Can you take levonorgestrel when breastfeeding?

Understanding Levonorgestrel and Breastfeeding
Levonorgestrel, commonly known as a form of emergency contraception (often referred to as Plan B), raises important questions for breastfeeding mothers considering its use. The safety and implications of taking levonorgestrel while nursing have been the subject of various studies and expert opinions.
Safety Profile for Nursing Mothers
Experts generally agree that levonorgestrel is safe to take while breastfeeding. The medication is not expected to harm a breastfeeding child. According to the Breastfeeding Network, levonorgestrel was specifically licensed for use in breastfeeding women, indicating a level of regulatory confidence in its safety profile.
When taken as emergency contraception, mothers can resume breastfeeding 3 to 4 hours after taking the medication. This timing is recommended to minimize any potential transfer of the drug through breast milk. The consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of using levonorgestrel for emergency contraception outweigh any potential risks to the infant.
Impact on Lactation
Research indicates that levonorgestrel does not adversely affect lactation. It is classified as a low-dose progestin, which means it is less likely to interfere with milk production compared to other hormonal contraceptives. While all medications can be transferred to breast milk, the amount of levonorgestrel that passes into breast milk is minimal and not considered harmful.
Recommendations for Use
For breastfeeding mothers, the use of levonorgestrel is often recommended as a suitable option for contraception. It is particularly favored over combination hormonal contraceptives, which may not be as safe during lactation. However, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare providers to discuss personal health circumstances and any concerns regarding medication use while breastfeeding.
In summary, levonorgestrel is a safe option for breastfeeding mothers needing emergency contraception, with minimal risks to the nursing infant. Mothers can confidently use this medication while continuing to breastfeed, following the recommended guidelines for timing after administration.

Is it safe to take the i pill during breastfeeding?

Can I use hormonal birth control while breastfeeding? Yes, if you’re breastfeeding, you can safely use hormonal methods. They won’t hurt you or your baby. 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.

Is levonorgestrel 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.

Does levonorgestrel affect your breasts?

Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that LNG-IUS users have an increased breast cancer risk regardless of age and indication. The effect of LNG-IUS on breast cancer risk seems to be larger in older users.

Can a Plan B pill hurt a baby?

Plan B won’t harm a developing fetus. If Plan B is taken mistakenly during pregnancy, it will not harm the developing fetus. Using Plan B will not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant in the future. Women can keep pills at home in case of an emergency.

Which contraception is not suitable for breastfeeding?

Avoid combination (estrogen-progestin) contraceptives it at all possible. Use oral progestin-only preparations initially preferably after 4 weeks postpartum. Warn mothers that even progestin-only preparations may suppress milk production and to discontinue them at the first sign of low milk supply.

Does levonorgestrel increase breast milk?

In a cohort study of 71 women who took levonorgestrel as a postcoital contraceptive no obvious decrease in milk supply was found after the drug was used according to maternal reports. 75% of mothers re-initiated breastfeeding before 8 hours after the dose.

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).

Who cannot take levonorgestrel?

Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus). Not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old. You should not use levonorgestrel if you are allergic to it.

Is levonorgestrel harmful to babies?

In summary, there were no reported side effects in infants exposed to levonorgestrel during breastfeeding and only tran- sient, mild and infrequent side effects in mothers.

Who Cannot take levonorgestrel?

Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus). Not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old. You should not use levonorgestrel if you are allergic to it.