What is the safest birth control while breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of postpartum birth control can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With concerns about the health of both mother and baby, it’s crucial to choose methods that are safe and effective. Fortunately, there are several options available that cater to the unique needs of breastfeeding women.
Non-Hormonal Birth Control
One of the safest approaches to birth control while breastfeeding is the use of non-hormonal methods. These options do not interfere with milk supply and are generally considered safe for both mother and child. Barrier methods, such as male and female condoms, are excellent choices. They not only prevent pregnancy but also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without introducing hormones into the body.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
For those seeking a long-term solution, intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective and can be used safely during breastfeeding. IUDs are more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and can be inserted by a healthcare provider shortly after childbirth or around six weeks postpartum. This method is particularly appealing for mothers who want reliable contraception without the need for daily management.
Progestin-Only Pills and Implants
Another safe option for breastfeeding mothers is progestin-only contraceptives, which include pills and implants. These methods are designed to avoid estrogen, which can affect milk supply. Progestin-only pills can be started immediately after giving birth, making them a convenient choice for new mothers. Similarly, hormonal implants provide long-term protection and can be inserted shortly after delivery.
The 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 exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation. For it 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, LAM is only a temporary solution and is most effective in the first six months postpartum.
Consultation is Key
While many birth control methods are safe during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers. Discussing options with both a gynecologist and a pediatrician can help ensure that the chosen method aligns with the mother’s health needs and the well-being of the baby.
In conclusion, breastfeeding mothers have a variety of safe birth control options available to them. From non-hormonal methods like condoms to long-term solutions like IUDs and progestin-only pills, there are effective ways to prevent pregnancy without compromising milk supply or the health of the infant.

What contraception is safe when breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you may safely use:

• the mini pill.
• condoms.
• diaphragms.
• a contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera® or Depo-Ralovera®)
• an Implanon NXT™ implant.
• intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• permanent sterilisation (tubal ligation).

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).

What is the best birth control method after having a baby?

Condoms and spermicide can be used at any time after childbirth. The cervical cap, diaphragm, and sponge can be used starting 6 weeks after childbirth, when the uterus and cervix have returned to normal size. If you used a diaphragm or cervical cap before childbirth, you should be refitted after childbirth.

What is the best pills to take while 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 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.

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 birth control doesn’t affect your milk supply?

Implants. You can prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years with a special stick that’s the size of a match. Your doctor implants it just under your skin in your upper arm. This form of birth control only has the hormone progestin, so it doesn’t affect your milk supply.

How long are you super fertile after giving birth?

You may have heard that people are “super fertile” after giving birth, but there’s no scientific evidence indicating that fertility increases post childbirth.

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 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.