[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.18) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.18) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/verloskundigenpraktijkmargriet.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/newborn-baby-feet-on-creamy-blanket-mom-and-her-c-2021-08-26-20-11-48-utc-scaled-1.jpg” custom_padding=”25px||55px||false|false” bottom_divider_style=”wave” bottom_divider_color=”#f9f8f2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ width=”98%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width=”1170px” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin_tablet=”120px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”120px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|||||on|||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Playfair Display|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”50px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” header_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”45px” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”800px” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”53px||” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”25px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Postpartum Contraception: 7 Safe Options<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_menu menu_id=”44″ active_link_color=”#ffffff” dropdown_menu_line_color=”#993300″ dropdown_menu_text_color=”#000000″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#993300″ mobile_menu_text_color=”#000000″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”|||||on|||” menu_text_color=”#ffffff” menu_font_size=”17px” background_enable_color=”off” positioning=”relative” text_orientation=”center” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(210,218,228,0.38) 45%|#ffffff 45%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(210,218,228,0.38)” background_color_gradient_start_position=”45%” background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end_position=”45%” background_image=”https:\/\/verloskundigenpraktijkmargriet.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/wed-bg-3.png” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”54px|0px|54px|0px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1400px” module_alignment=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|600||||on|||” link_text_color=”#000000″ link_font_size=”16px” ul_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”|||on|||||” header_font_size=”22px” background_color=”rgba(214,185,148,0.87)” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” custom_padding=”20px|10px|20px|10px|true|true” sticky_position=”top” sticky_offset_top=”15px” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”e598b17a-9229-42f6-b238-019d6094332e” header_font=”|700||||on|||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”35px” header_line_height=”1.1em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|5px||5px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_line_height_tablet=”1.2em” header_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Yeseva One||||||||” header_text_color=”#3c1c20″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”-13px||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
After giving birth, your fertility may return sooner than you expect \u2014 even if you’re breastfeeding. On this page, you’ll learn when you might be fertile again, which methods are safe (including during breastfeeding), when to start them, and how we organize this in our The Hague region. <\/p>\n
Would you like personal advice or to arrange something immediately? Feel free to [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”wv” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Yeseva One||||||||” header_text_color=”#3c1c20″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|600||||on|||” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”-13px||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The first ovulation<\/span> can occur before your first menstruation. With This contraceptive method is only reliable (about 98%<\/span>) when all three<\/span> conditions apply:<\/p>\n As soon as one of these three changes, you need additional contraception. We generally do not recommend this method or only in combination with another form of contraception. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”abf” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Yeseva One||||||||” header_text_color=”#3c1c20″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|600||||on|||” background_color=”rgba(243,219,195,0.34)” text_orientation=”justified” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|true|true” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”2px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Condoms<\/span> \u2013 can be used immediately<\/span>; no effect on milk production.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Copper IUD (Cu-IUD)<\/span> \u2013 can be inserted immediately after delivery or from 4\u20136 weeks<\/span><\/span>; hormone-free<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Hormonal IUD (LNG-IUD) \u2013 <\/span>from 4\u20136 weeks<\/span>; safe during breastfeeding; often <\/span>reduces menstrual bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Hormonal implant<\/span> \u2013 can be inserted immediately<\/span> postpartum<\/span> or later; safe during breastfeeding; effective for 3 years<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)<\/span> \u2013 can be started immediately<\/span><\/span>; take daily at the same time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Contraceptive injection (DMPA)<\/span> \u2013 usually from 6 weeks<\/span><\/span> if breastfeeding; effective for 12 weeks per injection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Combined hormonal contraceptives<\/span> (pill\/patch\/ring) \u2013 not before 6 weeks<\/span><\/span> postpartum due to thrombosis risk and possible decrease in milk production<\/span>; often only after 6 weeks<\/span> (or later) and only if suitable for your situation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Natural methods \/ ovulation apps<\/span> \u2013 unreliable<\/span><\/span> in the first months due to unpredictable cycles.