Breastfeeding does not work as contraception. So if you do not want to become pregnant, it is wise to use contraception once you start having sex again. Towards the end of the maternity period, and at the postnatal check if you have one, the midwife will discuss this with you.
There are various ways of preventing pregnancy.
Ones you use yourself
- condom
- the pill
- contraceptive patch
- contraceptive ring
Ones a care provider fits or gives
- contraceptive implant
- coil (IUD)
- contraceptive injection
- sterilisation
Which method suits you best depends on a number of things:
- your medical history
- any earlier experience with contraception
- any preference you have for a particular method
- whether you would like more children
- whether you are breast or bottle feeding
Would you like a coil? Read about what a coil is and which types there are, the procedure and the costs, and what happens when one is fitted.
There is more about the different methods on thuisarts.nl, the patient site of the Dutch College of General Practitioners (in Dutch).