Can you take the morning-after pill if breastfeeding?

Understanding the Morning-After Pill and Breastfeeding
The question of whether breastfeeding mothers can safely take the morning-after pill is a significant concern for many new parents navigating contraception options post-pregnancy. The good news is that, in most cases, it is indeed safe to use emergency contraception while breastfeeding, but there are important nuances to consider.
Types of Morning-After Pills
There are primarily two types of morning-after pills available: levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate.
1. Levonorgestrel: This is the most commonly used emergency contraceptive. Research indicates that it is safe for breastfeeding mothers. While small amounts of levonorgestrel can pass into breast milk, studies suggest that these levels are low and not considered harmful to infants. Therefore, mothers can take this form of emergency contraception without significant concern for their breastfeeding practices.
2. Ulipristal Acetate: This alternative is effective but comes with specific recommendations. It is advised that mothers who take ulipristal acetate should avoid breastfeeding for at least one week after taking the pill. This precaution is due to the unknown effects of the hormone on breast milk and, consequently, on the nursing infant.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
For breastfeeding mothers who find themselves in need of emergency contraception, the following guidelines can help ensure both safety and efficacy:
– Opt for Levonorgestrel: If possible, choose the morning-after pill containing levonorgestrel, as it is deemed safe for breastfeeding.

– Avoid Breastfeeding After Ulipristal: If ulipristal acetate is the only option available, it is crucial to express and discard breast milk for a week to minimize any potential exposure to the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can generally take the morning-after pill, particularly the levonorgestrel option, without significant risk to their babies. However, caution is warranted with ulipristal acetate, necessitating a temporary halt to breastfeeding. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended to navigate these choices effectively.

Can the morning-after pill affect a baby?

Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill, will not harm a fetus. Still, women should not use EC when they’re pregnant. EC does not end a pregnancy — it can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected intercourse.

Can the morning-after pill affect your breasts?

Levonelle or ellaOne can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired, or give you a headache, tender breasts or abdominal pain. Both pills can make your period earlier or later than usual.

Can my husband get the morning after pill for me?

If you don’t fancy getting it yourself and the guy you’re with is one of the good ones, he may offer to get it for you. Can men buy the morning after pill for their partner? We spoke to Laura Jones, clinical lead at Assured Pharmacy, to find out. “The simple answer is yes.

Has anyone got pregnant on the morning after pill?

About 1 or 2 in every 100 women who use ECPs will become pregnant despite taking the pills within 72 hours after having unprotected sex.

What is the chance 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.

Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding if there is no period?

“You can’t get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.” Maybe you’ve heard this myth before…and we should warn you, it’s just that—a myth! The truth is you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned to normal.

How damaging is the morning after pill?

The emergency contraceptive pill is very safe and serious side effects are rare. Common side effects include: headache. feeling sick (nausea)

Is it safe to take the morning-after pill 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.

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.

Does Plan B stop breast milk?

Considerations for Breastfeeding Parents When Taking Plan B
Specifically, LactMed indicates that progestin-only medications do not change the composition of your milk supply, do not decrease your milk supply, and do not negatively affect your baby’s health.