What birth control pill can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding
Navigating birth control options during breastfeeding can be a complex decision for new mothers. It’s essential to choose methods that are safe for both the mother and the infant, particularly in the early weeks postpartum.
Hormonal vs. Non-Hormonal Methods
For the first three weeks after giving birth, healthcare providers generally recommend avoiding hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill, patch, or ring. This caution is due to the potential risk of blood clots and other complications during this period. Instead, non-hormonal methods, such as condoms or copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), can be safely used right away.
Progestin-Only Pills: A Safe Choice
Once the initial postpartum period has passed, mothers can consider hormonal options. The progestin-only pill (often referred to as the “mini-pill”) is particularly recommended for breastfeeding mothers. This type of pill does not contain estrogen and is less likely to affect milk production. Most mothers can start using progestin-only pills safely after the 6th to 8th week postpartum, once their milk supply is well established.
Other Hormonal Options
In addition to the progestin-only pill, other hormonal contraceptives that are safe for breastfeeding include:
– Implants: These are small rods inserted under the skin of the arm that release progestin and can provide long-term contraception for several years.
– Injections: The birth control shot, which also contains progestin, can be administered shortly after childbirth.
– IUDs: Both hormonal and copper IUDs can be inserted after childbirth, providing effective long-term contraception without affecting breastfeeding.
Emergency Contraception
In cases where a mother feels her birth control may have failed, it is safe to use the morning-after pill while breastfeeding. This option provides an additional layer of security for mothers concerned about unintended pregnancies.
Consultation is Key
Ultimately, the choice of birth control should be made in consultation with healthcare providers. They can offer personalized advice based on individual health needs and breastfeeding status. It’s crucial for mothers to feel supported in their choices, ensuring both their health and that of their baby are prioritized during this significant life stage.
In summary, while breastfeeding, mothers have several safe birth control options, with progestin-only methods being the most recommended. By understanding these choices and consulting with healthcare professionals, new mothers can effectively manage their reproductive health while nurturing their infants.

Are you more fertile after giving birth?

Probably not, and you’re likely less fertile at least in the short term (although you still need to think about birth control). So if you’ve been trying again for more than a few months, it may be time to think about some testing to get a better understanding of your cycle hormones after pregnancy.

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 is safe 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.

How can I control my pregnancy while breastfeeding?

Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

1. Take painkillers like Tylenol or use warm compresses on your breasts to ease breast soreness and nipple tenderness.
2. Ensure that you get enough rest if you feel tired due to pregnancy and breastfeeding your older child.
3. Ask someone to help you with household chores or childcare.

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.

Can I use Plan B while breastfeeding?

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.

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.

What contraceptive pill can you take while breastfeeding?

There are 4 methods of birth control you can use while you’re breastfeeding:

• male condoms and female condoms – as soon you feel ready to have sex.
• any progestogen-only method, including the progestogen-only pill, implant and injection – these can be started immediately after birth.

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.

What pill is best for postpartum?

Which medications are used to treat postpartum depression and anxiety?

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
2. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
3. Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
4. Nortriptyline.
5. Zulresso.