Can you take a Plan B pill while breastfeeding?

Can You Take a Plan B Pill While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether it is safe to take the Plan B pill, also known as levonorgestrel, while breastfeeding is one that many new mothers may ponder, especially in the wake of unprotected intercourse. The good news is that experts generally agree that it is safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Safety and Recommendations
Research indicates that levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Plan B, does pass into breast milk, but in minimal quantities. A study highlighted by the Breastfeeding Network supports the notion that using levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive during lactation does not necessitate withholding breastfeeding. This is further corroborated by the Drugs and Lactation Database, which states that levonorgestrel is not expected to be harmful to a breastfeeding child.
Moreover, it is recommended that mothers can safely breastfeed 3 to 4 hours after taking the dose of Plan B. This timing allows for the peak levels of the drug in the bloodstream to decrease, minimizing any potential exposure to the infant.
Hormonal Considerations
While Plan B is considered safe, it is important to note that hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen are generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, particularly in the first three weeks postpartum. This is due to the potential impact on milk supply and the health of the infant. In contrast, progestin-only contraceptives, like levonorgestrel, are viewed as the preferred hormonal options during lactation.
Conclusion
In summary, taking Plan B while breastfeeding is deemed safe by health experts, with minimal risk to the nursing infant. Mothers can feel reassured that they can continue breastfeeding shortly after taking the pill. However, as with any medication, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss personal circumstances and any potential concerns.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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).

Is it safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can use Plan B when you are breastfeeding.

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.