Is it safe to take the morning-after pill while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of the Morning-After Pill While Breastfeeding
The question of whether it is safe to take the morning-after pill while breastfeeding is a significant concern for many new mothers. With various options available for emergency contraception, understanding the implications for both mother and child is crucial.
Levonorgestrel vs. Ulipristal Acetate
The morning-after pill primarily comes in two forms: levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate. Research indicates that levonorgestrel is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. While small amounts of this hormone may pass into breast milk, it is not believed to pose any harm to the infant. This makes levonorgestrel a viable option for mothers who need emergency contraception without significant risk to their breastfeeding routine.
In contrast, ulipristal acetate, marketed under the brand name ella, is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. The current guidance suggests that if a mother takes ulipristal acetate, she should avoid breastfeeding for at least a week following the dose. This precaution is due to the uncertainty surrounding the effects of this medication on breast milk and the potential impact on the infant.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
For mothers who find themselves in need of emergency contraception, the recommendation is clear: opt for levonorgestrel if you are breastfeeding. If ulipristal acetate is the only option available, it is advisable to express and discard breast milk for a period after taking the medication to minimize any potential exposure to the infant.
Moreover, healthcare professionals often emphasize the importance of discussing any concerns with a doctor or a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized advice based on individual circumstances, ensuring that both the mother’s health and the baby’s safety are prioritized.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers can safely take levonorgestrel without significant risk to their infants, caution is advised with ulipristal acetate. The decision to use emergency contraception should always be made with careful consideration and professional guidance, ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

If you follow the rules laid out in the LAM method — exclusive breastfeeding of an infant younger than 6 months old before your period comes back — you have less than a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant.

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 the morning after pill affect your breasts?

Levonelle or ellaOne can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired, or give you a headache, tender breasts or abdominal pain. Both pills can make your period earlier or later than usual.

Does Plan B stop breast milk?

Considerations for Breastfeeding Parents When Taking Plan B
Specifically, LactMed indicates that progestin-only medications do not change the composition of your milk supply, do not decrease your milk supply, and do not negatively affect your baby’s health.

Does the morning-after pill prevent fertilization?

The drug works by stopping the release of an egg from your ovary. It may prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg. If fertilization does happen, it may prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. If the fertilized egg is implanted before you take levonorgestrel, the drug won’t work and pregnancy will proceed.

Can you take the morning-after pill when 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. This is not supported by research and breastfeeding can continue as normal.

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 earliest signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

How damaging is the morning-after pill?

The emergency contraceptive pill is very safe and serious side effects are rare. Common side effects include: headache. feeling sick (nausea)

What are the side effects of the mini pill while breastfeeding?

Only small amounts of progestin pass into your breast milk, and research to date shows no adverse effects from progestin-only birth control on a baby’s weight gain, health, or development.