Contraceptives after childbirth: which ones can I take? 2026

There are still women who become pregnant a few months after giving birth because they think that breastfeeding protects against a new pregnancy (you can do it, but complying with the strict requirements of the LAM method that we describe later).

And there are others who do not decide to resume sexual relations with their partner because they think that while breastfeeding they cannot use certain methods because they are dangerous for the baby.

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It is true that some contraceptives can affect breast milk, but there are also many methods compatible with breastfeeding. Your gynecologist or the midwife at the health center can advise you on the most appropriate method in your situation.

You have to use protection as soon as you resume relationships. Even if you haven't had your first period, you can ovulate at any time and get pregnant.

Which method suits you

1. You breastfeed and in the long term you don't want more children...

You cannot use the pill that contains estrogen, nor the vaginal ring.

You could choose between the following options: condom, IUD without hormones or hormonal methods compatible with breastfeeding, which only contain substances called progestogens, and which can be pills taken daily, implants that are placed in the arm and last three years, injectables that last three months, or IUD with hormones that last three or five years. could move.

2.You breastfeed and would like to have another child soon

You can use the previous methods but if you want to get pregnant soon it is preferable that you do not take any type of hormones. The condom is a good option. This way you can look for the new baby at any time.

The condom can be used from the first intercourse, nothing changes after giving birth.

However, to use the diaphragm (the other barrier method) after childbirth, you must go to a family planning center to check if it is necessary to change the size, since the vagina may have undergone changes with the pregnancy.

3. You don't want to have more children

If you are clear about it, you may be interested in a definitive method: vasectomy in men or tubal ligation (which in the case of a scheduled cesarean section can be performed taking advantage of the intervention). If the birth is vaginal, you must wait until the quarantine is over to minimize the risk of infection.

4. You don't breastfeed

Women who do not breastfeed their children can use any contraceptive method. The condom is an option. But they can also use hormonal methods: any type of pill, ring, IUD, implant, injectables... The gynecologist will indicate how much to expect in each case.

Careful! Breastfeeding is not infallible

There is a method called LAM (lactation-associated amenorrhea) which is based on the fact that while the woman is breastfeeding, prolactin (lactation hormone) prevents ovulation. For it to be effective, three requirements must be met:

• That the first menstruation has not started.
• That it is exclusive breastfeeding (the baby only drinks breast milk, no water or artificial milk) and that the interval between feedings is no more than three hours.
• That the baby is less than six months old.

NOTE: it is not one hundred percent safe. In fact, many women, meeting these requirements, ovulate and have periods. Therefore, if we do not want to take risks, it is best to use another method.