AFTER YOU'VE HAD YOUR BABY - CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICES

Contraception may be the last thing on your mind when you have just had a baby, but it is something you need to think about if you want to delay or avoid another preganacy. A lot of unplanned pregnancies happen in the first few months after childbirth, so even if you're not interested in sex at the moment, it is better to be prepared.

You can get pregnant again just 21 days after the birth, so its a good idea to think about which method you are going to use before you have sex again. Do not wait for your periods to return. This is because you ovulate (release an egg) about two weeks before your period, so you can be fertile but not realise it.

Short term methods of contraception

• Progestogen only pill
• Commbinded pill
• Male or female condoms
• Diaphragm or cap with spermicide
• Natural methods

Long term methods of contraception

• Contraceptive injection
• Implant
• IUD
• IUS

Permanent methods of contraception

Sterilisation is for people who are absolutely sure they never want any more children. It is usually a good idea either a man or women to be sterilised around the same time as child birth.