From the Guidelines
It is safe to restart birth control contraceptives after giving birth, with the timing depending on the chosen method and whether the woman is breastfeeding, according to the most recent guidelines from 2024 1. The recommended timing for restarting birth control after giving birth varies by method:
- Combined hormonal contraceptives (containing estrogen and progestin) should be started at least 3 weeks postpartum if not breastfeeding, or 6 months if exclusively breastfeeding, due to concerns about venous thromboembolism and potential effects on breastfeeding performance 1.
- Progestin-only methods like the mini-pill, Depo-Provera injection, or implants can be started immediately after delivery or at 6 weeks postpartum, as they are considered safe for use in breastfeeding women 1.
- IUDs can typically be inserted immediately after delivery or at the 6-week postpartum checkup, with some studies suggesting that insertion within 10 minutes of placental delivery is safe and effective 1.
- Barrier methods like condoms can be used as soon as sexual activity resumes. Key factors influencing the timing of birth control restart include:
- The need for the body to recover from pregnancy
- The increased risk of blood clots associated with estrogen-containing methods in the early postpartum period
- The potential impact of hormonal methods on milk supply in breastfeeding mothers It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, as individual health factors may influence the best contraceptive choice and timing for each woman 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Since the immediate postpartum period is also associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, oral contraceptives should be started no earlier than four weeks after delivery in women who elect not to breastfeed.
Restarting birth control contraceptives after giving birth: It is safe to restart birth control contraceptives no earlier than four weeks after delivery in women who elect not to breastfeed 2.
From the Research
Restarting Birth Control After Giving Birth
The decision to restart birth control after giving birth depends on several factors, including breastfeeding status and the type of contraceptive method.
- For breastfeeding women, combined hormonal pills are not recommended prior to 6 weeks postpartum, as they can affect milk production 3.
- Progestogen-only pills can be used by breastfeeding women, but the ideal timing is controversial due to limited data on the effects of progestogens on infants exposed through breastmilk 3, 4.
- Non-breastfeeding women can safely use progestogen-only pills at any time during the postpartum period, while combined hormonal pills should be avoided prior to 21 days postpartum due to the elevated risk of venous thromboembolism 3.
- After 42 days postpartum, there is no restriction on the use of combined hormonal pills for otherwise healthy women 3.
Contraceptive Methods and Timing
Different contraceptive methods have varying recommendations for postpartum use:
- Progestin-only contraceptives are preferable to estrogen-containing methods during the first six months after delivery, especially for breastfeeding women 4.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can be inserted immediately postpartum, but guidelines vary on the optimal timing 5, 6.
- Implants are considered safe for non-breastfeeding women at any time, while the guidelines for breastfeeding women are less clear 5.
- Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, such as implants and IUDs, are highly effective and can be safely inserted during the immediate post-partum period 7.
Individual Considerations
The choice of postpartum contraceptive method depends on individual factors, including: