Can you take birth control while breastfeeding?

Conceiving another child may be the last thing on your mind when you’ve just given birth, but you can get pregnant as soon as four weeks after a delivery. That’s why, if you want to prevent pregnancy and you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding, it’s important to have a contraception plan in place. You might wonder: Can I take birth control while breastfeeding or chestfeeding? 

‍

The short answer is yes—there are several safe and effective postpartum birth control options available to you. In fact, breastfeeding itself is an effective method to prevent pregnancy in certain cases. However, certain methods of birth control may impact your milk production, so working with an expert health care provider to find the best fit is important. Hey Jane offers birth control consultations that evaluate your medical history, lifestyle, and birth control preferences to customize recommendations for your unique situation. You can start your evaluation here and consult with a provider in 1 business day.  

‍

Continue reading to learn more about birth control while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

‍

Is hormonal birth control safe while breastfeeding or chestfeeding?

One of the main considerations when choosing birth control while breastfeeding is whether the method contains estrogen. Estrogen has been known to reduce milk production, especially during the early stages of breastfeeding or chestfeeding when your milk supply is still being established. For this reason, providers often recommend avoiding methods with estrogen until your body establishes its milk supply—typically 40 to 42 days after giving birth—or until you’re done breastfeeding or chestfeeding. This lines up with the typical six week timeline that providers recommend between giving birth and having penetrative sex, but it’s important to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

‍

Progestin-only methods, on the other hand, are generally considered safe for breastfeeding and chestfeeding parents who don’t want to experience changes in milk production and can be used shortly after giving birth. There are also non-hormonal methods, like barrier methods or copper IUDs, that are safe to use while breastfeeding if you’d prefer them.

‍

Best birth control methods while breastfeeding or chestfeeding

If you intend to prevent birth control while breastfeeding or chestfeeding, you have several safe and effective options to choose from. Here’s what you should know about popular methods of contraception while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

‍

Birth control pills

Progestin-only pills, often referred to as the "mini-pill," are a popular choice while breastfeeding. These pills are extremely effective–with perfect use, less than 1 in 100 people taking progestin-only pills will become pregnant–and they don’t interfere with milk production. 

‍

However, combination pills that contain both progestin and estrogen may reduce your milk supply and are generally not recommended during the early months of breastfeeding.

‍

Birth control injections, implants, and patches

Progestin-only injections (like Depo-Provera) and implants (like Nexplanon) are long-lasting and highly effective methods of birth control that are safe for breastfeeding and chestfeeding parents. These options do not contain estrogen and are unlikely to affect milk production. The birth control patch, however, usually contains estrogen and isn’t recommended during breastfeeding due to the potential impact on milk supply.

IUDs

Both hormonal (progestin-only) and non-hormonal (copper) IUDs are safe options for preventing pregnancy while breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of progestin and do not impact milk production, while copper IUDs are hormone-free and offer long-term contraception without any effect on breastfeeding or chestfeeding (plus, they start working immediately). While you can get an IUD as soon as the placenta is delivered, the device may be pushed out by your body naturally depending on when it’s inserted, what type of IUD it is, and whether you had a vaginal or c-section delivery. You can walk through different options with your provider to figure out a plan that works best for you.

‍

Barrier methods

Barrier methods, including condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, are safe to use while breastfeeding or chestfeeding and do not affect your milk supply. These methods are often recommended for people who prefer non-hormonal birth control. If you had a diaphragm or cervical cap before giving birth, talk to your doctor about if they are still safe and effective to use. You may need to be fitted for a new size following childbirth.

‍

Natural family planning

Natural family planning (NFP) involves tracking your menstrual cycle and fertility signals to avoid pregnancy. This method is hormone-free, doesn’t affect milk production, and may help you avoid unwanted side effects of other birth control options. However, it requires careful monitoring and is less effective than other birth control methods. Additionally, breastfeeding or chestfeeding itself can delay the return of regular menstrual cycles, which can complicate the effectiveness of NFP. Fertility-tracking bracelets, monitors, apps, and other products can help you stay on top of your cycle. 

‍

Breastfeeding or chestfeeding

Breastfeeding or chestfeeding can be a very effective form of birth control itself, especially in the first six months postpartum, as it naturally suppresses ovulation. However, it’s important to know that while this method, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), is highly reliable under specific conditions, it can also cause menstrual irregularities. These irregularities may make it difficult to determine if you’ve become pregnant again, which is why it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test periodically if you’re relying on breastfeeding as a form of birth control.

‍

Breastfeeding can be used as birth control when these three conditions are met:

1. You are not having any menstrual periods after delivering a baby
2. You are fully, or nearly fully, breastfeeding or chestfeeding
3. It has been less than 6 months after delivering a baby 

‍

Breastfeeding is a temporary method of birth control, and another birth control method should be used when any of the three conditions are not met.

‍

How soon after giving birth can you start birth control?

When you should start birth control after giving birth varies depending on the method you choose. You can typically start progestin-only pills, injections, and implants immediately after giving birth. IUDs can be inserted right after delivery or at your first postpartum check-up. Barrier methods can be used as soon as you resume sexual activity, while combination pills and the patch should generally be avoided until at least six weeks postpartum, when breastfeeding or chestfeeding is more established and the risk of affecting milk supply is lower.

‍

Navigating birth control while breastfeeding or chestfeeding doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information, you can find a method that works for you without compromising your milk supply or your peace of mind. Hey Jane is here to help you find a method for preventing pregnancy that works for you. We will always respect your wishes for how to refer to your own body, and will ensure your experience is affirming.