Why you shouldnt take birth control while breastfeeding?

The Complexities of Birth Control During Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of postpartum birth control can be particularly challenging for new mothers, especially those who are breastfeeding. While many contraceptive options are available, there are compelling reasons to approach hormonal birth control with caution during this critical period.
Impact on Milk Supply
One of the primary concerns with using hormonal birth control while breastfeeding is its potential effect on milk production. Traditional birth control pills, which often contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, have been linked to a reduction in milk supply for some women. This decrease can lead to a shorter duration of breastfeeding, which is not only a personal concern for many mothers but can also impact the nutritional intake of their infants.
Estrogen, in particular, is known to interfere with milk production. When mothers report a decrease in milk supply, healthcare providers often recommend alternatives such as the “mini-pill,” which contains only progestin and is less likely to affect breastfeeding. This highlights the importance of choosing the right type of contraceptive to ensure that breastfeeding can continue effectively.
Safety and Health Considerations
While many healthcare professionals assert that certain birth control methods are safe for breastfeeding mothers, the nuances of individual health must be considered. For instance, while progestin-only methods like IUDs and implants are generally deemed safe, the hormonal fluctuations introduced by any form of hormonal birth control can still pose risks. Mothers should engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of each method, ensuring that both their health and their baby’s well-being are prioritized.
Breastfeeding as Natural Birth Control
Interestingly, breastfeeding itself can serve as a natural form of birth control, particularly through the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). This method relies on exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, significantly reducing the chances of conception. However, it is crucial to note that while breastfeeding can lower the likelihood of getting pregnant, it is not a foolproof method. Mothers should remain vigilant and consider additional contraceptive measures if they wish to avoid pregnancy.
Conclusion: A Personal Decision
Ultimately, the decision to use birth control while breastfeeding is deeply personal and should be made with careful consideration of the mother’s health, lifestyle, and breastfeeding goals. While there are safe options available, the potential impact on milk supply and the overall health of both mother and child cannot be overlooked. Engaging in open dialogue with healthcare providers can help mothers navigate these choices, ensuring that they find a balance that works for their unique circumstances.

Why is the contraceptive pill not recommended for breastfeeding mothers?

If you are breastfeeding you cannot take the usual ‘Pill’, also called the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP), because the hormones in the COCP will decrease (dry up) your breast milk. (After 6 weeks you may start the COCP).

What negatively affects breast milk supply?

Supplementing with formula
However, supplementing with formula for multiple feedings every day (such as while the baby is at daycare) or releasing breast milk only when the baby wants to nurse tells your body that it doesn’t need to produce as much milk. Consequently, your supply will begin to decrease.

What birth control is best 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.

How often should you breastfeed while on birth control?

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 happens if you take birth control while breastfeeding?

A large international study conducted by the WHO tells us that the use of progesterone contraception, in various forms (including the pill, the injectable, and the implant), will not affect breast feeding performance or rate of infant growth.

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 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.

Does estrogen decrease milk supply?

The local effects of estrogen and progesterone in the breast prevent milk secretion during pregnancy. With their withdrawal in the postpartum period, the stimulating effect of the anterior pituitary hormone prolactin dominates and milk secretion is initiated and maintained.

Is it safe to take the I pill during breastfeeding?

Answer: Yes, the medicine is completely safe for breastfeeding mothers. It does not tamper with milk production.

Why does estrogen decrease milk supply?

The local effects of estrogen and progesterone in the breast prevent milk secretion during pregnancy. With their withdrawal in the postpartum period, the stimulating effect of the anterior pituitary hormone prolactin dominates and milk secretion is initiated and maintained.