What Plan B can I take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Plan B While Breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, the question of using emergency contraception, specifically Plan B (levonorgestrel), often arises. It’s crucial to navigate this topic with care, considering both the mother’s health and the well-being of the nursing infant.
Safety of Plan B During Breastfeeding
Experts widely agree that it is safe to take Plan B while breastfeeding. The primary ingredient, levonorgestrel, does not pose a significant risk to nursing infants. Research indicates that when a breastfeeding mother takes levonorgestrel, it is not expected to be harmful to her child . In fact, mothers can continue breastfeeding without needing to alter their schedule significantly. It is recommended that breastfeeding can resume 3 to 4 hours after taking the medication, which helps minimize any potential exposure to the infant .
Considerations for Use
While the safety profile of Plan B is reassuring, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. If a mother is breastfeeding exclusively and has not yet resumed her menstrual cycle, she may not need emergency contraception at all, as the likelihood of ovulation is significantly reduced during this period. However, if there is a concern about potential pregnancy due to contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse, Plan B can be an effective option.
Alternative Contraceptive Methods
In addition to Plan B, breastfeeding mothers might consider other contraceptive methods. Non-hormonal options, such as condoms, diaphragms, or the copper IUD, are generally recommended as they do not interfere with breastfeeding. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help mothers explore the best contraceptive choices tailored to their individual circumstances.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely use Plan B as an emergency contraceptive without significant risk to their infants. It is essential, however, to consider personal health circumstances and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

What is the safest contraceptive pill while 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).

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 Plan B is safe for 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.

How to avoid getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding reduces your chances of becoming pregnant only if you are exclusively breastfeeding. And this method is only reliable for six months after the delivery of your baby. For it to work, you must feed your baby at least every four hours during the day, every six hours at night, and offer no supplement.

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.

How long does Plan B affect your milk supply?

In a cohort study of 71 women who took levonorgestrel as a postcoital contraceptive no obvious decrease in milk supply was found after the drug was used according to maternal reports. 75% of mothers re-initiated breastfeeding before 8 hours after the dose.

What pill is safe while breastfeeding?

Oral contraceptives (the pill): the progesterone-only mini pill is best while breastfeeding. The pill (combined oral contraceptive pill) should not be taken. Painkillers: paracetamol is safe to take at the recommended dose while breast feeding. Ibuprofen should only be taking in low doses for a short time.

What can a breastfeeding mother take to prevent pregnancy?

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. You may be able to get an implant or IUD in the hospital or at your postpartum checkup. Implants and IUDs are super effective, and prevent pregnancy for several years.

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 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.