Tartaczna 2
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Contraception while breastfeeding helps you plan a future pregnancy without having to stop breastfeeding. Both non-hormonal methods and methods containing only a progestogen are available. Your choice depends on the time since childbirth, your health, how breastfeeding is going and your preferences.
At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, Dr Marek Korożan, Dr Dominika Kozikowska and Dr Volha Khitrun provide advice on contraception after childbirth.
Yes. Ovulation can occur before your first period after childbirth, so having no periods does not necessarily mean you are protected against pregnancy. You can become pregnant again from around 3 weeks after giving birth, including while breastfeeding.
It is worth discussing contraception during pregnancy or in the first few weeks after your baby is born. You do not need to wait for your periods to return.
The lactational amenorrhoea method, or LAM, can provide contraceptive protection if all of the following conditions are met:
You need another contraceptive method once your periods return, the gaps between feeds become longer or your baby reaches 6 months of age. Regular supplementary feeds and replacing breastfeeds with expressing milk may make LAM less reliable. If you are unsure whether you meet its criteria, discuss additional protection with your gynaecologist.
Progestogen-only pills, also known as the mini pill, contain no oestrogen. They are one of the contraceptive options available during breastfeeding. The available evidence generally does not indicate harmful effects on infant growth or breastfeeding, although the quality of the research is limited.
These pills must be taken every day according to the instructions for the specific product. The permitted delay in taking a dose and the advice for missed pills vary between products. Possible effects include irregular spotting, changes in bleeding patterns or no periods.
A contraceptive implant is placed beneath the skin of the upper arm and releases a progestogen. It can be used while breastfeeding following medical assessment and does not require you to remember a daily pill.
Your doctor will advise when it can be fitted after childbirth and whether additional contraception is needed, taking account of your circumstances and the prescribing information for the product. Before choosing this method, discuss the possibility of irregular or prolonged bleeding.
Both types of intrauterine contraception can be considered while breastfeeding:
The timing of insertion depends on the device, the time since childbirth and how far the uterus has returned to its pre-pregnancy state. Fitting a coil soon after childbirth carries a higher risk of the device coming out. Breastfeeding and recent childbirth increase the risk of uterine perforation during insertion, although the absolute risk remains low.
Condoms do not affect breastfeeding and can be used when you resume sex. They also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Progestogen-only contraceptive injections are another option, but require an individual assessment, particularly soon after childbirth. Fertility may take longer to return after stopping this method, which is worth considering if you are planning another pregnancy.
The combined pill, contraceptive patch and vaginal ring contain both oestrogen and a progestogen. They are not the first choice in the early weeks after childbirth because of the increased risk of blood clots and the possibility that oestrogen may reduce milk supply.
While breastfeeding, these methods are generally not started during the first 6 weeks after childbirth. Suitability after this time depends on factors including your risk of blood clots, how breastfeeding is going and the prescribing information for the particular product. Reaching 6 weeks after childbirth does not automatically make these methods suitable for everyone.
Small amounts of some hormones can pass into breast milk, but their presence alone does not mean they will harm your baby. The type of hormone, its dose and the available safety evidence all matter.
Tell your doctor if your baby was born prematurely, has a medical condition or if you are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties. This will help them assess your circumstances and arrange appropriate follow-up.
Be ready to discuss when and how you gave birth, how you feed your baby, whether your periods have returned and whether you have had unprotected sex. Also tell your doctor about any medicines you take, previous blood clots, migraines and other medical conditions.
Together, you can choose a method, decide when to start it and establish how long any additional protection is needed. If you have already had unprotected sex, seek advice as soon as possible. You may need emergency contraception chosen with breastfeeding in mind.
Visit Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre at 2 Tartaczna Street in Gdańsk’s Śródmieście district. Consultations are available with Dr Marek Korożan, Dr Dominika Kozikowska and Dr Volha Khitrun.
To book an appointment, contact our reception team, call +48 58 719 10 25 or check availability on ZnanyLekarz.
