Click link to DVH’s leaflet DVH After you Caesarean leaflet
Although your baby was delivered by Caesarean Section, you should still be able to deliver vaginally in future pregnancies.
If you feel you need more information about your experience or wish to discuss future pregnancies please speak to your community midwife or you can contact the Birth Options Team via email: michelle.lyon@nhs.net or ruth.sharpe@nhs.net.
For information: www.contraceptionchoices.org/
Contraception may be the last thing on your mind when you have just had a baby, but it is something you need to think about if you want to delay or avoid another pregnancy soon after this baby.
Many unplanned pregnancies happen in the first few months after childbirth, so even if you are not interested in sex now, it is better to be prepared.
How soon do I need to use contraception? Which contraception method will be suitable for me?
You can become pregnant again quickly after the birth whether you are breast or bottle feeding, therefore you must use contraception every time you have sex.
Do not wait for your periods to return, or until you have your postnatal check, before you use contraception as you could become pregnant again before then.
You can use male and female condoms as soon as you want to. Other methods of contraception will depend on what you and your partner prefer; this will need to be discussed with your GP. This is also an opportunity to keep updated with your important regular smear tests.
The options for contraception will be:
- Hormonal methods - such as oral contraceptive pills, patches, implants and injections.
- Barrier methods - include the diaphragm and condoms. Male and female condoms are easy over-the-counter choices.
- The IUCD - intrauterine contraceptive device.
Will breastfeeding act as contraception?
Breastfeeding is not effective in avoiding pregnancy.
Can I use emergency contraception after the birth?
Yes. If you have unprotected sex you can use emergency contraception. If you are breastfeeding, using the emergency pill will not harm the baby or affect the breast milk. Your GP or Pharmacist will be able to provide further information on this.
How soon can I have sex again?
You can resume sex as soon as you and your partner want to.
- However, having a baby causes many physical and emotional changes for both partners, and it may take some time before you feel ready to have sex.
- It is common to feel nervous, but there is usually no reason why you should not enjoy sex just as much as before.
- It can help if you and your partner talk about any worries you have. If you have any discomfort which might affect your enjoyment of sex, such as stitches which have not healed, discuss this with your Midwife, GP, Practice Nurse or Health Visitor.
When will my periods start again?
If you bottle-feed, or combine bottle and breastfeeding, your first period could start as early as five to six weeks after the birth.
If you are breastfeeding, your periods may not come back until you stop, however you can be fertile before you have your first period.
This is because you ovulate (release an egg) about two weeks before a period so you are able to become pregnant without
Stitches allow the wound to heal quickly and effectively and can prevent additional tears from occurring during subsequent deliveries. Care of your stitches may include taking over the counter painkillers, warm baths, and keeping the area as clean and dry as possible.
Frequent changing of sanitary pads also helps to keep the stitches clean and dry.
Dissolvable stitches are used and do not need removing. However, in some rare cases they may need to be removed by a Midwife or Doctor.
Healing time varies from woman to woman and can range from a week to over a month. Most women recover well following an episiotomy or a tear. However, in some rare cases stitches can become infected. There can also be problems occasionally with passing urine and faeces, or painful sexual intercourse. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please discuss with your Midwife or Doctor.
Pelvic floor exercises can also help the stitches to heal, as by performing these exercises blood flow is encouraged to the damaged area and this helps the healing process.
If you have a complicated perineal tear, your Midwife will refer you to see an Obstetric Consultant and Physiotherapist 6-8 weeks post-delivery.
