What birth control is best while breastfeeding?

Understanding Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding
Navigating birth control options during breastfeeding can be a complex task for new mothers. With concerns about milk supply, hormonal impacts, and the health of the baby, it’s crucial to choose a method that aligns with both personal health and breastfeeding goals. Fortunately, there are several effective and safe options available.
Non-Hormonal Methods
For mothers who prefer to avoid hormones, non-hormonal birth control methods are a viable choice. These options include barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms, which do not interfere with milk production and are safe for both mother and baby. Additionally, the copper intrauterine device (IUD) is another non-hormonal option that boasts over 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
Hormonal Methods: The Mini-Pill
If a mother opts for hormonal birth control, the progestin-only pill, commonly referred to as the mini-pill, is often recommended. Unlike combined hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen, the mini-pill is less likely to affect milk supply, making it a preferred choice for breastfeeding mothers. Most mothers can start using the mini-pill safely after the first six to eight weeks postpartum, once their milk supply is well established.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
Long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as hormonal IUDs and implants, are also excellent options for breastfeeding mothers. These methods can be inserted shortly after childbirth and provide effective contraception for several years without the need for daily attention. They are particularly appealing for new mothers who may find it challenging to remember daily pills amidst the demands of caring for a newborn.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
Interestingly, breastfeeding itself can serve as a form of natural birth control through the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). This method relies on the natural suppression of ovulation that occurs with exclusive breastfeeding. For LAM to be effective, mothers must breastfeed frequently and exclusively, with no more than four hours between feedings during the day and six hours at night. However, this method is only effective for the first six months postpartum and requires careful adherence to the breastfeeding schedule.
Timing and Consultation
It’s generally advisable for mothers to discuss their birth control options with healthcare providers around six weeks postpartum, once breastfeeding routines are established. This consultation is essential to ensure that the chosen method aligns with the mother’s health needs and breastfeeding goals.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers have a range of safe and effective birth control options. From non-hormonal methods like condoms and copper IUDs to hormonal options such as the mini-pill and LARCs, there is something to suit every preference. Additionally, the natural method of LAM can provide temporary contraception for those committed to exclusive breastfeeding. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual circumstances, and consulting with healthcare professionals is key to making an informed decision.

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.

How likely is it to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Two out of 100 people who use exclusive breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the six months it can be used after your baby is born. Because of this, many women use Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) as a form of natural conception during the first few months after giving birth.

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.

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.

Is NuvaRing safe for breastfeeding?

Advise women who are breastfeeding not to use NuvaRing but to use other forms of contraception until the child is weaned. If a woman begins using NuvaRing postpartum, instruct her to use an additional method of contraception, such as male condoms with spermicide, for the first seven days.

What is the best birth control for postpartum?

We typically recommend three types of birth control options for women who want to avoid pregnancy after childbirth: the Depo Provera shots, which last about three months; long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) devices, which are effective up to 10 years; and tubal ligation, which is considered permanent.

How can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

What pill can you take while breastfeeding?

Medicines that can be taken while breastfeeding include:

• most antibiotics.
• asthma inhalers.
• vitamins (but only at the recommended dose)
• the painkiller paracetamol – you should check with a GP or midwife before taking paracetamol if it’s combined with other medicines.

What birth control can I use 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.

Does the progesterone pill cause weight gain?

Side effects of the progestogen-only pill
Your periods may be lighter, more frequent or may stop altogether. You may get some bleeding (spotting) between periods. Some people may get acne, mood swings, weight gain or changes to sex drive (libido).