Birth control while breastfeeding?

Sarah - posted on 12/13/2009

I was on a progesterone only pill called Celeste before getting pregnant, and I want to know if it is safe to go back on it while i'm breastfeeding... I know everyone says its ok, but I want to be SURE...

Karina - posted on 12/13/2009

My doc gave my a prescription recommended specially for breast feeding. Milk production still great and no side effects at all for me.

Miranda - posted on 12/11/2009

My doc basically gave me 3 choices...The copper T, Mirena IUD, or the Implanon. I (or my husband) didn't feel comfortable having something up inside me, even tho it would be safe for baby boy and prevent having another, so we chose the Implanon. So far I like it, haven't noticed any side-effects on my milk supply or me overall. I love that I dont have to remember to take a pill everyday at the same time or get a shot and so on. Sure I have a rod in my arm that my husband refuses to touch, but it gets the job done safely.

Andrea - posted on 12/11/2009

I got the non hormone releasing IUD, can get it removed whenever I am ready but until then I don't have to worry about remembering anything or deal with hormones.

Ikenya - posted on 12/11/2009

Even with low dosage pills, you breast milk production will decrease. I was on a low dosage pill and within 2 weeks I noticed a significantly difference in my milk. Each body is different from another. So, you may have to try a few different pills or devices and see which one is good for you.

Cassie - posted on 12/11/2009

I originally got the Mirena IUD, my milk was severley decreased after about a month but for me it could be one of two things, 1 The IUD or 2 other daily meds. But I had been on the meds the whole pregnancy and first month of breastfeeding. I believe it was the IUD but noone could ever be sure. I had my IUD switched from Mirena to the one with copper ::( At the same time I cut my other medication in half. I don't know which casued the decrease nor do I ver care to try to find out but I do believe that it is dependent on the 'body' just like different people of the same height, weight, and built could need 2 way different dosages of the same medication, for the same illness. It's unique to each individual. I definitly do not agree with the 'take anything I want' part, Call any lactation specialist and they will advise you otherwise... milk is directly related to hormones and scientifically, certain hormones affect milk.

Erika - posted on 12/11/2009

I take the JOLIVETTE tablets. It's a generic brand. It's safe for me to take while nursing. I took these while I nursed my son as well. These pills don't affect my milk supply or most importantly my daughter. I definitely suggest that you use a lower dose pill.

Hope this helps a bit.

Erika
http://www.4MyFamilyandMe.com

ASHLEY - posted on 12/10/2009

almost every bc has the potential to affect your milk supply i recommend the mini pill to be on the safe side it rarely causes any problems. keep in mind any hormones ur taking also get passed to ur baby i dont think its dangerous but it cant be good for them right? I am on the mini pill until i can get an IUD placed. the copper iud is hormone free so wont affect ur supply either. my doc told me to choose wisely because according to him the shot, patch, ring, and combo pill would most likely affect my breastfeeding. good luck i hope you find something that works for you



the actual name of mini pill i am taking is ORTHO MICRONOR and the copper iud is called PARAGUARD

Brandy - posted on 12/10/2009

There is one (the only one you can take while breastfeeding according to all the doctors in my area) called minovral that is specifically for breastfeeding mothers. The only thing is that you have to take it at the same time every day so set an alarm for a certain time each day.

Annya - posted on 12/10/2009

your doctor should recommend the mini-pill, which only contains progestin.
estrogen can dimish your milk supply & be passed to your little one.
if you're exclusively breastfeeding, they say that is a type of birth control in itself, yet you are incredibly fertile after giving birth, so i'd be careful! lol!
i'm taking the mini-pill (not too sure what the brand is, but was prescribed by the doc) & have not noticed any changes with breastfeeding.
also note that the mini-pill doesn't bring aunt flow back - you take the packs' full 4 weeks of pills with no week of sugar pills.... nice advantage :)

Cyndie - posted on 12/10/2009

I had an IUD for 2 years and a half. It wasn't the Mirena it was the copper T which has no hormones. It did pretty good and it didn't interfire with my milk production. I had it removed because my husband had a vasectomy and it's no longer needed.

Kimberly - posted on 12/10/2009

i received the depo shot because a resident said it was okay..my milk supply decreased and the lactaction consultant recommended not to get it (it was too late for me) I am nursing my baby she is 6 months and im not using birth control. I heard that the IUD is okay

Coralyn - posted on 12/10/2009

lot of docs disagree. anything with estrogen in it has a risk of effecting your milk supply. I know a few people who have used birth control with estrogen and their milk dried up when they were exclusively breastfeeding. then I know some who used it and it didnt effect them at all. My doc told me I can only take the minipill (progesterone only) or depo (which a lot of people are against because of all its side effects). Some docs say after 6 mo of breastfeeding that estrogen + progestone is ok but others still recomment using progesterone only during the entire time you breast feed. chances are slimmer to get pregnant while breastfeeding, that plus a progesterone only pill should put you at about 99% unlikely to get pregnant again.

Alina - posted on 12/10/2009

my docs always prescribed a low dose pill because anything more can interfere with your milk production. the other one i used very successfully while nursing was the mirena iud. also nursing is partially its own birth control. i say partially because for some it works fully and some not at all and some for a while but the after a bit no longer works. it depends on your hormone levels. good luck and congrats on the new baby!