What type of birth control can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Birth Control Options While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of birth control can be particularly challenging for new mothers, especially when breastfeeding. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective contraceptive methods available that do not interfere with breastfeeding or the health of the baby.
Non-Hormonal Options
For mothers who prefer to avoid hormones, non-hormonal birth control methods are a viable choice. These include barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms. The diaphragm can be fitted by a healthcare provider approximately six weeks postpartum, allowing the body time to recover from childbirth.
Hormonal Methods
If a mother opts for hormonal birth control, progestin-only contraceptives are generally recommended. These include the mini-pill, which is taken daily at the same time to maintain effectiveness. Starting progestin-only methods after six to eight weeks postpartum is typically safe and does not adversely affect milk supply. Other hormonal options include birth control shots and implants, which can be initiated shortly after giving birth.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs are another excellent option for breastfeeding mothers. They can be inserted immediately after delivery or during a follow-up appointment, providing long-term contraception without the need for daily attention.
Breastfeeding as Birth Control
Interestingly, breastfeeding itself can serve as a form of birth control through a method known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). This method relies on exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, but it is only effective under specific conditions and for a limited time.
Consultation is Key
It is crucial for mothers to discuss their birth control options with both their pediatrician and gynecologist. This ensures that the chosen method aligns with their health needs and family planning goals.
In summary, breastfeeding mothers have a variety of safe birth control options, ranging from non-hormonal methods to progestin-only contraceptives and IUDs. Each method has its own benefits and considerations, making it essential for new mothers to seek personalized advice from healthcare professionals.

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.

Why can’t you take regular birth control while breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, then any contraception containing oestrogen (such as the vaginal ring and the combined pill) is not recommended unless your baby is at least six weeks old and at least half bottle fed, because it may reduce your supply of breastmilk. But you still have plenty of other contraception choices.

Can I take a 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.

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.

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.

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.

Is it safe to take birth control 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 birth control is best for breastfeeding moms?

There are a number of effective birth control options for people who are breastfeeding or chest feeding, including both hormonal and nonhormonal choices. IUDs and arm implants are the most effective forms of birth control, and progestin-only hormonal options are preferred, especially in the beginning.

How likely are you to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Two out of 100 people who use exclusive breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the six months it can be used after your baby is born. Because of this, many women use Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) as a form of natural conception during the first few months after giving birth.

How can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and Fertility
As menstruation returns to a fairly regular schedule, it usually means that you are back to full fertility and breastfeeding won’t have any effect on your ability to get pregnant. However, every woman’s fertility and ovulation cycle is different.