You need to start using contraception 21 days (three weeks) after giving birth or you risk getting pregnant again.

Some of the options you might want to consider are:

	You can start taking the combined pill 21 days after your baby is born. But you should not go on the combined pill if you are breastfeeding.
	You can start taking the progestogen-only-pill (mini-pill) 21 days after your baby is born. You can breastfeed whilst taking the progestogen-only-pill.
	You can have the contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) when your baby is 6 weeks old and this will protect you against pregnancy for 3 months. If you want the injection you will have to use alternative contraception (like the pill) from when your baby is three weeks old until you have your injection, otherwise you risk getting pregnant again. You can breastfeed whilst on the contraceptive injection.
	You can have the contraceptive implant 21 days after having your baby. The implant will protect you against pregnancy for 3 years. You can breastfeed if you have a contraceptive implant.
	If you want to have a coil (IUD or IUS) fitted, this can be done 4 weeks after your baby is born. You can breastfeed if you have a coil.

If you have sex after your baby is 21 days old and you don’t use protection, you will need emergency contraception to ensure you don’t get pregnant. You can get the emergency contraceptive pill from:

Your GP The pharmacy (most pharmacies run a scheme where you can get the emergency contraceptive pill for free). Contraception and Sexual Health Clinics, including all FRESH clinics NHS Walk-In Centres