Does the morning-after pill affect breastfeeding?

Understanding the Impact of the Morning-After Pill on Breastfeeding
The morning-after pill, a form of emergency contraception, is often a topic of concern for breastfeeding mothers. Many wonder whether taking this medication could affect their milk supply or harm their infant. The good news is that research indicates that the most commonly used morning-after pill, which contains levonorgestrel (LNG), is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Levonorgestrel and Breastfeeding
Studies have shown that levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, but in minimal quantities that are not considered harmful to infants. A study highlighted by the Breastfeeding Network confirms that the use of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive during lactation does not necessitate withholding breastfeeding. This means that mothers can continue to nurse their babies without significant concern after taking this medication.
Moreover, the Kin Fertility source emphasizes that LNG is safe for breastfeeding and does not negatively impact either the baby or the mother’s milk supply. This reassurance allows mothers to make informed decisions without the added stress of interrupting breastfeeding routines.
Ulipristal Acetate Considerations
On the other hand, the morning-after pill containing ulipristal acetate (UPA) presents a different scenario. Current recommendations suggest that mothers should avoid breastfeeding for a week after taking UPA. This precaution is due to insufficient research on the effects of UPA on breast milk and infants. Therefore, if a breastfeeding mother needs to use UPA, it is advised to express and discard milk during this period to ensure the safety of the infant.
General Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
For breastfeeding mothers, the choice of emergency contraception should be made with careful consideration of the type of pill. While LNG is deemed safe, UPA requires more caution. Additionally, it is important to note that if a mother is breastfeeding regularly and has not yet resumed her menstrual cycle, she may not need to use emergency contraception at all.
In conclusion, while the morning-after pill containing levonorgestrel is safe for breastfeeding mothers and does not adversely affect milk supply or infant health, caution is warranted with ulipristal acetate. Mothers should consult healthcare providers to discuss their options and ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

What are the disadvantages of the morning after pill?

Occasionally the morning after pill can cause headaches, nausea or dizziness which will usually be gone after two days. Nausea or vomiting is unlikely, but if you do vomit within two hours of taking the tablets you will need to repeat the dose.

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 I breastfeed my baby after taking an iPill?

Yes, if you’re breastfeeding, you can safely use hormonal methods. They won’t hurt you or your baby. 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.

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.

Will Plan B mess up my milk supply?

Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant.

Does the pill reduce milk supply?

Contraceptives which contain estrogen have been linked to reduced milk supply and early cessation of breastfeeding even when started after milk supply is well established and baby is older. Not all mothers who take contraceptives containing estrogen experience lower milk supply, but many do.

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.

What are the odds 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.

Why is it bad to take the morning after pill often?

Taking more than 1 morning after pill in the same week can cause side effects, like making you feel sick, vomiting or vaginal bleeding. Regular use of the morning after pill can also affect your periods.

Is it okay to take the morning after pill while breastfeeding?

“morning after pill” Levonelle® (levonorgestrel) was licensed to be given to women during breastfeeding. However the patient information leaflet in the packet now suggests that women should not breastfeed for 8 hours.