After childbirth, it is imperative to discuss family planning in a bid to prevent closely spaced pregnancies. Aside spacing your pregnancies, family planning will also help you to fully recover after childbirth before getting pregnant again.

Postpartum mothers are usually advised by their health care providers on the birth control methods that are available. Even though it is the duty of the health care provider to orient you on how soon you can start using contraceptives, it is always better to start early, so that you do not find yourself pregnant again after a short time. The good news is that there are many different contraceptives you can always choose from.

1) Condoms
Postpartum mothers who are not willing to use other contraceptives could settle for condoms. Of course, they can decide whether to use the male or female condoms to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It should be noted that condoms do not interfere with lactation, but are rather effective in preventing pregnancies and STI’s if used correctly.

2) Pills
Pills are one of the most effective contraceptives for breastfeeding mothers. There are different types of birth control pills available, but your doctor will prescribe the best that matches your needs and preferences.

3) An Implant
The implant is another form of contraceptive that is usually inserted six weeks after delivery, if you are already breastfeeding. However, if you are not breastfeeding, then the implant could be inserted as early as three weeks after delivery. The implant is known to release progesterone, which makes it a suitable method of birth control for breastfeeding. An implant can actually prevent pregnancies for three to four years.

4) Diaphragms and cervical caps
You may also prevent pregnancy after delivery by settling for diaphragms or a cervical cap. If you settle for a diaphragm, then it’s imperative to let your physician insert it for you because you may need a different size than what you’d normally use. Diaphragms are typically inserted in the sixth week of your postpartum. They are best used with spermicide since they are not reliable.

5) Intrauterine device (IUD)
An intrauterine device may also be inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD has been noted to be 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancies. It should be noted that a copper IUD can protect you from pregnancy for about 10 years, whereas a hormonal IUD typically works for 3-5 years.

6) Vaginal ring
Postpartum women may also consider using a vaginal ring which blocks ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus, thereby providing a safe protection against unwanted pregnancies. The vaginal ring has been said to be 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancies.

Other contraceptive methods for postpartum mothers nevertheless, include withdrawal and sterilization. The withdrawal method is not that effective compared to other methods of contraception, whereas sterilization is a permanent form of birth control which can only be done surgically.

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