Verywell / Shideh Ghanderharizadeh
Is Birth Control While Breastfeeding Safe?
This gives your body time to recover fully from your last pregnancy before its ready for your next pregnancy.
Estrogen may decrease milk supply and cause you to stop breastfeeding earlier than nonhormonal or progestin-only contraceptive methods.
Verywell / Shideh Ghanderharizadeh
This is known asdeep vein thrombosis(DVT).
Combined hormonal options of birth control, which contain both estrogen and progesterone, raise this risk further.
They can be hormonal or nonhormonal.
Both require a prescription.
IUDs are plastic, T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization.
One hormonal version of an IUD is Mirena, which containsprogestin.
It provides eight years of protection.It works locally, releasing a tiny amount of hormones directly into the uterus.
It doesn’t affect the quality or quantity of breast milk.
Other hormonal IUDs include Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena.
Nonhormonal IUDs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include the brands Miudella and Paragard.
They are made of copper and do not affect the quality or quantity of breast milk.
Minipill
Theminipillis a progestin-only option for birth control.
Birth Control Pills
There are two types of birth control pills: combination and progestin-only pills.
Arm Implants
Nexplanonis an arm implant that is a form of birth control that contains progesterone only.
It is convenient because, once inserted, you do not have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.
It is good for three years.
You may be able to get an implant or IUD in the hospital or at your postpartum checkup.
you might get your first shot immediately after childbirth.
When to Begin Taking Birth Control Postpartum
When you begin birth control depends on the method chosen.
In general, you will want to start using birth control a few weeks after giving birth.
The cervical cap, diaphragm, and sponge can typically be used starting at six weeks postpartum.
Summary
Birth control is safe to use while you are breastfeeding.
However, not all types of birth control can be used immediately after giving birth.
Progestin-only hormonal options are usually preferred.
IUDs are the most effective.
Anyone concerned about birth control postpartum while breastfeeding should consult their doctor about their specific situation.
A Word From Verywell
Birth control plays an integral part in family planning.
Taking time between pregnancies is important for maternal and child health.
There are plenty of contraception options for breastfeeding parents, including both hormonal and nonhormonal ones.
This can create a need for increased supplementation.
Earlier breastfeeding cessation is also possible.
As such, a progestin-only hormonal option (the minipill) is usually preferred for breastfeeding parents.
Breastfeeding as a form of birth control is known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).
It depends on the form you use.
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