For new mums, contraception may be the last thing they are thinking about but it’s possible to get pregnant as soon as three weeks after you’ve given birth. Even if you’re breastfeeding and your menstrual cycle has not returned to normal, if you are sexually active after having your baby, you should be using contraception – unless you’re keen to get pregnant again!

It’s normal for midwives and hospital staff to ask you about your contraception plans soon after you’ve had your baby and you can bring up the topic of contraception at any time with your midwife, health visitor, or GP.

• The choice of contraceptive method should be initiated by 21 days after childbirth.
• Some methods of contraception can be initiated immediately after childbirth.

For example, the intrauterine coil (IUS) and the progestogen-only

implant (‘the Bar’) can be inserted immediately after delivery.

• The insertion of the implant soon after childbirth has been associated with high contraception rates and a reduced risk of unintended pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is a back up contraception that can be used to avoid an unplanned pregnancy after you have had sex without using contraception or if your method of contraception has failed ( condom slipped or you missed a pill).

You can use emergency contraception up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.

There are two options,

1. The emergency contraception pill (ECP)
2. Copper coil (also known as post-coital IUCD)

You do not need a prescription for Emergency Contraception. You can get this directly from your pharmacist. If you have a medical card you can access it for free from your pharmacist.

Discuss with your GP or Pharmacist or for more information visit www.sexualwellbeing.ie