Family Planning

Woman’s situationFully or nearly fullybreastfeedingLess than 6 monthsafter giving birthMore than 6 monthsafter giving birthWhen to startóóóóóIf she gave birth less than 6 weeks ago, delay herfirst injection until at least 6 weeks after givingbirth.If her monthly bleeding has not returned, shecan start injectables any time between 6 weeksand 6 months. No need for a backup method.If her monthly bleeding has returned, she canstart injectables as advised for women havingmenstrual cycles (see previous page).If her monthly bleeding has not returned, shecan start injectables any time it is reasonablycertain she is not pregnant. She will need abackup method for the first 7 days after theinjection.If her monthly bleeding has returned, she canstart injectables as advised for women havingmenstrual cycles (see previous page).4Progestin-Only InjectablesPartially breastfeedingLess than 6 weeksafter giving birthMore than 6 weeksafter giving birthóóóDelay her first injection until at least 6 weeksafter giving birth.If her monthly bleeding has not returned, shecan start injectables any time it is reasonablycertain she is not pregnant. † She will need abackup method for the first 7 days after theinjection.If her monthly bleeding has returned, she canstart injectables as advised for women havingmenstrual cycles (see previous page).†Where a visit 6 weeks after childbirth is routinely recommended and other opportunities toobtain contraception limited, some providers and programs may give the first injection at the6-week visit, without further evidence that the woman is not pregnant, if her monthly bleedinghas not yet returned.Providing Progestin-Only Injectables69