Will Plan B mess up my milk supply?

Understanding Plan B and Milk Supply
Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is a form of emergency contraception that can be taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Many people wonder about its effects, particularly regarding breastfeeding and milk supply.
The Science Behind Plan B
Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that works primarily by delaying ovulation. It may also prevent fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg, though its primary function is to inhibit ovulation. The question of whether Plan B affects milk supply is particularly relevant for breastfeeding mothers.
Effects on Milk Supply
According to experts and research, Plan B is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not significantly affect breast milk supply or composition. The amount of the hormone that passes into breast milk is minimal, and any potential effects on a nursing infant are likely to be negligible.
Recommendations from Health Professionals
Health professionals, including pediatricians and obstetricians, typically reassure breastfeeding mothers that using Plan B will not disrupt their milk supply. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) categorizes levonorgestrel as compatible with breastfeeding, emphasizing that it poses little risk to infants.
Personal Considerations
While the evidence suggests that Plan B does not negatively impact milk supply, individual experiences may vary. Some mothers may notice temporary changes in their milk supply or infant behavior, but these are often not directly linked to the use of Plan B. It’s always wise for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their milk supply and consult with a healthcare professional if they have concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, Plan B is unlikely to mess up your milk supply. The prevailing medical consensus supports its safety for breastfeeding mothers. However, as with any medical decision, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to address personal circumstances and concerns.

Can getting pregnant make your milk supply drop?

You may notice that your breastmilk supply drops during pregnancy and this is due to hormones. The decrease in supply often occurs even though you’re continuing or even increasing how often you breastfeed. However, if your child isn’t breastfeeding as frequently, this will reduce supply even more.

Does the pill decrease milk supply?

This is especially true when hormonal contraception is combined with stressors such as a return to work or less-frequent breastfeeding. Birth control pills with high doses of estrogen are more likely to decrease milk supply.

What pill dries up breast milk?

To prevent your body naturally producing breast milk after the birth of your baby, we can prescribe you a medication called Cabergoline.

What to avoid after taking Plan B?

There are certain medications and herbal supplements that you should avoid after taking Plan B, as they may lower the efficacy of the drug. These include: Barbiturates (including primidone) Bosentan.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

How does Plan B affect your breast?

Breast tenderness: Within a few hours after taking Plan B (should resolve within a day or two) Late period: During your next period, but shouldn’t affect any periods after that.

Can I take the morning after pill while breastfeeding?

“morning after pill” Levonelle® (levonorgestrel) was licensed to be given to women during breastfeeding. However the patient information leaflet in the packet now suggests that women should not breastfeed for 8 hours. This is not supported by research and breastfeeding can continue as normal.

Does Plan B affect your milk supply?

Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant.

What causes drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

Can Plan B throw off your pH balance?

Neither hormonal birth control nor emergency contraception (including plan B) has been shown to cause infections. For some women, however, these can change the pH balance of the vagina and make them more prone to overgrowth of yeast or Bacterial Vaginosis (BV.) —both of which can cause dryness, irritation and itching.