Is it OK to breastfeed after taking Plan B?

Understanding the Safety of Breastfeeding After Taking Plan B
The question of whether it is safe to breastfeed after taking Plan B, an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel, is one that many nursing mothers may ponder. The good news is that experts agree it is safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding. This reassurance comes from various health organizations and experts in maternal and child health.
What is Plan B?
Plan B is a form of emergency hormonal contraception designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It works primarily by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization. The active ingredient, levonorgestrel, is a synthetic progestin that has been widely studied for its safety profile.
Safety for Nursing Mothers
According to health experts, taking Plan B does not pose a significant risk to breastfeeding infants. The Breastfeeding Network emphasizes that while levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, the amount is minimal and not expected to harm a nursing baby. This means that mothers can continue to breastfeed without concern for adverse effects on their child.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
While it is generally safe, there are a few considerations for nursing mothers who take Plan B. It is advisable to take the medication as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. If a mother is concerned about the timing of breastfeeding after taking the pill, she might choose to express and discard the first few doses of breast milk following the intake of Plan B. This practice can help alleviate any lingering concerns about the medication’s presence in the milk, although it is not strictly necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding after taking Plan B is considered safe. Nursing mothers can feel confident in their ability to continue breastfeeding while using this form of emergency contraception. As always, if there are any specific concerns or questions, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to ensure both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

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.

Can I breastfeed right after taking Plan B?

When used as emergency contraception, levonorgestrel is not expected to be harmful to a child that is breastfeeding. A person who takes levonorgestrel as emergency contraception can breastfeed 3 to 4 hours after the dose (or after each dose if the two-dose method is used).

What are the side effects of Plan B on breast?

These may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and breast tenderness. If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, talk to your doctor about the need to take a second dose. Days 2-3: Side effects such as fatigue, nausea, pelvic pain, headache, and breast tenderness may continue.

What happens to a woman’s body after taking Plan B?

You may get a headache, upset stomach, feel lightheaded or dizzy, or have tender breasts for a short while when you take the morning-after pill. If you throw up within 2 hours of taking the pill, it won’t work and you’ll need to take it again.

Is it harder to get pregnant after taking Plan B?

It can decrease your chance of getting pregnant immediately after unprotected sex, but does not affect long-term fertility and will not prevent you from becoming pregnant in the future. Here is what you need to know about how Plan B works and why it doesn’t affect fertility.

Is it safe to come inside after Plan B?

The morning-after pill (AKA Plan B or emergency contraception) can help prevent pregnancy when you take it after having unprotected sex. But, it won’t prevent pregnancy for any sex you may have after taking it. So if you use the morning-after pill and then have unprotected sex, you’ll need to take it again.

What cancels out Plan B?

The following medications can make Plan B less effective: Anti-HIV drugs. Anticonvulsants. Antibiotics.

How long does Plan B stay in your system?

Plan B stays in your system for about 5–6 days, depending on the type. Although there isn’t a limit on taking it multiple times, extra doses won’t make it more effective, and they can cause some unpleasant side effects.

What are the chances of having a baby after taking Plan B?

Effectiveness. Emergency contraception pills reduce the risk of pregnancy by approximately 75%. In other words, out of 100 women who have unprotected intercourse mid-cycle, approximately 8 would become pregnant. With use of emergency contraception pills, only 2 of the 100 would become pregnant.

What should I avoid after taking Plan B?

There are certain medications and herbal supplements that you should avoid after taking Plan B, as they may lower the efficacy of the drug. These include: Barbiturates (including primidone) Bosentan.