Sterilization

Surgical sterilization, also called tubal ligation or getting your tubes tied, is a surgical procedure where a doctor puts a clip, band, or ring on the fallopian tubes, or removes a section of the tubes. (In other words, it doesn’t usually involve tying!) This type of procedure prevents eggs from being fertilized after they are released from the ovaries. Surgical sterilization is permanent and effective immediately.

Not every method of birth control is safe to use right after giving birth, but many of them are. Breastfeeding consistently can be its own form of birth control, or there are a bunch of other methods you can use, including super-effective methods like the IUD and the implant. If you feel like this will be your last bundle of joy, sterilization is also an option. (P.S. Sterilization could also be an option for your partner!)