Can I take the morning-after pill while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Morning-After Pill and Breastfeeding
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take the morning-after pill is a significant concern for many new parents navigating contraception options after childbirth. The good news is that, according to current medical guidance, it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to use emergency contraception.
Types of Morning-After Pills
There are primarily two types of morning-after pills available: levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate.
1. Levonorgestrel: This is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive. Research indicates that taking levonorgestrel while breastfeeding is safe. Although small amounts of the hormone may pass into breast milk, it is not considered harmful to the infant . This makes it a preferred option for many breastfeeding mothers.
2. Ulipristal Acetate: This alternative is effective but comes with specific recommendations. While it is also deemed safe for use, the World Health Organization advises that mothers should avoid breastfeeding for a week after taking ulipristal acetate. During this time, it is recommended to express and discard breast milk to prevent any potential exposure to the hormone.
Recommendations and Considerations
For mothers who are breastfeeding and require emergency contraception, the levonorgestrel option is typically the most straightforward choice. It allows for continued breastfeeding without significant concern for the baby’s health. However, if a mother opts for ulipristal acetate, she should plan accordingly to manage breastfeeding during the recommended waiting period.
It’s also important to note that while hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen are generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, the morning-after pill containing levonorgestrel does not fall into this category and is considered safe.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can take the morning-after pill, particularly the levonorgestrel option, without significant risk to their infants. For those considering ulipristal acetate, careful planning around breastfeeding is necessary. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance for new mothers navigating these choices.

How long after taking Plan B can I resume breastfeeding?

When used as emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is not expected to be harmful to a child that is breastfeeding. A person who takes levonorgestrel as emergency contraception can breastfeed 3 to 4 hours after the dose (or after each dose if the two-dose method is used).

How can I prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding naturally?

You’ll have to nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night. (Pumping doesn’t count!) This keeps your body from releasing an egg. Some studies have shown that if you follow these guidelines exactly, breastfeeding can be 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.

How can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

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 happens if you take the morning-after pill 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.

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.

Who can’t take the morning after pill?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking the emergency contraceptive pill if you take medicine to treat TB (tuberculosis), epilepsy or HIV. You should also ask for advice if you take griseofulvin (an antifungal medicine), or St John’s wort (a herbal remedy).

What pills prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding?

If you’d like to use an oral contraceptive, the mini-pill is an option. This pill contains progestin only, so it’s considered to be safer for breastfeeding mothers. The pill is typically only available by prescription, but may be found over the counter (OTC) in some states.

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.

Does Plan B stop breast milk?

Considerations for Breastfeeding Parents When Taking Plan B
Specifically, LactMed indicates that progestin-only medications do not change the composition of your milk supply, do not decrease your milk supply, and do not negatively affect your baby’s health.