Does birth control slow down your milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Birth Control on Milk Supply
The relationship between birth control and breast milk supply is a nuanced topic that many new mothers grapple with. As they navigate the challenges of breastfeeding while considering family planning, understanding how different contraceptive methods can affect lactation is crucial.
Hormonal Birth Control and Milk Supply
Research indicates that certain hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogen, may negatively impact a mother’s milk supply. Estrogen has been linked to a decrease in breast milk production, which can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for some mothers. This is particularly relevant for those using combined hormonal methods, such as the birth control patch, ring, or pills that contain estrogen .
In contrast, progestin-only contraceptives (often referred to as the “mini-pill”) are generally considered safer for breastfeeding mothers. These methods are less likely to interfere with milk production and are often recommended for nursing mothers who wish to avoid the potential risks associated with estrogen.
Factors Influencing Milk Supply
It’s important to note that milk supply is influenced by a variety of factors beyond birth control. Stress, dehydration, and inadequate breastfeeding or pumping can all contribute to a decrease in milk production. Therefore, if a mother notices a drop in her milk supply after starting hormonal birth control, it may not solely be due to the contraceptive method but could also involve these other factors.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
For mothers concerned about the effects of birth control on their milk supply, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential. They can provide personalized advice and help navigate the options available, ensuring that both contraceptive needs and breastfeeding goals are met.
In summary, while hormonal birth control, particularly those containing estrogen, can potentially slow down milk supply, alternatives like progestin-only methods exist that are less likely to affect lactation. Each mother’s experience can vary, making it vital to consider individual circumstances and seek professional guidance.

Does birth control make you gain weight?

Birth control does not directly cause weight gain, but some side effects of the pill can result in weight gain: Fluid retention: High levels of estrogen can cause fluid retention, but popular modern-day birth control methods contain low estrogen levels to minimize weight gain caused by fluid retention.

What causes breast milk supply to decrease?

Thyroid conditions, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, or obesity. Past breast surgery that cut some of the nerves, milk-making tissue, or milk ducts.

What causes drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

How fertile are you after giving birth?

You can get pregnant 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, including if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t started again. You need to use contraception every time you have sex after giving birth unless you want to get pregnant again. Your midwife will discuss contraception with you after your baby is born.

Can birth control make your milk supply drop?

Beginning birth control pills too soon can decrease your milk supply. Wait at least 6 weeks before taking birth control pills and then use only the mini-pill (Progestin). If you still notice a decrease in your milk supply, talk to your doctor about other birth control options.

How often should you breastfeed while on birth control?

When you exclusively breastfeed — meaning you nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, and feed your baby only breast milk — your body naturally stops ovulating. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t ovulate. No ovulation means you won’t have your period, either.

Can the pill make you less wet?

You can get vaginal dryness if you: go through the menopause. are breastfeeding. take contraceptive pills or antidepressants.

Can you lactate while on birth control?

While all estrogen-containing methods, such as combination pills, patches, and rings, will cause a decrease in the amount of milk produced, combination pills are the most likely to cause a decrease in milk production.

Why you shouldn’t take birth control while breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, then any contraception containing oestrogen (such as the vaginal ring and the combined pill) is not recommended unless your baby is at least six weeks old and at least half bottle fed, because it may reduce your supply of breastmilk.

Is my birth control drying me out?

Dryness is a common side effect of hormonal birth control. This includes oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), arm implants, shots, skin patches, and vaginal rings. However, this dryness is usually temporary and treatable. It may go away if you stop using hormonal birth control.