Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs Birth Control While Breastfeeding Safe?Benefits of ContraceptionRisks of Birth Control While BreastfeedingTypes of ContraceptionWhen to Begin Taking Birth Control PostpartumFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is Birth Control While Breastfeeding Safe?
Benefits of Contraception
Risks of Birth Control While Breastfeeding
Types of Contraception
When to Begin Taking Birth Control Postpartum
Frequently Asked Questions
This article will discuss the safety of breastfeeding while using birth control, potential benefits and risks, contraceptive options for breastfeeding parents, and the importance of timing when beginning birth control postpartum.
Verywell / Shideh Ghanderharizadeh
For the first three weeks after giving birth, you should not use a method that has the hormoneestrogen, like the pill, patch, or ring.After six weeks, you can start any of these medications—sometimes at three weeks if you have no risk factors and are not breastfeeding.
While it’s a good idea to discuss your birth control options with your doctor prior to giving birth, you will have time to decide which type is right for you postpartum: Most doctors recommend that new parents avoid sex for six weeks while recovering from labor and delivery.
Birth Control Effectiveness and Comparison
Babies with these health conditions are more likely to have long-term health problems or even die compared with babies without the conditions.
One of the biggest drawbacks of using birth control while breastfeeding is lowered milk supply, but this is usually relevant only when hormonal methods containing estrogen are used.
Estrogen may decrease milk supply and cause you to stop breastfeeding earlier than nonhormonal or progestin-only contraceptive methods.
Reduced milk supply can cause a number of issues for your newborn, including:
Given the risks associated with estrogen contraceptives, progestin-only birth control options are preferred.Hormonal birth control that contains estrogen can include the pill,NuvaRing, and a skin patch.
Finally, during the postpartum period, people who have just given birth are at higher risk of developing blood clots deep in the body. This is known asdeep vein thrombosis(DVT). Combined hormonal options of birth control, which contain both estrogen and progesterone, raise this risk further.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Intrauterine devices(IUDs) are the most effective form of birth control. 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 seven 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.
There is only one nonhormonal IUD available, and that is Paragard. It is made of copper and does not affect the quality or quantity of breast milk. It is safe and effective for 10 years.Your risk of infection is slightly greater with an IUD.
Minipill
Theminipillis a progestin-only option for birth control. It’s highly effective, but must be taken daily, and at the same time, for it to work. It has a slightly higher failure rate for contraception compared with the regular pill, but because people who are breastfeeding aren’t as fertile, it is usually not an issue.
What to Do if You Miss a Birth Control Pill
Birth Control Pills
There are two types of birth control pills: combination and progestin-only pills. Combination pills are daily pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, and they are the most common type of birth control pills. However, they are not generally recommended until about six weeks postpartum because they contain estrogen, which can lower milk supply.
Choosing a Combination Birth Control Pill
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.
Depo-Provera Shot
TheDepo-Proverainjection preventsovulation, and a new shot is needed every three months in either the arm or the buttocks. You can get your first shot immediately after childbirth.
Pros and Cons of the Depo-Provera Shot
Nonhormonal Birth Control
Besides certain types of IUD, other nonhormonal birth control methods include:
It’s important to note that these options are much less effective than hormonal birth control. The typical failure rates are 13% for external condoms, 21% for internal condoms, and 17% for a diaphragm or cervical cap.
If you used a diaphragm or cervical cap in the past, wait until your postpartum checkup to begin using that method again. Most doctors recommend that you don’t put anything in your vagina until that checkup.You may also need a new size.
RecapThere are a number of effective birth control options for people who are breastfeeding or chest feeding, including both hormonal and nonhormonal choices. IUDs and arm implants are the most effective forms of birth control, and progestin-only hormonal options are preferred, especially in the beginning.
Recap
There are a number of effective birth control options for people who are breastfeeding or chest feeding, including both hormonal and nonhormonal choices. IUDs and arm implants are the most effective forms of birth control, and progestin-only hormonal options are preferred, especially in the beginning.
