My baby is 5 months old and I'm hoping to continue breastfeeding for his first year. I need to start on birth control, but I'm concerned that the pill will cut down my milk production. I would prefer not to use condoms...any other ideas on a good method that won't interfere with breastfeeding?
Barrier methods (no hormones) are the first choice: condoms (you prefer not) and diaphragms with spermacide. Progestin only methods, such as Norplant (implants), Micronor oral contraceptive (low estrogen) or Mini-pills, or injectables (Depo-Provera).
Hope this helps
I have had the "MIRENA" IUD inserted after both children (I have it right now) Some people say that they have side effects, so you might want to check it out. BUT, I only had 2 periods within the past year, and they were so light that I could just wear a panty liner all day, and all night, it was that light! It did not have an effect on my milk production, but I could feed the neighbourhood with the amount of milk I produced! It's a little uncomfortable going in, but you get to keep it for 5 years!!! check out the pro's and con's before you get it though. It's a great option!
I got the copper IUD after my son was born (5 yrs ago) and still have it in. It is supposed to last up to 10 years. It has made my period heavier on the first couple days, but I love not having to think about birth control at all.
If you are exclusively breastfeeding (meaning no pumping, just feeding from the breast) look up lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
Progesterone only form of birth control, after the early weeks, should not interfere with production. Barrier methods, including diaphragms and Basal Body Temperature are also possilbilities, read up on them and talk with health care provider to understand alternate methods clearly.
J. S., LMSW, CMT, CLC
I was on a low-dose while I nursed my son and was fine!
Hi L.,
Your pituitary gland does everything your body needs to prevent you from getting pregnant during breastfeeding if all of your hormone levels are high enough/normal. I would get blood work done to determine your levels.
I would NEVER mess with artificial hormones (the pill) anytime, let alone while breastfeeding. It will definitely affect your milk supply in some way. At five months, you should not be menstruating yet anyway.
Please, do more research on the hormone levels of the pituitary gland before taking ANY pills while breastfeeding. Most meds, especially hormones go right to the baby through breastfeeding.
Good luck,
L.
th pill will go through to your milk and mess with the babies hormones.
it's about the baby... not you.
stop breastfeeding if you want to go on the pill
have you tried the mini-pill?
I started on Camilla when my son was a few months old and I am still on it. I only nurse before bed or if he is sick (he's 22 months old) but I have nursed continuosly from the beginning. I take the pill right before his bath so I am really good with taking it and I don't think it effected my milk supply at all. Good luck!
Hi, I'm in the same situation. I have been told by my midwives that the progesterone only pill and the iud (morena and paragaurd) are the options for bf safe birth control. I have heard some things about bleeding with the iud. But I am terrible with taking pills and with the mini-pill(i.e. progesterone only pill) you have to take it at the exact same time every day or else. Geez oh man. The morena has the progesterone hormone and the paragaurd is a copper covered iud. I'm looking forward to hearing what other people say about these. I'd love to hear what you decide on and why if you go the iud route. All the best.
Also, I forgot to mention that the one of the main reasons why other forms of hormonal is not breastfeeding safe is because it can reduce your milk supply.
Jessica's advice is sound and corroberates my research. I have an 8 week old and am exclusively bf'ing too. A friend of mine used Fertility Awareness successfully for 3 years before conceiving, and I am reading the books now to learn how to do it and how the rules change while bf'ing. 2 books on the topic are "taking charge of your fertility" and the more holistic, "garden of fertility." I have an upcoming appointment with the local FA teacher, Ilene Richman her website is fertaware.com
I was on the mini pill while breastfeeding. It does not mess with your milk flow.. Good Luck!
Hi L.,
I've been on Camilla since my son was about 8 weeks old. I'm still nursing and pumping every day (I pump about 8 oz at a time, 3 times a day, and breastfeed him 3 times a day). I haven't had any issues with supply.
S.
I used the mini pill (or Progestin-only pill, POP, etc.) while nursing both of my children (almost a year with the first, over a year with the second). It is the only hormonal birth control that does not interfere with milk production as a side-effect and is safe while nursing. You do have to remember to take it at the same time every day to be most effective. There is one (can't think of the name) IUD that is non-hormonal, and I'm sure your OB/GYN can give you more specific information on different birth control options. Good luck!
Oh, and on a side-note, I cannot ever remember to take pills daily, let alone at the same time every day. Since I finally have a cell phone, I programmed an alarm for just after I get home from work every day and that has really helped me stop missing my pills! :)
I've been breast feeding for over a year (umm...THAT wasn't in the plans! LOL) and have been on the "mini pill" this whole time with no side effects...and obviously, my milk is doing just fine! ;-) The only thing about the mini-pill is that it's ONLY effective if you're REALLY nursing. As soon as my son slowed down, my periods came back and I don't trust the protection as much. (My son nursed every 3 hours until he was a year old. SUCH a stubborn little man. :-p)
