Articles

Birth Control After Your Baby

Just had a baby or are about to give birth? Whether it's your first child or your fourth, having a baby changes a lot of things in your life. It's a good time to reevaluate your birth control options. With so much going on, you may want effective birth control that you don't have to think about taking every day.

You should decide what birth control method to use soon because, even though your period may not return for some time, you may start to ovulate immediately. This means there's a chance you could become pregnant.

Mirena^® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) should not be placed earlier than 6 weeks after having your baby, or as determined by your health care provider. When you ask your health care provider about Mirena, be sure to say if you are breastfeeding and plan to continue breastfeeding after Mirena has been placed. If you are breastfeeding, you should discuss which forms of birth control are appropriate.

Small amounts of the hormone in Mirena can be found in the breast milk of nursing mothers. This is not likely to affect the quality or amount of your breast milk or the health of your nursing baby.

Family planning on your terms

Mirena intrauterine contraceptive gives you birth control that is over 99% effective for as long as you want, for up to 5 years. And, whether you plan to have another child in the future, or think you may have completed your family, it puts family planning in your control.

Once Mirena is properly placed, it's effective. And if you decide to try for another baby, you can have Mirena removed and try to get pregnant immediately. A woman's chances of getting pregnant within 12 months of having Mirena removed are approximately 80%.