When can a woman start CHC?
Postpartum (breastfeeding)*
- If she is more than 6 months postpartum and amenorrhoeic, she can start CHC as advised for other amenorrhoeic women.
- If she is more than 6 months postpartum and her menstrual cycles have returned, she can start COCs as advised for other women having menstrual cycles.
Postpartum (non-breastfeeding)*
- If her menstrual cycles have not returned and she is 21 or more days postpartum, she can start CHC immediately, if it is reasonably certain that she is not pregnant. She will need to abstain from sex or use additional contraceptive protection for the next 7 days.
- If her menstrual cycles have returned, she can start CHC as advised for other women having menstrual cycles.