female_health

Postpartum Contraception + Cycle Return

Ovulation can resume as early as 4 weeks postpartum (non-BF) or 6 weeks (BF). Inter-pregnancy interval < 18 months increases preterm birth risk by 40%. WHO MEC guides BF-safe options.

Nutrition

Pattern

Continue postpartum recovery / breastfeeding nutrition plan

Foods to emphasise

Iron-rich foods
Folate-rich greens
Omega-3

Foods to limit

Alcohol (if BF)

Exercise

Aerobic

Per postpartum recovery plan.

Strength

Per recovery plan.

Flexibility

Daily.

Weekly target

150 minutes

Supplements

Folate

400-800 mcg/day (4 mg if next pregnancy planned soon)

guideline

Continue periconceptionally.

Monitor + cadence

What to track

Cycle return timing
Method-specific side effects
BP if combined hormonal
Family-planning conversation at 6-week visit

Red flags — seek care

Sudden heavy bleeding after months of amenorrhoea → exclude retained tissue
Severe headache or vision changes on combined hormonal → discontinue + assess

Sources

WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria 2015
ACOG Postpartum Contraception 2018
CDC US MEC 2020

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