Does levonorgestrel increase breast milk?

Understanding Levonorgestrel and Its Impact on Breastfeeding
Levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin commonly used in various contraceptive methods, has raised questions regarding its effects on breastfeeding, particularly whether it influences breast milk production. This inquiry is especially pertinent for nursing mothers who may need to consider emergency contraception options.
Safety and Timing for Nursing Mothers
Research indicates that levonorgestrel is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. It can be introduced as early as 12 weeks postpartum without significant concerns regarding its impact on milk supply or the health of the infant. This timing is crucial, as it allows mothers to make informed decisions about their contraceptive options while ensuring the well-being of their babies.
Impact on Milk Supply
A cohort study involving 71 women who used levonorgestrel as a postcoital contraceptive found no significant decrease in milk supply. The majority of these mothers resumed breastfeeding within eight hours after taking the medication, and none reported adverse effects on their breastfeeding experience. This suggests that levonorgestrel does not adversely affect lactation, allowing mothers to continue nursing without interruption.
Pharmacokinetics and Breast Milk Transfer
While levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, the quantities are typically minimal. Experts agree that the amount transferred is so small that it is unlikely to have any harmful effects on the nursing infant. This is a reassuring factor for mothers concerned about the implications of taking hormonal contraceptives while breastfeeding.
Recommendations for Use
Healthcare professionals often recommend progestin-only contraceptives, such as levonorgestrel, as the preferred hormonal contraceptive choice during lactation. This is due to their favorable safety profile and minimal impact on milk production. For mothers considering emergency contraception, options like Plan B, which contains levonorgestrel, are deemed safe and effective during breastfeeding.
In conclusion, levonorgestrel does not appear to increase breast milk production, nor does it negatively affect breastfeeding. Nursing mothers can use this contraceptive method with confidence, knowing that it is both safe for them and their infants. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to address any specific concerns or conditions.

Which medicine is best for increasing breast milk?

Domperidone is the most effective medicine used to improve breast milk supply. It was developed to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion and gastric reflux, but has been found to be effective when used to increase milk supply.

What pill increases milk supply?

Metoclopramide. Metoclopramide is a centrally acting drug. It can increase milk supply by 66–100% within 2–5 days in total daily doses of 30–45 mg. While the relative dose in milk ranges from 4.7–14.3%, adverse outcomes in infants have not been reported.

Can I make my breast produce milk if I am not pregnant?

The only necessary component to induce lactation—the official term for making milk without pregnancy and birth—is to stimulate and drain the breasts. That stimulation or emptying can happen with baby breastfeeding, with an electric breast pump, or using a variety of manual techniques.

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.

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.

Can Plan B make you produce breast milk?

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.

What stimulates your milk supply the most?

Breastfeeding frequently—especially in the first hours, days, and weeks—is the main way to increase your milk supply.

Can birth control make you produce more milk?

Using contraceptives while breastfeeding
But be sure to discuss the issue with your baby’s pediatrician and your gynecologist first. There are no harmful effects on infants when the nursing parent uses hormonal contraceptives, but their use may diminish milk supply, especially during the early weeks of breastfeeding.

Does levonorgestrel cause lactation?

Objective: Levonorgestrel (LNG), a low-dose progestin, does not affect lactation but like all drugs taken by breastfeeding mothers, it can be transferred to the infant via breast milk.

Does progestin increase milk supply?

Progestin-only methods do not reduce breast milk production and may even increase it. DMPA may affect the concentration of lactose, calories, and nitrogen in breast milk, but these changes should not be a problem in areas where women are adequately nourished.