What birth control is best for me while breastfeeding?

Understanding Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding
Choosing the right birth control while breastfeeding can be a nuanced decision, influenced by both personal health and the well-being of your baby. As a new mother, you may be concerned about how different contraceptive methods could affect your milk supply and your baby’s health. Here’s a detailed look at the best options available.
Natural Birth Control: Breastfeeding as a Method
For the first six months postpartum, breastfeeding itself can serve as a natural form of birth control, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). This method is effective if you are exclusively breastfeeding, have not yet resumed your menstrual cycle, and are not supplementing with formula or solid foods. However, while LAM can significantly reduce the chances of conception, it is not foolproof, and ovulation can occur even if you are breastfeeding.
Hormonal Birth Control: Progestin-Only Options
If you prefer hormonal methods, progestin-only contraceptives are generally recommended for breastfeeding mothers. These include options like the mini-pill, the hormonal IUD, and the implant. Progestin-only methods are less likely to affect milk supply compared to those containing estrogen. Most mothers can safely start using these methods around six to eight weeks postpartum, once their milk supply is established.
The Risks of Estrogen
While some women may consider combined hormonal contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progestin, these can potentially decrease milk production. Therefore, healthcare providers often advise against using estrogen-based methods during breastfeeding, especially in the early months. If you are considering hormonal birth control, discussing your options with your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure that you choose a method that aligns with your breastfeeding goals.
Non-Hormonal Options
For those who prefer to avoid hormones altogether, barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps are safe and effective. These methods do not interfere with milk supply and also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, the copper IUD is a highly effective non-hormonal option that can last for up to 12 years, making it a long-term solution for those who want to avoid pregnancy without hormonal interference.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the best birth control method while breastfeeding depends on your individual circumstances, including your health, breastfeeding goals, and personal preferences. It’s essential to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider to explore the options that are safest and most effective for you. By understanding the various methods available, you can make an informed decision that supports both your reproductive health and your breastfeeding journey.

Does NuvaRing affect breastfeeding?

Is it safe to use birth control rings while breastfeeding? The estrogen in the ring may lower the amount and quality of your breast milk in the first 3 weeks of breastfeeding. If you’re nursing, wait at least 3 weeks after giving birth to start using the ring.

When to start birth control postpartum?

Contraception choices 3 weeks after the birth
If you’re not breastfeeding and a healthcare professional has checked you have no risk factors for a blood clot, you can start to use these methods 3 weeks after the birth: combined pill. vaginal ring. contraceptive patch.

What pill is best for breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

What pill dries up breast milk?

Key takeaways: Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.

What is the best birth control for breastfeeding moms?

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.

Will birth control affect my breast 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.

How can I prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding naturally?

When you exclusively breastfeed — meaning you nurse at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, and feed your baby only breast milk — your body naturally stops ovulating. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t ovulate. No ovulation means you won’t have your period, either.

How can I be more fertile while breastfeeding?

Your chances of getting pregnant may increase when your baby is about 6 months old. This is when your baby starts to take food and drinks other than breast milk. You may trigger ovulation earlier if: you leave gaps of 6 hours or longer between breastfeeds.

What is the best pill to stop breastfeeding?

Using medication to stop your breast milk
Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long.

What pills prevent pregnancy while breastfeeding?

If you’d like to use an oral contraceptive, the mini-pill is an option. This pill contains progestin only, so it’s considered to be safer for breastfeeding mothers. The pill is typically only available by prescription, but may be found over the counter (OTC) in some states.