Can you take a morning-after pill if youre breastfeeding?

Can You Take a Morning-After Pill While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take the morning-after pill is a significant concern for many new parents. The good news is that, according to recent studies and health guidelines, it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to use emergency contraception, particularly those containing levonorgestrel (LNG).
Levonorgestrel and Breastfeeding
Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter morning-after pills. Research indicates that taking LNG does not adversely affect breast milk or the nursing infant. Mothers can continue breastfeeding without needing to interrupt their feeding schedule after taking this form of emergency contraception. This is reassuring for many, as it allows them to manage their reproductive health without compromising their breastfeeding routine.
Ulipristal Acetate: A Different Story
However, the situation is different for ulipristal acetate (UPA), another type of emergency contraceptive pill. Current recommendations suggest that breastfeeding mothers should avoid UPA. If a mother takes this medication, it is advised that she express and discard her breast milk for at least 24 hours to minimize any potential exposure to the infant. This precaution stems from the lack of comprehensive research on the effects of UPA on breastfeeding and its potential impact on the baby.
Practical Considerations
For mothers who find themselves in need of emergency contraception, the choice between LNG and UPA is crucial. If LNG is chosen, they can feel confident in continuing to breastfeed without interruption. On the other hand, if UPA is necessary, they should plan to express milk and discard it for a period to ensure their baby is not exposed to the medication.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely take the morning-after pill containing levonorgestrel without disrupting their breastfeeding routine. However, caution is warranted with ulipristal acetate, where mothers should refrain from breastfeeding for a specified period after taking the pill. This nuanced understanding allows mothers to make informed choices about their reproductive health while ensuring the well-being of their infants.

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 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.

How to get pregnant while still breastfeeding?

Want to get pregnant but don’t want to stop breastfeeding? The good news is that even though you’re breastfeeding, your chances of getting pregnant increase as you move further away from the day your baby made their appearance. If you want to further increase your chances of ovulation, try making abrupt changes.

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 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.

Are you super fertile after giving birth?

Probably not, and you’re likely less fertile at least in the short term (although you still need to think about birth control). So if you’ve been trying again for more than a few months, it may be time to think about some testing to get a better understanding of your cycle hormones after pregnancy.

Is the morning-after pill safe when 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 can I prevent unwanted pregnancy while breastfeeding?

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.

What pills can a breastfeeding mother take to prevent pregnancy?

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).

Can I take the abortion pill while breastfeeding?

Limited data suggest that the levels of mifepristone in milk are negligible when single doses of up to 600mg have been administered. Breastfeeding can continue in an uninterrupted manner during medical termination. No side effects have been reported for infants after exposure to mifepristone via breast milk.