Is levonorgestrel safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Levonorgestrel and Breastfeeding
Levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin commonly used in emergency contraception, has raised questions regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. As more women seek effective contraceptive options while nursing, understanding the implications of using levonorgestrel during lactation becomes crucial.
Minimal Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, but in minimal quantities. A study highlighted by the Breastfeeding Network found that the levels of levonorgestrel in breast milk are low enough that they are not expected to pose a risk to breastfeeding infants. This finding is supported by expert opinions suggesting that the use of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive does not necessitate the cessation of breastfeeding.
Safety for Nursing Infants
The consensus among healthcare professionals is that levonorgestrel is safe for use during breastfeeding. According to various sources, including MotherToBaby, there is no evidence to suggest that taking levonorgestrel as emergency contraception has harmful effects on nursing infants. In fact, it is recommended that mothers can continue breastfeeding approximately 3 to 4 hours after taking the medication, which further alleviates concerns about potential exposure.
No Long-Term Adverse Effects
Studies have shown that the use of levonorgestrel does not have long-term adverse effects on breastfeeding or the infant’s health. This is particularly reassuring for mothers who may be concerned about the implications of using hormonal contraceptives while nursing. The drug does not appear to affect lactation itself, allowing mothers to maintain their breastfeeding routines without interruptionIs Levonorgestrel Safe While Breastfeeding?
Based on the information gathered from various reputable sources, levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in emergency contraceptive pills like Plan B, is considered safe for use while breastfeeding.
The key points are:
1. Minimal Transfer to Breastmilk: Studies have shown that only minimal amounts of levonorgestrel pass into breastmilk when taken as an emergency contraceptive.
2. No Long-Term Adverse Effects: Experts agree that the use of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive has no long-term adverse effects on breastfeeding or the infant.
3. Timing of Breastfeeding: When using levonorgestrel as emergency contraception, it is recommended to wait 3-4 hours after taking the dose before breastfeeding, to minimize the amount of the drug that reaches the infant.
4. Rapid Repeat Pregnancy Prevention: The use of progestin-only contraceptives like levonorgestrel can help prevent rapid repeat pregnancy, which is important for the health of the mother and child.
In conclusion, the available evidence indicates that levonorgestrel can be safely used as an emergency contraceptive by breastfeeding mothers, with minimal impact on the breastfed infant. As with any medication, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Will Plan B affect my baby?

Plan B is NOT the same as RU-486 (the abortion pill). Plan B is not effective after pregnancy has occurred and cannot interrupt it. Plan B won’t harm a developing fetus. If Plan B is taken mistakenly during pregnancy, it will not harm the developing fetus.

What is the safest contraceptive pill while breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you may safely use:

• the mini pill.
• condoms.
• diaphragms.
• a contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera® or Depo-Ralovera®)
• an Implanon NXT™ implant.
• intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• permanent sterilisation (tubal ligation).

Which contraception is not suitable for breastfeeding?

Avoid combination (estrogen-progestin) contraceptives it at all possible. Use oral progestin-only preparations initially preferably after 4 weeks postpartum. Warn mothers that even progestin-only preparations may suppress milk production and to discontinue them at the first sign of low milk supply.

Can you take Plan B and still breastfeed?

Yes, you can use Plan B when you are breastfeeding. In general, no harmful effects of progestin‑only pills, like Plan B, have been found on breastfeeding performance or on the health, growth, or development of the infant. However, random cases of decreased (less) milk production in mothers have been reported.

Can a breastfeeding mother take levonorgestrel?

Preferred choice. Levonorgestrel can be used for emergency contraception during breastfeeding from day 21 after birth. A copper IUD is an alternative choice.

What are the chances 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.

Who cannot take levonorgestrel?

Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus). Not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old. You should not use levonorgestrel if you are allergic to it.

How likely is it to get 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.

Does levonorgestrel affect your breasts?

During clinical trials of Plan B one Step (LNG), 8.2% of total AEs were comprised of breast tenderness (14–16). Nipple discharge and nipple pain may be caused by progesterone effects in hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and its interference with prolactin inhibition by the hypothalamus.

Is levonorgestrel harmful to babies?

In summary, there were no reported side effects in infants exposed to levonorgestrel during breastfeeding and only tran- sient, mild and infrequent side effects in mothers.