What birth control methods are safe for people who just gave birth?

Nov 12, 2021 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Birth control methods with no hormones, like the non-hormonal IUD, condoms, sterilization, lactational amenorrhea[RW5] , and hormonal methods that don’t contain estrogen—the shot, hormonal IUDs, the implant and the mini-pill—are all safe to use immediately after giving birth. Combination pills, the ring, and the patch, which contain estrogen, shouldn’t be used until three weeks after giving birth, since estrogen and being postpartum both increase the risk of blood clots.

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IUD sexual health & wellness pregnancy and fertility effectiveness shot (Depo-Provera) birth control pill implant (Nexplanon)

Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Birth control shot
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can't take estrogen.
birth control
Birth control pill
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use, but you have to remember to take it every day.