What happens if you take the morning-after pill while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Morning-After Pill and Breastfeeding
The morning-after pill, often referred to as emergency contraception, is a crucial option for individuals who may have had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of safety regarding the use of this medication is particularly pressing.
Safety of Levonorgestrel
One of the most commonly used forms of emergency contraception is levonorgestrel, which is available over-the-counter. Research indicates that while levonorgestrel does pass into breast milk, it does so in minimal quantities. A study highlighted by the Breastfeeding Network suggests that the levels found in breast milk are low enough that it is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers to use this form of emergency contraception without needing to withhold breastfeeding from their infants. This means that mothers can take levonorgestrel and continue to nurse their babies without significant concern for adverse effects.
Ulipristal Acetate Considerations
In contrast, another emergency contraceptive, ulipristal acetate, presents different guidelines. If a breastfeeding mother takes ulipristal acetate, it is recommended that she express and discard her breast milk for a week following the dose. This precaution is advised to minimize any potential exposure of the infant to the medication through breast milk. Therefore, while levonorgestrel is deemed safe for breastfeeding, ulipristal acetate requires more caution.
Implications for Breastfeeding
The implications of taking the morning-after pill while breastfeeding extend beyond just the safety of the medication. Mothers may experience concerns about their milk supply and the overall health of their infants. However, the consensus among health professionals is that using levonorgestrel does not adversely affect breast milk production or quality. This reassurance allows mothers to make informed decisions without the added stress of compromising their breastfeeding journey.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely take the morning-after pill, particularly if it contains levonorgestrel, without needing to stop breastfeeding. However, caution is warranted with ulipristal acetate, necessitating the discarding of milk for a short period post-ingestion. As always, mothers should consult with healthcare providers to discuss their specific circumstances and ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

Does Plan B stop breast milk?

Considerations for Breastfeeding Parents When Taking Plan B
Specifically, LactMed indicates that progestin-only medications do not change the composition of your milk supply, do not decrease your milk supply, and do not negatively affect your baby’s health.

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.

What are the side effects of the mini pill while breastfeeding?

Only small amounts of progestin pass into your breast milk, and research to date shows no adverse effects from progestin-only birth control on a baby’s weight gain, health, or development.

How can I avoid getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

Which Forms of Birth Control Are Safe to Use While Breastfeeding?

1. IUD.
2. Mini-pill.
3. Barrier methods.
4. Implant.
5. Depo-Provera.
6. Natural family planning.
7. Sterilization.
8. Morning-after pill.

Is it safe to take the morning-after pill while breastfeeding?

Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant. 6 Levonorgestrel is the same hormone found in the “Mini Pill”, which is considered the oral contraceptive of choice for breastfeeding mothers.

Can the mini pill dry up my milk?

The Progesterone only Pill (POP) contains only one hormone which means it does not affect breastfeeding.

Can a woman get pregnant again while she is breastfeeding her baby?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

Can the morning after pill affect your breasts?

Levonelle or ellaOne can make you feel sick, dizzy or tired, or give you a headache, tender breasts or abdominal pain. Both pills can make your period earlier or later than usual.

Can the morning-after pill affect a baby?

Emergency contraception (EC), also known as the morning-after pill, will not harm a fetus. Still, women should not use EC when they’re pregnant. EC does not end a pregnancy — it can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected intercourse.

What are the earliest signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.