Choosing when to start to have sex and use contraception after birth can depend on, when you delivered your baby, your birth experience, how you’re recovering, and whether you’re breastfeeding.
Giving birth and becoming a parent is physically and emotionally tiring. It’s important to look after your own health as well as that of your new baby in the first few months.
Your hormones change dramatically in the first few days after giving birth.
If you are in a relationship remember everyone can find the adjustment to parenthood difficult. Many people worry about what’s right for their partner - they're unsure what to do and they may feel worried about hurting you. It can help to keep talking and sharing how you’re feeling. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to be together when you have a new baby.
Speak with your health visitor or GP if you or your partner have any concerns about sex after childbirth.
If you are fully breastfeeding (your baby is taking no additional food or fluids and you are breastfeeding at least every 4 hours in the day and 6 hours at night), your baby is less than 6 months old and your periods have not returned, then breastfeeding is over 98% effective as a contraceptive.
Progestogen only methods of contraception can be used from 3 weeks (21 days) after birth. There is no evidence to suggest that they affect your milk supply.
Some women experience troublesome bleeding with the injection in the early post-birth period, so you might prefer to wait six weeks before having an injection. Irregular bleeding is a common side effect of any progestogen only method.
These methods are only suitable if you are not breastfeeding, as they may affect your milk supply. If you are breastfeeding, you are usually advised to wait until your baby is 6 months old.
Coils should be fitted at least 4 weeks (28 days) after birth.
If you used a diaphragm before becoming pregnant, see your GP or contraception (family planning) clinic to ensure it still fits correctly. This is because childbirth (and other factors such as weight loss or gain) can mean you need a different size.
Sometimes called Kegel exercises. You can do pelvic floor exercises anywhere and at any time, either sitting or standing up:
