Can a Plan B affect breast milk?

Understanding the Impact of Plan B on Breast Milk
The question of whether taking Plan B, an emergency contraceptive pill, affects breast milk is a concern for many breastfeeding mothers. As the need for effective contraception intersects with the commitment to breastfeeding, understanding the implications of such medications is crucial.
Safety of Plan B While Breastfeeding
According to recent findings, Plan B, which contains levonorgestrel, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that there are no known adverse effects on breast milk or the baby when the mother takes this medication. The consensus among health professionals is that breastfeeding can continue without interruption after taking Plan B.
Potential Effects on Milk Supply
While the safety of Plan B is well-established, there are some nuances regarding its impact on milk supply. Some studies suggest that there may be a slight decrease in milk production for a few days following the intake of the morning-after pill. However, this drop is typically temporary, and milk levels are expected to rebound shortly thereafter. In a cohort study involving women who took levonorgestrel, no significant decrease in milk supply was reported, with most mothers resuming breastfeeding within hours of taking the pill.
Composition of Breast Milk
Importantly, the composition of breast milk remains unaffected by the use of Plan B. Evidence suggests that the hormonal changes induced by levonorgestrel do not alter the nutritional quality of breast milk, ensuring that infants continue to receive the essential nutrients they need. This is particularly reassuring for mothers who are concerned about the health and well-being of their babies while managing their reproductive health.
Conclusion
In summary, taking Plan B while breastfeeding is safe and does not pose significant risks to either the mother or the infant. While there may be a temporary dip in milk supply, it is generally short-lived, and the overall quality of breast milk remains intact. Mothers can feel confident in their ability to manage both their contraceptive needs and breastfeeding successfully.

Can the pill affect milk supply?

Contraceptives which contain estrogen have been linked to reduced milk supply and early cessation of breastfeeding even when started after milk supply is well established and baby is older. Not all mothers who take contraceptives containing estrogen experience lower milk supply, but many do.

Can I take Plan B while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can use Plan B when you are breastfeeding. In general, no harmful effects of progestin‑only pills, like Plan B, have been found on breastfeeding performance or on the health, growth, or development of the infant. However, random cases of decreased (less) milk production in mothers have been reported.

How does Plan B affect your breast?

Breast tenderness: Within a few hours after taking Plan B (should resolve within a day or two) Late period: During your next period, but shouldn’t affect any periods after that.

What happens to the baby if Plan B fails?

Impact on a Developing Fetus
A study assessing the effect of LNG-EC exposure on pregnant women and their fetuses found that LNG-EC does not appear to have any substantial effects on the physical and mental development of a developing fetus, nor the occurrence of congenital malformations.

What are the chances of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

Will Plan B mess up my milk supply?

Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant.

Will Plan B affect my baby?

Plan B is NOT the same as RU-486 (the abortion pill). Plan B is not effective after pregnancy has occurred and cannot interrupt it. Plan B won’t harm a developing fetus. If Plan B is taken mistakenly during pregnancy, it will not harm the developing fetus.

What to avoid after taking Plan B?

There are certain medications and herbal supplements that you should avoid after taking Plan B, as they may lower the efficacy of the drug. These include: Barbiturates (including primidone) Bosentan.

Does Plan B mess up breast milk?

Yes, you can use Plan B when you are breastfeeding. In general, no harmful effects of progestin‑only pills, like Plan B, have been found on breastfeeding performance or on the health, growth, or development of the infant. However, random cases of decreased (less) milk production in mothers have been reported.

Is it safe to take the i pill during breastfeeding?

Can I use hormonal birth control while breastfeeding? Yes, if you’re breastfeeding, you can safely use hormonal methods. They won’t hurt you or your baby. You can start using the shot, implant, Skyla and Mirena IUDs, and some types of birth control pills (called mini-pills) right after giving birth.