Family Planning

Providing Progestin-Only PillsWhen to StartIMPORTANT: A woman can start using POPs any time she wants if it isreasonably certain she is not pregnant. To be reasonably certain she is notpregnant, use the Pregnancy Checklist (see p. 372). Also, a woman can begiven POPs at any time and told when to start taking them.Woman’s situationFully or nearly fullybreastfeedingLess than 6 monthsafter giving birthMore than 6 monthsafter giving birthWhen to startóóóóóPartially breastfeedingLess than 6 weeksafter giving birthóóIf she gave birth less than 6 weeks ago, give herPOPs and tell her to start taking them 6 weeksafter giving birth.If her monthly bleeding has not returned, shecan start POPs any time between 6 weeks and 6months. No need for a backup method.If her monthly bleeding has returned, shecan start POPs as advised for women havingmenstrual cycles (see p. 33).If her monthly bleeding has not returned, shecan start POPs any time it is reasonably certainshe is not pregnant. She will need a backupmethod * for the first 2 days of taking pills. (Ifyou cannot be reasonably certain, give her POPsnow and tell her to start taking them during hernext monthly bleeding.)If her monthly bleeding has returned, shecan start POPs as advised for women havingmenstrual cycles (see p. 33).Give her POPs and tell her to start taking them6 weeks after giving birth.Also give her a backup method to use until 6weeks since giving birth if her monthly bleedingreturns before this time.2Progestin-Only Pills*Backup methods include abstinence, male and female condoms, spermicides, andwithdrawal. Tell her that spermicides and withdrawal are the least effective contraceptivemethods. If possible, give her condoms.Providing Progestin-Only Pills31