In an exclusive report published in the Sydney Morning Herald, New South Wales-based family planning and sexual health specialist Dr Deborah Bateson discusses postnatal contraceptive options available to women.

Referring to a rare but possible phenomenon known as 'rapid repeat pregnancy', Dr Bateson gives a list of postnatal birth control options available to sexually active women.

For those who are nursing

Breastfeeding itself can serve as a contraceptive measure, albeit it's not 100% effective, the medic notes, saying that the effect of hormone prolactin can delay the next ovulation by an average of 33 weeks. She notes that breastfeeding must start in less than 24 weeks from childbirth and that the infant must be "fully breastfed", in order to prevent another conception.

Barrier contraceptive methods as well as progestin-only pills could also be effective in preventing a rapid repeat pregnancy whilst breastfeeding, suggests Dr Bateson.

For those who are not nursing

Women who are not breastfeeding can use combined oral contraceptive pills containing oestrogen as one of the ingredients, but only when advised by their GPs. The combined mode of hormonal contraception carries the risk of blood clot inside the veins (clinically known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT), which makes it a risky contraceptive option for some women, she warns.

Use of contraceptive pills is not advisable for women who have conceived in the previous 21 days, Dr Bateson notes, indicating that sooner after delivery, the risk of blood clot is higher than usual and using hormonal contraception might harm both the mother and the baby.