However, before we can truly understand if birth control pills are indeed safe for breastfeeding mothers, first we need to know what they really are, what they contain, and how they work.

About Birth Control Pills


Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that are used to control pregnancy by inhibiting the normal fertility process. There are two types of birth control pills. The first type is the combination pill, which has two synthetic hormones, the progestin, and estrogen. The second type is the minipill or the progestin-only pill, which contains only the progestin component.

How They Work

The synthetic estrogen component, which is only present in the combination pill, works by preventing the ovaries from ovulating or releasing an egg. It also works by suppressing the body’s hormonal pattern.

On the other hand, the synthetic progestin component, which is present in both types of pills, works by inhibiting the egg from traveling through the fallopian tubes and suppressing the sperm’s ability in uniting with the egg. It also works by thickening the cervical mucus, which aids in hindering the movement of the sperm. One mechanism of action that is unique to synthetic progestin is its ability to alter the lining in the uterus, making it impossible for a fertilized egg to implant to the uterine walls.

Are they really safe to be used while breastfeeding?

Whether you choose to use the combination pill (estrogen and progestin) or the minipill (progestin only), they are safe for use in breastfeeding mothers. Both of these components have been approved by the American Academy of Pediatric (AAP).

However, it is recommended that contraceptives that contain estrogen (combination pill) should be deferred until the baby is six months old and has established well on solid foods because estrogen can cause loss of breast milk supply. On the other hand, minipills don’t cause milk supply to dcrease, making them the preferred choice for breastfeeding mothers.

The effects of birth control pills on the mother’s milk

The effects of these birth control pills differ due to the components present. For the combination contraceptive pills, since they contain estrogen, they suppress the mother’s milk production leading to a low milk supply. Not all breastfeeding mothers who take these kinds of pills experience a low milk supply, but it is only in very rare cases.

The minipills or the progestin-only pills do not cause any milk production problems if given at normal doses and if started after about 6-8 weeks after the birth of the baby. However, there have been reports made that these pills can also cause the same milk suppression issues.

Effects of birth control pills on the baby

There have been no evidences found that it can cause side effects and endanger the baby’s health. In fact, studies revealed that there have been no long term problems found in babies and children whose mothers have been taking contraceptive pills while still breastfeeding.

According to one study, the hormones caused a minimal decrease in the lactose, nitrogen, and protein content of the mother’s milk, which lead to fussiness in the baby. But once the mothers stopped taking the pills, a marked improvement of the degree of fussiness of the baby had been seen.

The best choices to make

Now that you know that these synthetic hormones can cause a suppression of the milk supply, it is best to wait until the baby is about 6-8 months before you start using the pill. You don’t have to worry because breastfeeding alone during the first six months can cause a delay in the normal ovulation process, a method called lactational amenorrhea.

Some alternative options that you can use

Other methods that you can use are the calendar method, cervical mucus awareness method, intra uterine devices (IUD), condoms, spermicides, diaphragm, cervical cap and injections such as depo-provera.

Kassie Charles is a lactation educator and contributing writer for Breastfeeding-Magazine.com For more breastfeeding tips and support, visit the site at http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com

Article Source: Are Birth Control Pills Safe while Breastfeeding?

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