So you just had a baby. You’re bleeding, leaking, healing, and somewhere in between a primal scream and a power nap. And right now? Pregnancy is probably the last thing on your vision board.

But spoiler alert: your fertility may bounce back before your abs do.

Let’s talk postpartum contraception- because while Irish twins sound cute, your uterus might disagree.

Here’s what’s on the table:

Progestin-only methods (The “I’m breastfeeding, leave me alone” plan):

• Mini-pill: Daily, estrogen-free. Won’t mess with milk. Easy to forget when your brain is mush.

• Progestin IUD (Mirena, Kyleena): Inserted at 6 weeks (or sometimes right after delivery). Works for 3–8 years depending on type.

• Nexplanon (arm implant): 3 years of birth control in one little stick. You forget it’s there until TSA asks questions.

👉 Why it rocks: Safe with breastfeeding. Low maintenance. No estrogen equals less clot risk.

Combined hormonal methods (pills, patch, ring):

Not recommended until at least 3–6 weeks postpartum due to clot risk- especially if you had preeclampsia or C-section.

👉 Bonus round: If you’re not breastfeeding, these work fine after the clot window closes. But prolactin’s nemesis = estrogen.

Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm):

No hormones, no fuss. Except you have to, you know, remember to use them. And find them. And not resent them mid-moment.

Permanent options (tubal ligation, partner vasectomy):

For when “I’m DONE DONE” isn’t a phase.

Why we’re even having this convo:

Because a pregnancy interval <18 months increases risks for:

• Preterm birth

• Low birth weight

• Placental complications

• Your mental health

  
  

And let’s be real: you deserve recovery. Your body deserves repair. And your next pregnancy (if ever) deserves a well-stocked, well-rested host.

You just did the hardest thing a human body can do. Protect your peace. Protect your pelvic floor. Let’s talk contraception before the six-week visit turns into the six-week “surprise.”

👉 Not sure what fits? That’s what we’re here for. Book a postpartum contraception consult and leave the Googling to your insomniac 3 a.m. self.