Contraception options for mums after giving birth

When to resume sex after giving birth
Whether you had a caesarean or a vaginal birth, the time to resume sex is still after 6 weeks (the end of the postpartum period)

When to start contraception after giving birth
Once you resume sex, you should use suitable contraception even before your periods return. When to start contraception after the birth depends on how you feed your baby:
If your baby isn't exclusively breastfed, your periods will return within about 6 weeks to 3 months. If you have sex after the birth, you can become pregnant 2 weeks before your period returns. So contraception should be used from 3 – 4 weeks after your baby is born.
Women who exclusively breastfeed have quite a low chance of pregnancy in the first 6 months after the birth. This is because the more baby breastfeeds, the higher the level of the hormone that stimulates milk production, which suppresses the hormone that triggers ovulation. So if you breastfeed less often or stop altogether, you may become pregnant if you have sex.

Contraception methods after giving birth
Contraceptive implant
A contraceptive implant can be inserted under the skin straight after you give birth. It is more than 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Intrauterine device (IUD, coil)
Only use this method at least 4 weeks after the birth.
There are 2 types of IUD:
- Copper IUD: lasts more than 10 years
- Hormonal IUD (progestin): lasts 3 to 5 years
Both work quickly, are 99.2 – 99.8% effective at preventing pregnancy and are easily removed by a doctor if there is a problem or you want another baby.
Contraceptive injection
You can start the contraceptive injection straight after giving birth. Only a very small amount of the drug passes into breast milk and it does not affect your baby or the quality of your milk. It is 94 – 99.8% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Progestin-only pill
You can start the progestin-only pill straight after the birth. It is 91 – 99.7% effective.
Condoms
This is the method used when you first start having sex again. As well as preventing pregnancy, condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections. There are now also female condoms, so women can use them themselves when needed. They are 79 – 82% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Natural family planning

This method involves tracking the changes in your body during your menstrual cycle. It can be up to 99% effective but can also fall to around 76%, depending on how you do it and which method you choose. So you should get advice from a specialist if you choose this method of contraception after the birth.
Sterilisation
This is a surgical, permanent method of contraception. It is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can be tubal ligation for mum or vasectomy for dad. However, tubal ligation is best done at least 3 months after your baby is born. Caring for a baby can be stressful, and this isn't the best time to make a permanent decision.
Emergency contraceptive pill
After unprotected sex, take the emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible, within 120 hours. It is up to 85% effective at preventing pregnancy. How effective it is depends on how soon you take it.
Emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel are a choice that won't harm a breastfed baby, as only a very small amount of levonorgestrel passes into breast milk. If you use levonorgestrel as emergency contraception, you can breastfeed 3 to 4 hours after taking the pill.
Lactational amenorrhoea method (breastfeeding without periods)
To use this method of contraception, you must meet all of these conditions:
Your baby is under 6 months
Your periods haven't returned since the birth
Baby is exclusively breastfed (no formula) and fed frequently (every 4 hours during the day, every 6 hours at night)
However, contraception won't be very effective if these conditions aren't met. So combine it with another method if they aren't.
Diaphragm for mum
You can start using a diaphragm about 6 weeks after giving birth. It is 88 – 96% effective at preventing pregnancy, but this method is not yet common in Vietnam.
A diaphragm is not a good choice if you:
Have a cervix with an unusual shape or position, or cannot feel whether your cervix is properly covered by the diaphragm.
Gave birth 6 weeks ago or less.
Are sensitive or allergic to ingredients in spermicide.
Have had toxic shock syndrome.
Get repeated urinary tract infections.
Currently have a vaginal infection.

References:

https://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/publications/contraception-after-you-have-had-a-baby?collectionfilter=1

https://bvhungvuong.vn/danh-cho-benh-nhan/bien-phap-ngua-thai-sau-sinh