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  • Title: What is best birth control to use after having a baby?
    Journal: Contracept Technol Update; 1989 Oct; 10(10):1S-2S. PubMed ID: 12342589.
    Abstract:
    Since the body needs time to return to normal following pregnancy, postpartum women are unable to use some contraceptives immediately after childbirth. Physicians often advise against sexual intercourse for the 1st 4-6 weeks to prevent possible infection of the uterus, so contraceptive use is not crucial during this time. At the 1st checkup following delivery, usually at 6 weeks, a woman can have an IUD inserted. This effective form of birth control has a success rate between 98-99%. If a woman has chosen not to breast feed her infant, her physician can prescribe a combined oral contraceptive (OC) 2-6 weeks after delivery. However, breast feeding women can use the slightly less effective progestin only OC (minipill) which poses less of a risk to the infant. The success rate for OCs ranges from 95-99%. The shape of the cervix and the vagina are different than what they were before pregnancy, so the cervical cap or diaphragm used then will not provide adequate protection against pregnancy after childbirth. Therefore, the woman must be refitted. In addition, if a mother is breast feeding and uses a cervical cap, she must be refitted after weaning the infant. The success rate for both of these devices used with a spermicide is about 85%. Since the contraceptive sponge is less effective against pregnancy in women who have had at least 1 child, health professionals often advise against its use. Spermicides are not only relatively effective (75-80%) and safe, they also act as a lubricant which postpartum women, especially if they breast feed, often lack. Further, condoms are a safe and effective (85%) alternative contraceptive. Women who exclusively breast feed their infants and remain amenorrheic for 8 weeks postpartum, are protected against pregnancy for 6 months (success rate 98%).
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