Right now, getting pregnant again is the last thing on your to-worry-about list. But since ovulation can occur as early as a month after delivery for some women, don't skip birth control, advises Andrew Kaunitz, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida Health Science Center. Your options:

Oral contraceptives Most pills are safe to use after the first month postpartum (when the risk of blood clots decreases). Since most also contain estrogen, which may reduce breast-milk production, a better choice for nursing moms is the progestin-only mini-pill.

The patch and the ring Since these methods contain the same hormones as birth-control pills, the same cautions apply. But with effectiveness similar to the Pill's and even greater ease of use, they're good options.

The IUD A choice for new moms (women who haven't had a baby are more likely to expel the device), the IUD releases progesterone, which doesn't interfere with breastfeeding and results in lighter menstrual periods. It's as effective as sterilization, can be inserted about four to six weeks after delivery, and lasts up to five years.

Barrier methods Diaphragm users need to be fitted for a new one after delivery. Condoms are still a reliable and inexpensive choice, but forget cervical cups and the Sponge  -- they don't provide enough protection in women who have given birth.

Sterilization If this pregnancy is your last, sterilization can be performed at delivery. But be sure it's what you want  -- the procedure is difficult to reverse.

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