Birth Control After Having a Baby

Planning What’s Right for You After Birth

Birth control helps you plan if or when you want another pregnancy. There are many safe options to use after giving birth, even while breastfeeding.

How Do I Pick What Birth Control is Right for Me?

There’s no single “best” method—the right choice depends on your health, preferences, and lifestyle.

Use these trusted tools to learn more:

PICCK decision aid for postpartum birth control and birth control method sheets
Bedsider.com

What Are My Birth Control Choices?

Birth Control You Can Start on Your Own

Condom

Worn on the penis during sex to catch sperm and prevent pregnancy
Protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Diaphragm

A soft cup that covers the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus
Your provider will fit and prescribe it for the first time

Foam, Suppositories, and Film

Contain chemicals that kill sperm (called spermicides)
Available over the counter

Natural Family Planning

A way to track your menstrual cycle to find fertile days and avoid sex or use protection during those times
Requires consistent tracking and may be less reliable if periods are irregular

Birth Control That Needs a Prescription

Pill, Patch, and Vaginal Ring

Contain hormones that stop your ovaries from releasing an egg
Safe for most people 4-6 weeks after birth

If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your provider about low-dose or progestin-only options.

Birth Control That Needs an Appointment

Depo-Provera®

A hormonal shot given every three months
Works well for those who prefer not to take a daily pill

Nexplanon

A small, flexible rod placed under the skin of your upper arm
Releases hormones and prevents pregnancy for up to three years

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A small T-shaped device placed in your uterus by a provider
Stops sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg
Available in hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) options

Sterilization

A permanent procedure that prevents future pregnancy
Can be done right after birth in the hospital or later

Can I Get Pregnant if I Am Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding may delay your period, but it’s not guaranteed birth control. If you follow the "rules" it can be 97% effective to prevent pregnancy.

It only works for 6 months after birth. It is not recommended when baby is 6 months old or older.
It’s not breast milk, but breastfeeding at the breast that matters.
You are feeding only breast milk (no formula, water, or solid foods)
Your baby breastfeeds at least every four hours during the day and every six hours at night
Your period has not returned

If you want to be sure you don’t get pregnant again soon, choose another birth control method in addition to breastfeeding.

Emergency Contraception (Ella or Plan B)

If you had sex, don't want to get pregnant, and:

The condom broke or slipped
You missed pills or your Depo shot
You didn’t use any birth control

You can take emergency contraception, also called Ella or Plan B.

Facts About Ella and Plan B

The sooner you take it after sex, the better it works.
- Ella can be used up to 5 days after sex
- Plan B can be used up to 3 days after sex.
It’s very safe!
If you have a higher weight range Ella works better than Plan B.
Plan B is available without a prescription. You need a prescription for Ella.
You may feel mild nausea after taking it.
It will not end a pregnancy if you’re already pregnant.
Your provider can prescribe Ella or Plan B.

If you were forced to have sex, the emergency room at any hospital in Massachusetts will provide Plan B—it’s your right under state law.