Can you take a Plan B while breastfeeding?

Can You Take Plan B While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take Plan B, a form of emergency contraception, has garnered attention and concern among new parents. The good news is that experts widely agree that it is safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding.
Dr. Amy Roskin, a board-certified OB-GYN, confirms that breastfeeding mothers can use Plan B without fear of harming their nursing infants. This reassurance is echoed by various health organizations and studies, which indicate that the active ingredient in Plan B, levonorgestrel, passes into breast milk in only minimal quantities. A study highlighted by the Breastfeeding Network supports this, showing that the levels of levonorgestrel in breast milk are low enough that it does not necessitate any changes to breastfeeding practices.
Understanding the Mechanism
Plan B works primarily by preventing ovulation. If taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, it can significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy. The CDC also lists other forms of emergency contraception, such as ulipristal and the copper IUD, as safe options for breastfeeding individuals.
Timing and Recommendations
While it is safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding, some experts suggest a practical approach regarding timing. It is recommended that mothers wait about three to four hours after taking the medication before breastfeeding again. This precaution is based on the understanding that the concentration of the drug in breast milk decreases over time. However, the consensus remains that immediate breastfeeding after taking Plan B poses no significant risk to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can confidently use Plan B as an emergency contraceptive without compromising their baby’s health. The minimal transfer of levonorgestrel into breast milk and the lack of adverse effects on breastfeeding performance or infant development make it a viable option for those in need of emergency contraception. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended, but the evidence strongly supports the safety of Plan B during lactation.

Can you take Plan B pill 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.

What happens to a woman’s body after taking Plan B?

You may get a headache, upset stomach, feel lightheaded or dizzy, or have tender breasts for a short while when you take the morning-after pill. If you throw up within 2 hours of taking the pill, it won’t work and you’ll need to take it again.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Can you be pregnant if you took Plan B and got your period?

Emergency contraception (EC) can affect the length of your menstrual cycle, meaning that your next period may come later or earlier than expected. Getting your period after taking EC, like Plan B, signifies you’re not pregnant. So it’s understandable that you’ll want to know exactly when to expect your period.

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.