Quick: If you're breastfeeding, can you get pregnant? What if you haven't had a period since giving birth?

The answers are yes and yes. Even if you're only sexually semiactive, it's possible to conceive. Contrary to folk wisdom, breastfeeding itself isn't a contraceptive, and you'll begin to ovulate before you have a period, but you can't be sure when that will be. So it's wise to use contraception unless you wouldn't mind giving your newborn a sibling who's very close in age.

Your doctor can map out all the options, but here are some considerations:

What contraception did you use before you got pregnant? You can't necessarily pick up where you left off. If you used a diaphragm, be sure to get fitted again, as giving birth has probably changed your body.

If you were on a hormonal form of birth control (the Pill, patch, or ring) before becoming pregnant and are now breastfeeding, you may need a different formulation, such as the progesterone-only minipill.

Do you want to try something new? An IUD (intrauterine device), for example, fits better in women who have given birth than in those who've never had children.

Have you considered using condoms? Condoms can be a good choice for new moms because they don't affect breast milk – and they can be easier to remember than a once-a-day pill. Plus, condoms make contraception your partner's responsibility, too.

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