Postnatal Care › Contraception

Contraception

Thinking about your next pregnancy is probably the last thing on your mind after birth, but it is worth a short conversation about contraception at your six week check.

Last reviewed May 2026 by Dr Sarah Koffmann

It helps to think about how you would like to space your pregnancies. Your GP can talk you through the options at your six week postnatal check, including which methods are suitable while breastfeeding.

Many couples already know what they would like to do. If you would like more information first, Family Planning Australia has clear, reliable guides to every method.

External site

Family Planning Australia

Clear, reliable guides to every contraception method, including what suits you while breastfeeding and where to get further help.

Visit fpnsw.org.au

Fit and forget

Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

An overview of contraception methods

If you are not planning a pregnancy in the near future, LARC is worth knowing about. The term covers the hormonal IUD, the copper IUD and the contraceptive implant. Once one is in place, you do not have to think about it again for several years, and your fertility returns quickly once it is removed.

LARC methods are among the most effective contraception available, because there is nothing to remember day to day. They suit a lot of different situations, including after having a baby and while breastfeeding. Which option is right for you depends on your health, your cycle and your plans, so it is a good conversation to have with your GP.

At most GPs

Contraceptive implant

The implant (Implanon) sits just under the skin of your upper arm and lasts three years. Most GPs can insert and remove one, so your usual GP is a good place to start.

Find a GP
At selected practices

IUD insertion

Fitting an IUD is a particular skill that fewer GPs offer. In Bathurst, Brooke Moore Medical Practice, Busby Medical Practice, Macquarie Family Medical Centre and Wecare Health have GPs who insert IUDs.