When Will You Get Your Period After Pregnancy & What To Expect When It – Cora

Birth control while breastfeeding.

While exclusively breastfeeding is a viable form of contraception, many women may not feel comfortable relying on breastfeeding alone as a form of birth control. It’s a completely valid concern, especially if you’re waiting on your postpartum period after giving birth for the first time. If that’s the case but you’re still interested in using an alternative form of birth control, it’s important to seek out non-hormonal or low-dose birth control options instead.

If you took the pill before getting pregnant, it may be worthwhile to try out the mini pill. A form of oral contraception with only a low dose of progesterone and no estrogen, this non-hormone alternative may have a lighter effect on your breastfeeding. You can begin taking the mini pill once your baby is six to eight weeks old.

If the mini pill doesn’t work for you, try a longer-term solution like an IUD. If an IUD with estrogen and progesterone decreases your milk supply or causes any other signs of general discomfort, a copper IUD may also be an option. It contains only progesterone (no estrogen!), so it has no impact on breastfeeding.

Of course, condoms will still work and will have no adverse effects on your fertility. If you prefer a diaphragm, make sure to have it refitted if you’ve lost more than 15 pounds postpartum to ensure maximum protection. No matter what, you’ll be able to find the contraceptive method that works best for you and your postpartum body.