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Childbirth/ovulation after childbirth
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Question
How soon after childbirth can you start ovulating? Is there risk of pregnancy to have unprotected sex at 4 weeks? My doctor gave the ok for intercourse at 4 weeks, but I took a mini pill late. I am nursing, but don't produce much milk so I have to supplement every feeding with formula. Thank you.
Ruth,
There is a risk of pregnancy every time you have unprotected sex, even at 4 weeks postpartum.
This is true even if you are nursing. You can ovulate before getting a postpartum period.
It's very difficult to track ovulation after recently giving birth due to fluctuating hormones and lack of sleep. This is especially true when breastfeeding - you may ovulate one month and skip the next.
For these reasons, it's important to practice some form of birth control to avoid getting pregnant again sooner than planned.
Best,
Catherine
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Answers by Expert:
Catherine Beier MS CBE
Expertise
I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.
Experience
I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.
Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.
Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.
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