Can a breastfeeding mom take birth control pills?
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Some women mistakenly believe that pregnancy during lactation is impossible. But this is not entirely true. The risk of conception in the first 6 months of breastfeeding is minimal. This is due to lactational amenorrhea, that is, a natural contraceptive that suppresses ovulation. This contraceptive works on the condition of established continuous feeding. But even under these conditions, there are chances of getting pregnant.
To avoid unwanted pregnancy, mothers use various methods of contraception, including birth control pills. Most pills are contraindicated during lactation because they contain the hormone estrogen, which affects milk production, inhibits lactation and negatively affects the development of the baby.
Because of this, breastfeeding mothers can use contraceptives that contain the hormone gestagen from the progesterone group. This hormone effectively suppresses ovulation, increases the viscosity of vaginal secretion, preventing the advancement of sperm. Gestagen also alters the uterine endometrium, making it impossible for the fetal egg to attach.
Gestagen pills (mini-pills) are single-component products that contain gestagen or progesterone. Contraceptives do not contain estrogens. Their composition penetrates into breast milk, but does not affect the lactation process or the child's body.
Birth control pills for breastfeeding moms:
- Lactinet - contains desogestrel. The drug is taken 1 capsule every 24 hours. It may cause nausea, breast pain, frequent mood changes, menstrual irregularities and headaches.
- Exluton - contains linestrenol, restores and controls the menstrual cycle. The drug is taken 1 tablet a day. Side effects may include headaches, swollen mammary glands, nausea.
- Charosette - the active substance is desogestrel. The tablets are taken every 12 hours. In rare cases, headaches, mood deterioration, nausea, breast engorgement occur.
Mini-pills can be started 21-28 days after childbirth, sticking to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. The pills are taken once a day at the same time. For the first 10-14 days it is necessary to use additional contraception. If OCs are taken before bedtime, the risk of adverse reactions is minimal.
The effectiveness of progestin OCs during breastfeeding is about 95%. Before using the pills, you should consult with a gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe an effective and maximally safe drug for the period of lactation.