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Breastfeeding and birthcontrol

Dena - posted on 11/15/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

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Should I hold off starting birthcontrol? Will it affect my milk and make me start bleeding earlier then if I didn't??

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Christy - posted on 11/15/2009

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I've had my Mirena for 5 yrs. & am planning to get it replaced ASAP. It is wonderful! It is also great to not have to worry about reproduction/ANYTHING while juggling a new baby & of course new Daddy will love the convenience. Drink plenty of fluid &/or have 1 beer to help w/the milk supply. Good luck!

Mandee - posted on 11/15/2009

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You can go on the "mini pill"(progestin only pill, containing no estrogen) , combination pills have consequences.
"It's recommended that any estrogen-containing contraceptive be avoided until baby is at least six months old AND after baby is well-established on solid foods."
"Milk supply: Estrogen-containing contraceptives have been linked to low milk supply and a shorter duration of breastfeeding even when started when baby is older, after milk supply is well established. Not all mothers who take contraceptives containing estrogen will experience a low milk supply, but these unaffected mothers appear to be a very small minority."
There are more options then you would thing when it comes to progestin only pills.
"* the progestin-only pill (POP) also called the "mini-pill" (Micronor, Errin, Nor-QD, Ovrette, Microval, etc)
* the birth control injection (Depo Provera)
* the progesterone-releasing IUD (Mirena, Progestasert)
* the birth control implant (Norplant, Implanon).
"

This information was found here: http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/birt...

Good luck. I think that either using the mini pill or barrier methods are good options for breastfeeding mothers. It is completely up to you.

Minnie - posted on 11/15/2009

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The pill containing estrogen has been known to reduce supply, the progestin-only pill is much safer- but you definitely want to talk to your doctor about it. Even this pill has reduced supply in some mothers because the hormone is systemic.



Many mothers find the mirena IUD works well for them. It does contain progestin, but the hormone is absorbed locally, rather than systemically, as with the pill. And there are obviously barrier methods that you can use. Natural family planning may be an option for you as well, in which you pay attention to physiological signs during your cycle so that you know when you are ovulating.

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