If you’ve had a baby recently, congratulations! This can be an exciting time for both you and your baby as you get to know one another. You may also be ready to get back to leading a normal family life and want to take measures to prevent pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding, what type of contraceptive should you use while nursing? Is it safe to use contraception while breast feeding?
The good news is if you’re breastfeeding, it’s unlikely you’ll become pregnant during the first six weeks after delivery. In fact, pregnancy is unlikely to occur during the first six months of breastfeeding as long as you’re breastfeeding consistently and haven’t had return of your monthly periods. Unfortunately, even though it’s unlikely, it’s not foolproof which is why contraception during breastfeeding is still important.
Most medical experts advise against using birth control pills that contain estrogen during the first six weeks of breastfeeding. This is because the hormones in estrogen containing birth control pills could potentially affect brain development and may alter the flow of milk from the breast. After the first six weeks, it’s generally considered safe to use a birth control pill while nursing, although only progesterone based pills should be used, not pills containing estrogen. These progesterone only pills are sometimes known as “mini-pills” and are considered safe contraception while breastfeeding by most experts, particularly after the first six weeks have passed. This form of contraception is considered to be ninety-eight percent effective.
Other contraception options while nursing include the use of condoms and depo-provera which is a progesterone form of contraception given by injection every three months. Depo-provera can be used as contraception while breastfeeding after the first six weeks have passed. The effectiveness rate with use of depo-provera is around ninety-nine percent. In some women, depo-provera can cause weight gain and depression.
There are advantages to choosing a non-hormone based form of contraception while breastfeeding. Depo-provera and progesterone only birth control pills can increase moodiness and the risk of depression at a time when you may be more susceptible to postpartum depression. In this case, it’s best to talk to your doctor about the possibility of using a cervical cap or diaphragm while nursing if condoms aren’t a suitable option. Non-hormone based birth control methods are recommended whenever possible since no one knows for sure whether the low levels of hormones in birth control pills can increase the risk of breast cancer.
If you’re breastfeeding, give some thought to which form of birth control will work best for you and discuss the various options with your doctor.
Related posts: