Many women think that while breastfeeding, it is unnecessary to use any contraceptive method to avoid getting pregnant because ovulation does not occur. However, it is essential to note that not all women react in the same way. Therefore, many of them are at risk of becoming pregnant, even during breastfeeding.
Taking contraceptives or consuming the morning-after pill during breastfeeding can generate uncertainty or mistrust. In this FastlyHealarticle, we detail, “Can I take the morning-after pill if I am breastfeeding?”
Table of Contents
Contraceptive methods during breastfeeding
It is essential to bear in mind that the mere fact of breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and the signs that are presented by the secretion of prolactin. This hormone is secreted during the lactation period. Despite this, you should not stop using birth control pills if required.
For women, this activity can be a form of contraception, as long as the following parameters are met:
- Not having menstruated since the moment of delivery.
- The baby breastfeeds every 3 to 4 hours daily.
- The child is only breastfed for the first six months of life.
Breastfeeding cannot be used as a 100% reliable contraceptive method. Women who are in this period and do not want to become pregnant again should resort to the use of contraceptives that are safe for both themselves and the baby.
The ideal is to take a contraceptive that does not reduce the amount of breast milk produced since otherwise the baby will be affected.
The birth, as mentioned above, control pills contain estrogen and progesterone. Estrogens during lactation are low, so the production of breast milk decreases. On the other hand, progesterone increases during the lactation period and increases breast milk production.
Using progesterone-only birth control pills is an excellent option for both mother and breastfeeding child. There is also a progesterone injection called the Depo Provera shot. It is given every three months and is a safe option while breastfeeding.
The IUD is another safe contraceptive option. Some of these devices contain small amounts of progesterone released little by little.
What is the morning-after pill for?
The morning-after pill is a method used to prevent pregnancy. It is also called an emergency method since it prevents pregnancy up to 5 days after having sexual intercourse. It works by preventing the release of the ovum to prevent ovulation, but at no time should it be the first choice as a contraceptive method.
The morning-after pill is indicated:
- When you have unprotected sex, you are not using any contraceptive method.
- In cases where you are the victim of a sexual assault or the contraceptive method failed, for example, the breakage of the condom.
You can continue informing yourself in the article How often to take the morning-after pill.
What are the components of the morning after pill?
Some morning-after pills contain 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic steroid that behaves like the hormone progesterone. It responds to its synthetic form. Its mechanism of action is to prevent or delay ovulation, especially in the pre-ovulatory phase, where the chances of fertilization are increased.
There is another type that contains Ulipristal acetate, and its trade name is Ella; it can be used up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.
There are morning-after pills that use the combination of estrogens and progesterone, and they have the same effectiveness as progesterone alone.
Can I take the morning after pill if I am breastfeeding?
The morning after pill can be taken despite breastfeeding in cases where the usual contraceptive methods have failed or are not sure about them. The one recommended by gynecologists is levonorgestrel, as it is a safe method for these reasons:
- It does not affect the quality or quantity of the milk.
- The development and growth of infants are not affected.
- The amount that is excreted through breast milk is minimal.
Side effects of the morning-after pill
It should be taken into account that the morning-after pill can cause side effects, which appear for a few days, such as:
- Headache.
- Dizziness
- Sickness.
- Threw up.
- Tender breasts can sometimes be accompanied by pain.
- Increase or decrease in menstrual bleeding.
- Breakthrough bleeding
These side effects should be consulted with the specialist doctor if they occur. It is essential to take into account what are the components of this pill, as well as what effects it may have on the baby who is receiving breastfeeding. During lactation, self-medication should be avoided, everything that is ingested should be consulted with a trusted doctor.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can I take the morning after pill if I am breastfeeding? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.