as the baby does not go more than 8 hours without eating, is 98 percent effective in preventing ovulation and therefore pregnancy. This is true for the first six months after a baby is born. The technical term for this contraceptive method is lactational amenorrhea. This method does not work if the baby is supplemented with formula or starts solid foods before 6 months of age.

Barrier Methods

• Barrier methods are another option for postpartum contraception. Women who choose to use a diaphragm should be refitted after birth, as the vaginal area changes in size and shape after a normal delivery. A diaphragm will not fit properly until approximately three months after birth, due to the changes that occur in the vagina during birth, so another form of contraception needs to be used until a doctor can properly fit the diaphragm. Condoms are another barrier option some couples consider.

Natural Family Planning

• Natural family planning is difficult to do after birth, particularly if a woman is breastfeeding. This is because it is difficult to predict the time of a woman's cycle after birth. Each new mom will get her period back at a different time, and ovulation can occur before the return of the menstrual period. Families interested in natural family planning but who do not want to have another baby soon after the birth of a child should practice another form of birth control until the woman's cycle returns.

Withdrawal

• Withdrawal, or the "pull out" method, is sometimes used as a postpartum birth control option. This is when the man will pull out of his partner just prior to ejaculation. When performed correctly every time, withdrawal has a 96 percent success rate. However, many men are not able to time the withdrawal as well as they would wish, so the true success rate is closer to 75 percent, according to Planned Parenthood. Also, pre-ejaculate fluid can contain some sperm, so pregnancy can still occur even when the method is practiced correctly.

Other Options

• Other options for birth control after having a baby include the intrauterine device (IUD), a tubal ligation, vasectomy, and injectable hormonal contraceptives. The IUD is a device inserted into the uterus that prevents pregnancy. It can be placed six weeks after birth and is quite effective. A tubal ligation is a permanent birth control option that effectively sterilizes the woman. A vasectomy is a permanent birth control option that effectively sterilizes the man. Injectable hormones, such as depo-Provera, are progestin-only hormonal contraceptives that are delivered via a shot.