Can you take the 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 levonorgestrel, is one that many new parents may find themselves asking, especially in the wake of unprotected intercourse. The good news is that current medical guidance suggests that Plan B is generally considered safe for breastfeeding parents.
Understanding Plan B and Its Safety
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that works primarily by preventing ovulation. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, with efficacy decreasing the longer one waits to take it. According to health experts, including pediatricians and lactation consultants, taking Plan B while breastfeeding does not pose significant risks to the nursing infant. Studies indicate that while levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, it does so in minimal quantities that are not expected to harm a breastfeeding child.
Dr. Jessica Madden, a pediatrician and lactation consultant, emphasizes that Plan B is widely regarded as a safe option for breastfeeding parents. She notes that while some may experience side effects such as nausea or fatigue, these are generally manageable and do not outweigh the benefits of preventing an unintended pregnancy.
Timing and Recommendations
For those concerned about the timing of breastfeeding after taking Plan B, it is recommended that breastfeeding can continue as normal. In fact, it is safe to breastfeed three to four hours after taking the pill. This timing allows for the medication to be metabolized sufficiently, minimizing any potential exposure to the infant.
Alternatives and Considerations
While Plan B is a viable option, it is important to note that non-hormonal contraceptive methods are preferred during breastfeeding. Hormonal methods that contain estrogen are generally advised against in the early weeks postpartum, as they may affect milk supply. However, progestin-only contraceptives, like Plan B, are considered safe and effective during lactation.
In addition to Plan B, other forms of emergency contraception, such as ulipristal and the copper IUD, are also deemed safe for breastfeeding individuals. This variety allows parents to choose the method that best fits their needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding individuals can take the Plan B pill without significant concern for their infant’s health. The consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of preventing an unintended pregnancy far outweigh the minimal risks associated with the medication. As always, it is advisable for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider to discuss personal circumstances and any potential side effects.

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 avoid getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

Which Forms of Birth Control Are Safe to Use While Breastfeeding?

1. IUD.
2. Mini-pill.
3. Barrier methods.
4. Implant.
5. Depo-Provera.
6. Natural family planning.
7. Sterilization.
8. Morning-after pill.

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 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.

Who can’t take the morning-after pill?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking the emergency contraceptive pill if you take medicine to treat TB (tuberculosis), epilepsy or HIV. You should also ask for advice if you take griseofulvin (an antifungal medicine), or St John’s wort (a herbal remedy).

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.

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.

Does Plan B pill affect breast milk?

Yes, you can use Plan B when you are breastfeeding. In general, no harmful effects of progestin‑only pills, like Plan B, have been found on breastfeeding performance or on the health, growth, or development of the infant. However, random cases of decreased (less) milk production in mothers have been reported.

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 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.