It is possible to get pregnant shortly after giving birth. Your menstrual cycle may not resume immediately after giving birth, but it will not be long before you start ovulating. Breastfeeding can have an impact on putting off your menstrual cycle, but this is not a fail-proof method of pregnancy prevention. Birth control pills are a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. At about six weeks postpartum, your health care provider will conduct an exam to monitor your recovery from childbirth.
Step 1
Discuss your birth control options with your health care provider. If you are breastfeeding you may find that a progestin-only pill will be the best choice for you. This pill, known as the "mini pill," is often recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it does not contain estrogen like other pills. Estrogen may impact your milk supply.
Step 2
Fill your birth control prescription. Decide on a time to take the pill that will be easy to remember. The pill is only 99 percent effective when taken every 24 hours, which means it must be taken at the same time every day.
Step 3
Take the pill with a glass of water. As long as it has been at least three weeks after childbirth, or six weeks after childbirth if you are nursing, you may begin taking combination birth control pills. These pills contain both estrogen and progestin. You may take the progestin-only pills right after childbirth. According to PlannedParenthood.org, it is no longer necessary to wait until the Sunday after your period to begin taking birth control pills.
Tips and Warnings
- Watch for milk supply issues after starting to take the birth control pills. Your doctor may advise you of a different form of birth control if this method impacts your ability to breastfeed.
