Is Plan B safe when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Plan B While Breastfeeding
The question of whether Plan B, a form of emergency contraception, is safe for breastfeeding mothers is one that many new parents grapple with. As concerns about the health of both mother and child are paramount, it’s essential to delve into the expert opinions and research surrounding this topic.
Expert Consensus on Safety
Experts widely agree that taking Plan B while breastfeeding is safe. Dr. Amy Roskin, a board-certified OB-GYN, emphasizes that contraception, including Plan B, is effective and poses no significant risks to nursing mothers or their infants. This sentiment is echoed across various medical sources, which indicate that the progestin-only formulation of Plan B does not adversely affect breastfeeding performance or the health, growth, or development of the infant.
Potential Effects on Milk Production
While the overall consensus is positive, there are some nuances to consider. A few isolated cases have reported decreased milk production in mothers who have taken progestin-only contraceptives like Plan B. However, these instances appear to be rare and do not reflect a widespread issue. Most mothers can continue breastfeeding without any significant changes to their milk supply or quality.
Timing and Administration
For those concerned about timing, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers can safely nurse their infants 3 to 4 hours after taking Plan B. This allows for the medication to be metabolized to a degree, minimizing any potential exposure to the infant. Importantly, mothers do not need to alter their breastfeeding schedule after taking the pill.
Conclusion
In summary, Plan B is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with no significant harmful effects reported on infants. While there may be rare instances of decreased milk production, the benefits of using emergency contraception when needed outweigh these concerns. As always, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to discuss any specific worries or health conditions that may affect their individual circumstances.

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 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 I take Plan B if I’m breastfeeding?

The EC pill can be taken while breastfeeding. After a single 1.5mg dose, the total amount of drug passing into the breastmilk over the next 3 days is only about 0.1% of the mother’s dose.

Will Plan B work if he came in me four times?

Because the EC pill affects the egg release, the number of times you’ve had sex in a short period of time likely won’t affect how well it works.

Can Plan B throw off your pH balance?

Neither hormonal birth control nor emergency contraception (including plan B) has been shown to cause infections. For some women, however, these can change the pH balance of the vagina and make them more prone to overgrowth of yeast or Bacterial Vaginosis (BV.) —both of which can cause dryness, irritation and itching.

Can Plan B stop fertilization?

Most research suggests that Plan B does not cause changes in the endometrium , or lining of the uterus. 2 Because of this, researchers have concluded it cannot prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.

What happens to the baby if Plan B fails?

Impact on a Developing Fetus
A study assessing the effect of LNG-EC exposure on pregnant women and their fetuses found that LNG-EC does not appear to have any substantial effects on the physical and mental development of a developing fetus, nor the occurrence of congenital malformations.

What birth control is best while breastfeeding?

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.

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.