Can You Take Birth Control Pills While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding moms may not think birth control is a priority, but since you may ovulate before your first post-partum menstrual period, you should choose a birth control option at six week post-partum or as soon as you resume sexual activity. While there are non-hormonal options, some new mothers may prefer birth control pills.

Types

There are two types of birth control pills. They are progestin-only pills and combination pills. Neither has been proven harmful to babies through their mother's milk, but they have different effect on a mother's milk supply.

Progestin-Only Pills

The best birth control pills for breastfeeding mothers are progestin-only pills. These are commonly referred to as "mini pills." They are least likely to negatively affect a mother's milk supply, or your newborn baby.

Combination Pills

Combination birth control pills, which contain both progestin and estrogen, may reduce a mother's milk supply and disrupt the nursing process. Some physicians are uncomfortable with the lack of long-term studies on the effects of hormones that pass into your milk via combination pills.

Time Frame

The biggest effect on a mother's milk supply is within the first six months after giving birth. If you can hold off that long, it is best to wait until your baby is over six months old to start birth control pills, so that a good milk supply is established.

Considerations

The effect of hormonal birth control on a mother's milk supply is the same, no matter how the contraceptive is administered. Oral contraceptives, implants and patches will all have the same effect, if they they contain the same hormone.