Whether you’ve just given birth or you’re getting ready to give birth, you may be thinking about your contraceptive options already because you aren’t planning on having any more kids for a while. So we understand your concern of looking into birth control after pregnancy as fast as you can. If you’re not looking to expand your family anytime soon after having your newborn, then looking into the right birth control options is a smart move. Be considerate if you’re looking to have another baby within a year, maybe birth control isn’t so necessary. Depending on your time frame, you’ll want to do some research on this.
When can you start using birth control after pregnancy?
You may be in a rush to opt-in for birth control immediately, but actually this depends on the form of birth control you’re looking into. Depending on the form will dictate how soon you are able to begin using contraceptives. If you are using an IUD then you will be able to take it as soon as you’d like following your pregnancy. Sometimes they will even insert it the same day as your delivery. If you’re looking into the pill that is combined with hormones, you won’t want to jump into this right away. Due to the estrogen inside of these birth control pills, you’ll want to give your body about a month or more to adjust. You want to be sure you’re not putting your body at any risk for potential blood clots and by increasing your estrogen after pregnancy, there is a chance for this.
For those that are worried about the waiting period, you should be aware that just because you just gave birth doesn’t mean you cannot get pregnant. Your period will eventually return after pregnancy and things will start to feel normal again. Generally, your period won’t return after pregnancy for roughly six weeks to 3 months after giving birth. With that being said, you can potentially become fertile without realizing.
Can I breastfeed while taking birth control?
Yes, you can, but you’ll want to select your choice of birth control wisely. Estrogen based birth controls can disrupt your milk supply causing a decrease in supply. This is why you should stick with progestin-only birth control pills if you’re looking to take birth control while breastfeeding.
There are several options if you want to be sure that you can breastfeed at the same time as taking birth control such as:
- The implant
- The mini pill
- The shot
- Condoms
- IUD
The birth control methods that you will want to avoid if you’re taking birth control while breastfeeding:
- Combined estrogen/progestogen pill
- Nuvaring
- UPA
There are more options you can have rather than options you can’t have, so you’re bound to find an option that makes the most sense for you and your lifestyle. Although the best option is choosing non-hormonal birth control, you would still be safe with any of the other options mentioned. Non-hormonal birth control is the best option if you’re looking to get pregnant again being that you don’t want your hormones jumping all over the place. It is a bit challenging getting your hormones back in line.
Does breastfeeding work as contraception?
This is a tricky one because it most definitely can work as contraception, but it must be done correctly. The only reason we don’t advise this way if you’re looking to prevent pregnancy is that some women fall short of the requirements not necessarily realizing. Breastfeeding can work as a form of birth control by simply postponing your period. Therefore you do not need to take birth control pills while breastfeeding. You’ll also want to be sure that your nutrition is being taken care of properly for the best and cleanest way to make this possible.
This can be an amazing form of birth control after pregnancy in itself if you follow these important rules:
- Your period has not yet returned
- Your baby is younger than six months old
- Your baby is breastfeeding exactly on prompt schedule
- Your baby is consuming nothing, but breastmilk solely
Practicing these breastfeeding habits and making them a consistent routine will bring your chances of getting pregnant to almost zero percent in the first 3 months and less than two percent for the next 3-6 months. Some women’s periods won’t return even after 6 months and in that case, your chances are about six percent. You should understand that although breastfeeding may work as contraception, it is still possible to get pregnant. Based on the statistics, most women will not become pregnant right away as long as they are sticking to a strict breastfeeding pattern. Typically, once your baby is completed with breastfeeding, then you will be able to return to getting pregnant again.
Does birth control affect my fertility when I’m ready to get pregnant?
This has been a question many women want to know whether they have ever been pregnant or not. The quick answer is no, getting pregnant after birth control is not an issue when it comes to fertility. Birth control does not have long-lasting effects, therefore pregnancy after birth control is not a problem. If you’re thinking that you won’t get pregnant after using birth control and continue on without using contraceptives, be careful. Birth control does not prevent you from getting pregnant if you are not still currently on the pill.
It will not affect your fertility and you can get pregnant immediately after you stop taking it. Some women need a bit longer for their hormones to get back to normal and it may take them a few months. Depending on which form of birth control you used prior to trying to get pregnant will determine the length of time that you may need to let your body bounce back. Those that use combination pill with estrogen and progestin can typically get pregnant anywhere from 1-3 months after stopping the pill. In certain cases, some women that use birth control for longer than 4 years became even more fertile once stopping than those that only used it for a year or two. For this reason, the chances of getting pregnant the first month off birth control pill are possible.
Should I be taking birth control after pregnancy?
When it comes to birth control and pregnancy, women have a million questions that they would want to be answered. The good news is, you can start trying to get pregnant again immediately after stopping birth control. If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy for a little while, there are natural remedies to contraception until you’re ready to begin birth control again.
Be mindful to not consume birth control while breastfeeding and wait until your baby has completed breastfeeding. If you’re looking to get pregnant soon after your pregnancy, then you should consult with your doctor when they feel it is best for you to do so. If you are not, then take action with breastfeeding and looking into the right birth control pills for you.
*Please consult with your doctor if you’re planning on taking Bust Bunny and are on or plan to be on birth control. As always, be sure to follow safe-sex practices, like wearing a condom every time. *Again, we urge you to consult your doctor before deciding if Bust Bunny capsules are right for you if you are currently taking some type of birth control medication.
