Postpartum period contraception

Taneepanichskul S, Tanprasertkul C. Use of Norplant implants in the immediate postpartum period among asymptomatic HTV-1-positive mothers, contraception 2001 64(1) 39-41. 

Existing randomized, controlled trials are insufficient to establish an effect of hormonal contraception, if any, on milk quality and quantity. Current recommendations are to avoid combined OCs in the first 6 weeks postpartum and to use them with caution during the 6-month postpartum period. 

Long-term injectable contraceptive administered IM every 3 months. The injection is given only during the first 5 days after the onset of a normal menstrual period, within 5 days postpartum if not breastfeeding, or at 6 weeks postpartum. 

Use after childbirth - Women who elect not to breast-feed should start contraceptive therapy with the norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal patch no sooner than 4 weeks after childbirth. If a woman begins using the patch postpartum and has not yet had a period, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of the patch, and instruct her to use an additional method of contraception (eg, condoms, spermicide, diaphragm) for the first 7 days. 

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