I have just had my first child and the doctor has told me to refrain from having intercourse until after my six week checkup. I am not breastfeeding and would like to make sure I don't get pregnant. She has assisted at over 1,000 births and is currently teaching in the nurse-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota. In a woman who is not breastfeeding, you may safely begin oral contraceptives at three weeks postpartum.
Some care providers begin contraceptives as early as five days postpartum, or as late as four weeks.
This is a very rare side effect, but waiting this period of time is the safest course. Norplant or Depo-Provera, because they contain no estrogen, can be implemented immediately after the birth. Diaphragm fitting and cervical cap placement should wait until the six week checkup to be initiated. Foam and condoms are a good interval form of protection. You are wise to consider this now because most women do not wait until six weeks postpartum to make love again.