Contraception

Contraception after the birth: which choice suits you?

After the birth it is important to think about contraception in good time. The right method depends on various factors, such as breastfeeding, your personal preferences and your medical background.

We are happy to tell you about the options. You can also have a coil (IUD) fitted by us, which feels reassuringly familiar with your own midwife.

Condom

The condom is an easy and hygienic option, especially recommended while you are still bleeding after the birth.

• Advantages: Available straight away, protects against STIs, and does not affect your hormone balance or breastfeeding.
• Disadvantages: Requires consistent and correct use every time you have sex, and can affect spontaneity. Use extra lubricant at first for comfort.

The contraceptive pill

There are different kinds of contraceptive pill. The combined pill (with oestrogen and progestogen) is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Combined pill

• How it works: Suppresses ovulation and affects the lining of the womb.
• Disadvantages: When breastfeeding, it can reduce milk production and hormones can pass into the breast milk.
• Starting: If you are not breastfeeding, you can start from 3 weeks after the birth. If you are breastfeeding, choose a method without oestrogen, such as the progestogen-only pill. The first strip does not yet give full protection; use additional contraception.

Progestogen-only pill (e.g. Cerazette)

• Advantages: Suitable and safe to use while breastfeeding, because it does not affect milk production and the hormones hardly reach the baby through the breast milk.
• Starting: from 3 weeks after the birth, also if you are breastfeeding.

The contraceptive injection (DMPA)

The contraceptive injection is given every 12 weeks and provides long-lasting protection against pregnancy. After the birth you can start the injection from 6 weeks.

• Advantages: Very reliable; you only need to think about it once every 12 weeks. Can lead to lighter or no periods, because less womb lining builds up.
• Disadvantages: Can cause irregular bleeding, a reduced libido or mood swings. After stopping, it can take up to a year for your natural cycle to return.

NuvaRing (vaginal ring)

The NuvaRing is a flexible ring containing hormones that you insert into your vagina. It stays in place for three weeks, followed by a week off. Like the combined pill, the ring contains oestrogen: we advise against it while breastfeeding. If you are not breastfeeding, you can start from 3 weeks after the birth.

• Advantages: Very reliable, no daily pill needed, and it stays reliable if you vomit or have diarrhoea. Flexible: it may be removed for up to 3 hours a day without losing effectiveness. You can delay your period by using rings back to back.
• Disadvantages: You or your partner may feel it during sex, although this is rarely experienced as bothersome.

The coil (IUD)

There are two types of coil, the hormonal coil and the copper coil, both very reliable and suitable for long-term use. They are placed in the womb by a trained doctor or midwife. We also fit coils. We fit an IUD from 8 weeks after the birth. For more information, please ask our assistant or your midwife. Read more about how they work and their advantages and disadvantages on the Having a coil fitted page.

Help with your choice

For more detailed information and a decision aid that fits your personal situation, we advise you to take a look at www.anticonceptie.nl (in Dutch) or to make an appointment for a consultation at our practice.