Can I take a Plan B while breastfeeding?

Understanding Plan B and Breastfeeding
The question of whether it’s safe to take Plan B, an emergency contraceptive, while breastfeeding is one that many new mothers may find themselves asking. The good news is that experts agree it is safe to use Plan B while nursing. This reassurance comes from various healthcare professionals, including board-certified OB-GYNs, who emphasize that the benefits of using emergency contraception outweigh any potential risks to the breastfeeding infant.
Safety and Recommendations
Dr. Amy Roskin, a chief medical officer at an online postpartum care center, confirms that women can safely take Plan B while breastfeeding. This is supported by research indicating that the active ingredient in Plan B, levonorgestrel, does pass into breast milk but in very minimal quantities. A study highlighted by the Breastfeeding Network found that the levels of levonorgestrel in breast milk are low enough that it does not necessitate any changes to breastfeeding practices.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists Plan B, along with other forms of emergency contraception like ulipristal and the copper IUD, as safe options for breastfeeding individuals. This means that mothers can take these medications without the need to withhold breastfeeding from their babies.
Practical Considerations
While it is generally safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. If a mother is exclusively breastfeeding and has not yet resumed her menstrual cycle, she may not need emergency contraception at all. However, if the situation arises where emergency contraception is necessary, taking Plan B will not interfere with breastfeeding schedules or the health of the nursing baby.
In summary, taking Plan B while breastfeeding is considered safe by medical professionals, and mothers can feel confident in making this choice if needed. As always, it is advisable for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns they may have regarding their specific circumstances.

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.

Can I take an emergency while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage.

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 happens if you take Plan B while breastfeeding?

The EC pill can be taken while breastfeeding. After a single 1.5mg dose, the total amount of drug passing into the breastmilk over the next 3 days is only about 0.1% of the mother’s dose.

How likely is it to get 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.

What can a breastfeeding mother take to prevent pregnancy?

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. You may be able to get an implant or IUD in the hospital or at your postpartum checkup. Implants and IUDs are super effective, and prevent pregnancy for several years.

Can Plan B stop fertilization?

Most research suggests that Plan B does not cause changes in the endometrium , or lining of the uterus. 2 Because of this, researchers have concluded it cannot prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

If you follow the rules laid out in the LAM method — exclusive breastfeeding of an infant younger than 6 months old before your period comes back — you have less than a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant.

What are the side effects of Plan B on breast?

These may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and breast tenderness. If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, talk to your doctor about the need to take a second dose. Days 2-3: Side effects such as fatigue, nausea, pelvic pain, headache, and breast tenderness may continue.

How can I control my pregnancy while breastfeeding?

Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

1. Take painkillers like Tylenol or use warm compresses on your breasts to ease breast soreness and nipple tenderness.
2. Ensure that you get enough rest if you feel tired due to pregnancy and breastfeeding your older child.
3. Ask someone to help you with household chores or childcare.