Family planning methods: There are many methods available, under many different brand names. Modern methods include oral contraception pills, implants, injectable, intrauterine devices (IUDs), emergency contraception, male and female condoms, male and female sterilization, and lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). Additional methods include withdrawal, the calendar or rhythm method, and other fertility based methods. Some are more effective than others, and many rely on proper use to ensure effectiveness. Most of these contraceptives can be safely used immediately postpartum; the rest can be initiated shortly after delivery, within a few weeks to six months.

The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) is 98% effective for the first six months postpartum. LAM prevents pregnancy while the mother is exclusively breastfeeding. It becomes less effective when other foods and liquids, like formula, are included, so women who are unable to exclusively breastfeed should consider other methods.

Spacing of pregnancy: Use of family planning helps achieve healthy spacing of pregnancies, which is critical to a healthy pregnancy and delivery and to newborn survival. When pregnancies are too close together (less than 24 months between the last live birth and the next pregnancy), the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and newborn death increases; when pregnancy begins within six months of the last live birth, these complications are even more likely. Furthermore, when a mother who is still nursing an infant of any age becomes pregnant again, it is difficult to meet the nutritional needs of the mother, nursing baby, and fetus.

Timing of pregnancy: Studies have shown that both newborns and mothers have the healthiest outcomes when pregnancies occur after age 18. When mothers are younger than 18, they and their infants face increased risk of birth complications, including stillbirth, low birth weight, and preterm birth. When possible, it is recommended to time pregnancies appropriately, especially by delaying first pregnancy until at least age 18. Adolescents, regardless of marital status, should have access to contraceptive methods to delay pregnancy.