What birth control pill is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding
Navigating birth control options during breastfeeding can be a complex decision for new mothers. The primary concern is ensuring that the chosen method does not adversely affect milk production or the health of the infant. Fortunately, there are safe options available.
Progestin-Only Pills: The Preferred Choice
For breastfeeding mothers, progestin-only pills, often referred to as the “mini pill,” are highly recommended. These pills contain only progesterone and are unlikely to impact milk supply negatively. Studies indicate that using the mini pill while breastfeeding does not affect the quantity of milk produced and is safe for the baby . This makes progestin-only pills a reliable option for mothers looking to prevent pregnancy without compromising their breastfeeding journey.
Timing Matters: When to Start
It’s crucial to consider the timing of starting any hormonal birth control. For the first three weeks after giving birth, healthcare providers advise against using methods that contain estrogen, such as combination birth control pills, patches, or rings. This precaution is due to the increased risk of blood clots during this period. After this initial phase, mothers can typically begin using these methods, but it’s often recommended to wait until about six weeks postpartum when breastfeeding is well established.
Other Safe Options
In addition to progestin-only pills, there are other effective birth control methods suitable for breastfeeding mothers. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), particularly hormonal IUDs, are an excellent long-term option. They can be inserted by a healthcare provider either immediately after childbirth or during a follow-up visit around six weeks postpartum. IUDs are low-maintenance and have a very low failure rate, making them a practical choice for busy new parents.
For those who may need emergency contraception, the morning-after pill is also safe to use while breastfeeding, although it should be considered a last resort rather than a regular method of birth control.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers have several safe birth control options, with progestin-only pills being the most recommended due to their minimal impact on milk supply. Timing is essential, and mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best approach for their individual circumstances. By making informed choices, new mothers can effectively manage their reproductive health while continuing to provide for their infants.

What pills are safe 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 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.

Can you leak milk on birth control?

Galactorrhea has many causes, although sometimes a cause cannot be found. Here are some possible causes: Some medicines, like hormones, birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood pressure medicine. Herbal medicines, such as nettle, fennel, blessed thistle, anise, and fenugreek seed.

Does the birth control pill affect milk supply?

This is especially true when hormonal contraception is combined with stressors such as a return to work or less-frequent breastfeeding. Birth control pills with high doses of estrogen are more likely to decrease milk supply.

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).

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 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 is the safest birth control pill to take?

What is the safest birth control pill? Generally, low-dose birth control pills, be it combination or progestin-only minipill, are considered safest as they are associated with the lowest risk of causing blood clots.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

What is the best birth control pill to take while breastfeeding?

The progesterone only contraceptive pill (mini-pill) is generally recommended during breastfeeding. It needs to be taken at the same time every day continuously – a delay of more than 3 hours may mean contraceptive protection is lost.