Sex may be the last thing on your mind, especially if you've had a difficult birth, have painful stitches, or have had many sleepless nights. However, after your body heals and taking care of your baby gets easier, you will likely feel more ready for sex.
In the meantime, spend some time each day with your partner. Snuggle, go for a walk, share what is worrying you. Take time to nurture your emotional relationship with your partner.
Because it is possible to get pregnant soon after giving birth, use a reliable form of birth control every time you have sex.
In the hospital before discharge or at your postpartum checkup, talk with your health care provider about birth control choices that are good for you — especially if you
are breastfeeding. No option is 100 percent effective except abstinence (not having sex). The chart below gives you some brief information about types of birth control.
| Birth control |
Information |
| The pill
prescription
female use |
The pill contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. This combination birth control pill is not recommended for breastfeeding moms. Certain health conditions may mean you need to use a different form of birth control. |
Minipills
prescription
female use |
These contain only the hormone progestin, making them safe to use while breastfeeding or when health conditions prevent the use of the two-hormone pills. They must be taken at the same time every day to be the most effective. The minipills can decrease milk supply. |
| Contraceptive skin patch
prescription
female use |
Hormones progestin and estrogen are released into your body through a patch on your skin. You need to change the patch from time to time, based on the schedule for the product you buy. |
| Injection
health care provider visit
female use |
A hormone shot is given once every 1 to 3 months. It may cause prolonged or irregular bleeding. This injection may decrease milk production if given in the first 3 days after birth. |
| IUD or intrauterine device
health care provider visit
female use |
A small, flexible device is placed in the uterus. It can stay in for 8 to 10 years. |
| Diaphragm
health care provider visit
female use |
This is a thin, rubber dome that you cover with a spermicide (sperm-killing jelly), and then insert into the vagina so it covers the cervix. It must be inserted each time before having sex and removed afterward. Note: Do not reuse your diaphragm from before your pregnancy. You must be refitted after having your baby. |
Male condoms or "rubbers"
over-the-counter
male use |
They are thin shields that unroll and fit over an erect penis. One must be used each time before having sex and removed afterward. |
Contraceptive foam
over-the-counter
female use |
The foam is a spermicide. (It kills sperm.) It both destroys sperm and blocks the opening to the cervix. It is placed in the vagina before sex using an applicator. |
Vaginal rings
over-the-counter
female use |
Small rings containing hormones progestin and estrogen are placed within your vagina. Some rings can be used only once. Some can be left in place for a period of time, depending on the product you buy. |
Female condoms
over-the-counter
female use |
A pouch with two rings placed inside the vagina before intercourse. One must be used each time before having sex and removed afterward. |
Tubal ligation
surgery
female use |
This is a one-time surgical procedure that permanently sterilizes a woman. |
Vasectomy
surgery
male use |
This is a one-time surgical procedure that permanently sterilizes a man. |
Natural family planning
health care provider visit
female and male use |
This is a method of monitoring the woman's basal body temperature, estimating the time of ovulation, and timing intercourse to occur when the woman is not fertile. This requires careful personal observation and charting. |
