As soon as a couple wants to start having sexual relations again after having a baby a reliable method of contraception should be used - even if the woman has not yet started having periods again.

There are special rules for women who are breast-feeding. Breast feeding gives relative protection against conception. The prolactin that stimulates milk production prevents ovulation from taking place. But breast feeding is not a very reliable form of contraception! And the protection is lost if there is an interval of more than 6 hours between feeds or if the total feeding time is less than 65 minutes per day.

Combined hormonal contraceptives are not the method of choice for women who are breast feeding. If you do want to use a hormonal method you can choose a preparation that contains only a progestin - e.g. the intrauterine system (IUS).

The IUS can be fitted about 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth, as soon as the uterus has returned to its normal size. Your doctor will tell you exactly when this is the case.

The IUS provides very effective contraceptive protection and is particularly comfortable to use. In breast-feeding women who have not yet started having periods again use of the IUS can cause menstruation to resume.

The minipill and the three-month injection can also be used by women who are breast feeding.