Can you take Plan B pill while breastfeeding?

Can You Take the Plan B Pill While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether breastfeeding individuals can safely take the Plan B pill, also known as emergency contraception, has garnered attention and concern among new parents. As the landscape of reproductive health continues to evolve, understanding the implications of such medications during lactation is crucial.
Safety of Plan B During Breastfeeding
According to medical experts, Plan B is generally considered safe for breastfeeding parents. The active ingredient in Plan B, levonorgestrel, is a progestin that has been studied for its effects on lactation. Research indicates that while levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, it does so in minimal quantities that are not expected to harm a breastfeeding infant.
Dr. Jessica Madden, a pediatrician and lactation consultant, emphasizes that while some side effects may occur after taking Plan B, the overall consensus in the medical community is that it is a safe option for those who are breastfeeding. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the use of Plan B as a safe emergency contraceptive for breastfeeding individuals.
Timing and Recommendations
For those considering taking Plan B, it is important to note that it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. Experts recommend that breastfeeding can continue without interruption after taking the pill. In fact, it is suggested that breastfeeding can resume approximately 3 to 4 hours after taking levonorgestrel, which allows for the medication to be metabolized and minimizes any potential exposure to the infant.
Considerations and Alternatives
While Plan B is deemed safe, healthcare providers often recommend non-hormonal contraceptive methods as the first choice during breastfeeding, especially in the early weeks postpartum. This is primarily due to the preference for avoiding hormonal exposure during this sensitive period. However, if emergency contraception is needed, Plan B remains a viable option.
In summary, breastfeeding individuals can take the Plan B pill with confidence, knowing that it is unlikely to adversely affect their milk supply or their infant’s health. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended, especially when navigating the complexities of postpartum reproductive health.

Can you take Plan B while breastfeeding CDC?

Plan B can be used safely during breastfeeding with no changes to your breastfeeding schedule. Ella can also be used safely during breastfeeding. The CDC recommends that women delay breastfeeding for 24 hours after taking Ella as some of this medication is excreted in the breastmilk.

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 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).

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.

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.

Which emergency contraceptive pill is good for breastfeeding mothers?

Preferred choice. Levonorgestrel can be used for emergency contraception during breastfeeding from day 21 after birth. A copper IUD is an alternative choice.

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.

What are the chances of getting 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.

Will Plan B affect breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking (Plan B One-Step®):
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).

What happens to the baby if Plan B fails?

In summary, LNG-EC has no effect on the physical growth, mental development, or occurrence of birth defects in children born from pregnancies in which EC failed.