Q

Is it safe to take the birth control pill while breastfeeding?


A

Oral contraceptives containing estrogen are not recommended for the nursing mother. And many health care providers are concerned that all hormone combinations that suppress ovulation may have short- and long-term adverse effects on breastfeeding infants because small amounts of hormones do appear in breastmilk. The pills containing estrogen also can significantly reduce your milk supply.

source

I'm surprised your doctor didn't mention any alternative contraception methods when you asked for the pill and he said no. I guess barrier methods would be safest because they aren't ingested. Condoms, IUD without hormones, etc.

You need to get on the mini pill. It doesn't have all the same hormones as regular BC (forgive me, I can't quite remember but I THINK it's progesterone only... I'm sure someone will correct me though) but it's certainly better than nothing.

Don't let your doctor tell you that you don't need BC because you're breastfeeding exclusively. Many a woman has ended up finding out she's pregnant at the 2 month well baby check after beleiving that BF was perfect birth control.

With a baby that small I'd be making BC a top priority. The regular pill is off limits, but there's IUD, Spericide condoms, the sponge condoms or good old abstinence.

Breast Feeding is NOT a birth control method!!

I'm not exactly sure if BC pills affect the milk, but I definitely won't be on them. Condoms work just as well.

Your doctor saying he won't PRESCRIBE any BC means he doesn't want you on hormones.

i know breast feeding isnt a BC method, thats why i wanted everyone's advice....i think my doctor is an fool....he didnt even examine me at ANY checkup i went to for me or Emma....which is stupid. is there any major known risk to having an implant or whatever for birth control?

You can take the mini-pill while breast feeding. Call and make a birth control appointment with your doctor.

But her doctor already refused to do this. Maybe she needs a new one?

As patients, we are responsible for our own care. I think, if she went in to see her doctor armed with knowledge, he would give her the prescription for birth control.

I'm really unsure why he said he'd wait until the baby is 8 months old... that seems like asking for another pregnancy. If a patient WANTS birth control, they can get it.

Wow Saragirl, it sounds like it's time for another doctor. I'd be sorely tempted to call your doctor and give him a peice of my mind if I were you. I mean, what if you weren't as intelligent and educated as your are, took his word instead of questioning and wound up pregnant again? That would be awful, I wonder how many other people he's spreading misinformatino to.

When you sayimplat do you mean the norplant (that's the one in the arm right?) or an IUD? Some IUD's are not hormonal, are easy insert (especially after you havea child) and carry very little risk. I beleive the only real risks are expulsion and a tiny chance of a perforated uterus and infection.

I'm pretty ignorant about the arm implant, but if it's hormonal BC it's probably not great for breastfeeding moms.

Saragirl, is there any way you can call a nurse hotline and discuss your options?

Also, have you seen this website? ratemds.com? It might be handy when choosing a new doctor. You may also want to write a little something about your current doctor.

ill check that site out...thanks. im going crazy i think lol. i think my doctor is new, but that doesn't excuse his behaviour i don't think. he should know his patients come first.

Definitly check out the "mini pill" its perscribed to most breastfeeding mothers, although some mothers do risk the chance and take regular BC while breastfeeding it is highly not reccomended. However the mini pill is! Ask about it as well!