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Emergency contraception<\/span> \u2013 see below; can also be used while breastfeeding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1400px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”am” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Yeseva One||||||||” header_text_color=”#3c1c20″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|||||on|||” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”abl” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Yeseva One||||||||” header_text_color=”#3c1c20″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|600||||on|||” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”-13px||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Hormone-free, can be used immediately, also as a temporary solution until your definitive choice. Good protection against STIs. Disadvantage: risk of user errors. <\/p>\n Copper IUD (Cu-IUD) is hormone-free and effective for 5\u201310 years (depending on type). Menstrual flow may be slightly heavier\/more cramping than you were used to. A small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Effective for 3 years, quickly reversible, safe during breastfeeding, and can be inserted immediately postpartum. May cause spotting in the first few months. Also known by the brand name ‘Implanon’. <\/p>\n Contains no estrogen and is suitable during breastfeeding; can be started immediately after delivery. Take at the same time every day for good reliability. <\/p>\n Injection every 12 weeks. Often leads to little or no menstruation over time. Usually started from 6 weeks postpartum if breastfeeding. Be aware that fertility may return slowly after stopping (sometimes taking months). <\/p>\n Effective and well-known, but there’s a temporarily increased risk of thrombosis postpartum. Only after recovery and with careful sizing; less reliable in the first months due to changed anatomy and unpredictable ovulations.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/verloskundigenpraktijkmargriet.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/anticonceptie.png” alt=”contraception” title_text=”contraception” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/verloskundigenpraktijkmargriet.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Female-holding-arm-up-showing-implanon-insertion.webp” alt=”implanon” title_text=”Female-holding-arm-up-showing-implanon-insertion” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/verloskundigenpraktijkmargriet.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/nuvaring-vpm.png” alt=”nuvaring” title_text=”nuvaring-vpm” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1400px” module_alignment=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”abl” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Yeseva One||||||||” header_text_color=”#3c1c20″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|600||||on|||” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”-13px||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Copper IUD:<\/span> most effective; can be inserted up to 5 days<\/span> after unprotected sex and then becomes your regular contraception<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Levonorgestrel pill (morning-after): take as soon as possible (up to <\/span>72 hours); <\/span>breastfeeding can continue.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ulipristal pill: effective up to <\/span>120 hours; <\/span>temporarily interrupt breastfeeding according to the package insert.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Call us for advice; we’ll ensure you quickly get the best option<\/span>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”aeb” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Yeseva One||||||||” header_text_color=”#3c1c20″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”|600||||on|||” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”-13px||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Progestogen methods (IUD, implant, mini-pill) are perfectly compatible<\/span> with breastfeeding. Estrogen<\/span> can reduce milk production<\/span> in the early postpartum period; therefore, we usually postpone<\/span> combined methods. Are you concerned about your milk production? Let us know \u2014 we’ll monitor and coordinate with a lactation consultant\/hospital if necessary. <\/p>\n We usually discuss your preferences during check-ups<\/a> or at the postpartum check<\/a>. Many options can be arranged in primary care (prescription or insertion), sometimes in collaboration with the hospital (e.g., immediate IUD insertion on the maternity ward or for specific medical indications). In the The Hague VSV chain (HMC\/Haga and others), we adhere to national guidelines and maintain consistent agreements on breastfeeding, start times, and risks. We clearly record your choice and plan in your file, so everyone knows what has been agreed upon. <\/p>\nWhen are You Fertile Again?<\/span><\/h2>\n
LAM Method (Lactational Amenorrhea Method)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Quick Decision Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Contraception Methods<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Condoms<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. IUDs<\/span><\/h3>\n
Hormonal IUD (LNG-IUD) releases progestogen locally; effective for 3\u20138 years (type-dependent) and often reduces menstrual bleeding.
Timing: insertion immediately post-partum (within 48h) or after 4\u20136 weeks. With immediate placement, the risk of expulsion is slightly higher; we advise on this personally. <\/p>\n3. Hormonal implant (etonogestrel implant)<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Contraceptive injection (DMPA)<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Combined hormonal contraceptives (pill\/patch\/ring)<\/span><\/h3>\n
\u2022 Non-breastfeeding: generally after 3\u20136 weeks, depending on risk factors.
\u2022 Breastfeeding: postpone until \u22656 weeks (sometimes longer) due to milk production and VTE risk.
We assess this individually.<\/p>\n7. Diaphragm\/cervical cap & natural methods<\/span><\/h3>\n
Emergency Contraception (if Something Went Wrong)<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Contraception and Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h2>\n