While it varies from woman to woman, you can be fertile between four and ten weeks after the birth of your baby. And unless you plan on having Irish twins, it is important you use protection after giving birth if you plan on getting intimate with your partner.
 
There are a number of birth control methods available, so it is important you are aware of your options.
 
The condom
While not 100% effective, a condom will prevent unwanted pregnancies for the most part. They are easily accessible and don’t require a trip to the doctor for a prescription. They can work as a short term measures, if you do want to get pregnant in the near future, but not right now.
 
The mini-pill
You will have to wait up to four weeks before you can use methods that contain the hormone oestrogen. This is because your chance of a blood clot severely increases in the first couple of weeks after giving birth. The mini-pill only contains a tiny amount of progesterone so they are ok to take after delivery. However, if you are breastfeeding, you should wait until your baby is about six weeks old before taking it.
 
The Pill
The Pill is a common birth control method but as it contains oestrogen and progesterone it is important you don’t take it until your baby is at least six weeks old. However, if you are breastfeeding, it is advisable that you don’t take it until you have an established routine as it may reduce your milk supply.
 
The ring
The ring works like the Pill in that it produces oestrogen and progesterone to stop your body producing an egg and also makes it inhospitable for sperm to penetrate the lining of the wall. You will need to insert a new ring every 28 day. 
 
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural birth control method as the production of milk is stimulated by prolactin which can prevent your body from ovulating.  It can only be considered as a preventative measure if you are solely breastfeeding, have not started your period and it hasn’t been longer than six months since you gave birth.

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