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.
Timing matters when it comes to inserting an IUD since the chance of the implant being expelled is dependent on how soon after birth it is inserted. For some, the best option is to get the IUD immediately after delivery, which poses a 10% risk of expulsion, or to wait about four to six weeks postpartum, when the risk drops to less than 4% overall.
You can have an implant inserted immediately after a vaginal birth or a cesarean section, and you can get birth control injections immediately after giving birth as well.
Combination birth control pills should be introduced later on, when milk supply is well established, at around four to six weeks.
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. Knowing your contraceptive options while breastfeeding gives you the power to make the right choice for yourself and your family. 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. Talk to your doctor about what method of birth control is right for you, being open and honest about your concerns.
Hormonal birth control containing more than 30 micrograms (mcg) daily ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) can suppress lactation. 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.
It depends on the form you use. For example, those who get an IUD will see reduced flow or may not get a period at all.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Planned Parenthood.What’s the best birth control option while breastfeeding?March of Dimes.How long should you wait before getting pregnant again?Cormick G, Betrán AP, Ciapponi A, Hall DR, Hofmeyr GJ; calcium and Pre-eclampsia Study Group.Inter-pregnancy interval and risk of recurrent pre-eclampsia: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Health. 13(1):83. doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0197-xCleveland Clinic.Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology, Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Work Group.Practice Bulletin No. 186: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.Obstet Gynecol. 130(5):e251-e269. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002400Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception and birth control.Armstrong MA, Raine-Bennett T, Reed SD, et al.Association of the timing of postpartum intrauterine device insertion and breastfeeding with risks of intrauterine device expulsion.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e2148474. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.48474
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Planned Parenthood.What’s the best birth control option while breastfeeding?March of Dimes.How long should you wait before getting pregnant again?Cormick G, Betrán AP, Ciapponi A, Hall DR, Hofmeyr GJ; calcium and Pre-eclampsia Study Group.Inter-pregnancy interval and risk of recurrent pre-eclampsia: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Health. 13(1):83. doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0197-xCleveland Clinic.Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology, Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Work Group.Practice Bulletin No. 186: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.Obstet Gynecol. 130(5):e251-e269. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002400Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception and birth control.Armstrong MA, Raine-Bennett T, Reed SD, et al.Association of the timing of postpartum intrauterine device insertion and breastfeeding with risks of intrauterine device expulsion.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e2148474. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.48474
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Planned Parenthood.What’s the best birth control option while breastfeeding?March of Dimes.How long should you wait before getting pregnant again?Cormick G, Betrán AP, Ciapponi A, Hall DR, Hofmeyr GJ; calcium and Pre-eclampsia Study Group.Inter-pregnancy interval and risk of recurrent pre-eclampsia: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Health. 13(1):83. doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0197-xCleveland Clinic.Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology, Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Work Group.Practice Bulletin No. 186: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.Obstet Gynecol. 130(5):e251-e269. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002400Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception and birth control.Armstrong MA, Raine-Bennett T, Reed SD, et al.Association of the timing of postpartum intrauterine device insertion and breastfeeding with risks of intrauterine device expulsion.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e2148474. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.48474
Planned Parenthood.What’s the best birth control option while breastfeeding?
March of Dimes.How long should you wait before getting pregnant again?
Cormick G, Betrán AP, Ciapponi A, Hall DR, Hofmeyr GJ; calcium and Pre-eclampsia Study Group.Inter-pregnancy interval and risk of recurrent pre-eclampsia: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Health. 13(1):83. doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0197-x
Cleveland Clinic.Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum birth control.
Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology, Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Work Group.Practice Bulletin No. 186: Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.Obstet Gynecol. 130(5):e251-e269. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002400
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception and birth control.
Armstrong MA, Raine-Bennett T, Reed SD, et al.Association of the timing of postpartum intrauterine device insertion and breastfeeding with risks of intrauterine device expulsion.JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e2148474. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.48474
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