Breastfeeding While on the Pill

My midwife told me that being on the regular pill and breastfeeding can cause enlarged breasts in the baby. I have no idea how much milk they have to be drinking for that to happen, but it would be something to look out for. I don't think it hurts the child, but if they are having a reaction to the hormone, it might be better to not be taking it. Also, just because you don't see a reaction, doesn't mean that it doesn't affect them in the long term. As someone said before, you should talk with your doctor, or even a pharmacist and see what they have to say about it.

Good luck!
A.

The whole thing about regular birth control is the drying up of your milk. But if you wanted to wean at nine months your fine. Thats only a month away.

As far as the meds getting into the milk its the bloodstream that actually matters. You must digest it. Then it gets into your blood stream. next it goes into you milk...usually in small percentages....then to the baby...babies digestive system ....and finally maybe a tiny winy bit into the baby's blood stream.

There is a book you can reference its called medications and mothers milk. Its updated every 2 yrs. You can look up your med and find out the exact percent going to the baby. But I can almost guarantee in will my less than a 1% and when you consider the USDA regulation for formula of 2% waste your doing alot better giving your super healthy full anti-body milk. even if only for comfort and meeting the rest of your daughters nutrition needs through food.

Sorry if I'm a little passionate on the subject but I hope this helps a little.

Hi, I was told the only safe pill while beastfeeding is the mini pill (nor qd). I would wait until your daughter is completly weaned. Good Luck

Being as she is only supplemented with breastmilk at this point (meaning she's eating mostly food) then you may not have an issue. However, I would definitely keep an eye out. I had MAJOR issues with my son when I went on the Patch. My milk didn't really decrease, but my son got sick. He started eating for about 5 minutes at a time every 2 hours. He lost weight no matter what I did. I got very, very sick and the only thing had changed in our lives was my BC. Look online at the website about your new birth control. I do not remember looking at the Lovera pill, but be sure to check it completely. I (thought) I had done all the reading and researching that I could do with my options and despite all that, I missed the line in the Patch's insert and website that says "may affect the health, growth, and development of your child" if you are nursing.

Take care, and keep watch!
M. M.

My friend's sister was on the pill while breastfeeding and she did have some issues. I can't remember exactly what happened to the baby. Maybe he got a rash? I can't remember but there was some kind of issue. She had to stop taking the pill until she was completely done breastfeeding. I'm pro-breastfeeding, so I would suggest maybe another form of birth control until your completely done. But of course, if you're just nursing occasionally and it's just for a few more weeks, you might not have a problem...

I would talk to your doctor, but I believe that the estrogen in the "regular" pill only affects your milk supply, not the quality (or content) of the milk. Since you're planning to wean (and it sounds like your daughter is nursing more for comfort than food), this shouldn't be an issue. Talk to your OB/Gyn, though, that's what she (or he) is there for.

My doctor told me not to take regular pills while breastfeeding, he also gave me the the low dose pill. I would check with another doc, or use a different form of protection until she is completly weaned.