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Can I take Plan B if Im breastfeeding?

Can I Take Plan B If I’m Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take Plan B, also known as levonorgestrel, is one that many new parents may find themselves asking. The good news is that experts agree it is safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind to ensure both the mother’s health and the well-being of the nursing baby.
Safety of Plan B During Breastfeeding
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that can be taken after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. According to various health sources, including the Breastfeeding Network, the use of levonorgestrel is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The hormone in Plan B, levonorgestrel, does pass into breast milk, but the amounts are very low and are not expected to harm a breastfeeding infant.
Recommendations for Use
While it is deemed safe, healthcare professionals recommend a few precautions. For instance, if a mother takes Plan B, it may be advisable to wait at least two hours before breastfeeding again. This waiting period can help minimize any potential exposure of the infant to the hormone through breast milk.
Additionally, mothers should be aware that while Plan B is effective in preventing pregnancy, it is not intended for regular contraceptive use and should only be used in emergencies. Regular contraceptive methods that are safe for breastfeeding, such as certain types of hormonal birth control or non-hormonal options, may be more suitable for ongoing family planning.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely take Plan B if needed. The consensus among health experts is that the benefits of preventing an unintended pregnancy outweigh any minimal risks associated with the hormone in breast milk. However, as with any medication, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss the most appropriate contraceptive options while breastfeeding.

Does bleeding after Plan B mean it worked?

Plan B can trigger your period to come early, so bleeding or spotting may be a sign that it’s working, Gersh says. According to a 2006 study of people who took Plan B: 21% of people got their period two or more days early. 24% of people got their period two or more days late.

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.

How can I avoid getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

Which Forms of Birth Control Are Safe to Use While Breastfeeding?

  1. IUD.
  2. Mini-pill.
  3. Barrier methods.
  4. Implant.
  5. Depo-Provera.
  6. Natural family planning.
  7. Sterilization.
  8. Morning-after pill.

Does the pill affect breast milk supply?

This is especially true when hormonal contraception is combined with stressors such as a return to work or less-frequent breastfeeding. Birth control pills with high doses of estrogen are more likely to decrease milk supply.

Is Plan B pill safe while breastfeeding?

Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant. 6 Levonorgestrel is the same hormone found in the “Mini Pill”, which is considered the oral contraceptive of choice for breastfeeding mothers.

Can a woman get pregnant again while she is breastfeeding her baby?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

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 earliest signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

Will Plan B work if he came in me four times?

Because the EC pill affects the egg release, the number of times you’ve had sex in a short period of time likely won’t affect how well it works.

What is the safest contraceptive pill while breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you may safely use:

  • the mini pill.
  • condoms.
  • diaphragms.
  • a contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera® or Depo-Ralovera®)
  • an Implanon NXT™ implant.
  • intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • permanent sterilisation (tubal ligation).
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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