Having a healthy diet and a solid intake of nutritious foods is said to be very beneficial for breastfeeding moms. Smoking and consummation of alcohol and drugs need to be avoided at all times because mother’s milk can contain harmful substances which the baby consumes through breastfeeding. But what about birth control while breastfeeding? Can birth control be safely taken? Today’s blog post will tell you more.

Birth control consultation in Doral Beach is a very important service offered by the Doral Beach Gynecology clinic, because it gives the patients all the necessary information when it comes to birth control, and helps them with any potential concerns they might have. Birth control can affect different spheres of a person’s life, so counseling on this topic is crucial for good reproductive health in general.  

Birth Control While Breastfeeding 

It is a common misconception that one cannot get pregnant right after giving birth and during breastfeeding. The chances are lower, but they are still there so due to this, it is important to think about birth control and how to best protect yourself if having another baby is not in your plans. 

There are many effective and safe ways to use birth control without it having any negative effects on your baby’s health, so continue reading to find out what are your options. 

It is very important to talk about contraception with your chosen doctor before giving birth so that you can prepare and plan. Many contraceptive methods can be used right after you give birth, IUDs included. Below we have compiled a list of hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods which are safe to use during breastfeeding. 

Hormonal Contraceptives

Woman Applying Patch On Her Arm At Home

Hormonal contraceptives are methods of pregnancy prevention that contain hormones. Many of them are safe to use during breastfeeding, and they will not affect your baby in any way. There are a few options when it comes to safe hormonal contraceptives, and below we have compiled a list with detailed information on each of them. 

  • Progestin-only contraceptives, better known as the mini-pill, are oral contraceptives that are considered highly effective when it comes to breastfeeding women. Because the mini-pill does not contain both estrogen and progestin, it can have a higher failure rate than other oral birth control, but during breastfeeding women are less fertile, so small doses of contraception go a long way. 

Some studies have even shown that this contraception method positively affects the amount of breast milk and its quality. There is a small chance that the hormones will pass through the milk, but there are no negative effects on the baby noted so far. 

Doctors often advise not taking estrogen-containing pills for the first three weeks post-partum, but afterward, you are free to pick the most preferable option for your particular needs. 

  • The skin patch is a birth control method that contains both estrogen and progestin, so it is important to discuss the usage of this option with your doctor first.
  • Mirena IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains a small number of hormones that get locally released into the uterus. Mirena does not affect the breast milk in any way, so it is safe to insert it during breastfeeding. 

You can check with your chosen doctor if it is possible to get an IUD inserted while you are at the hospital or during your first check-ups because it is more convenient for new mothers, and once an IUD is inserted, you do not have to worry about it for five or more years (depending on the type). 

  • Birth control shot is another safe way of using hormonal birth control while breastfeeding because it does not affect the amount and quality of breast milk. Some studies show that actually, contraceptive shots help with the fat concentration of milk and the composition of minerals and proteins.
  • Birth control implants, such as Nexplanon, can be progestin-only and they are inserted in the upper arm of the patient. This is done at your doctor’s office, and if you are wondering can you breastfeed with implants, note that this method is considered one of the most effective birth control choices when it comes to women who are breastfeeding. It is effective for three years and it can be inserted right after the baby is born. 

Non-Hormonal Contraceptives

Cropped Image of Man Holding a Condom, Sexy Woman Is Lying on Bed in the Background

Non-hormonal contraception is used when the person cannot or does not want to use options containing hormones. Some experts say that breastfeeding can be seen as birth control during the first six months after the newborn is delivered because women do not get their periods, so it is considered safe. This might not be the best option if you really do not want to have another baby, so here are some non-hormonal methods new mothers can use to protect themselves but also preserve the health of their newborn child:

  • Copper IUD is another type of effective birth control, which does not contain hormones. It can last almost 12 years, and it is very convenient for busy new mothers. 
  • Condoms are always a safe non-hormonal option, especially because they cannot have any impact on the milk or the breastfeeding process. The issue with this method can be that condoms can irritate the vagina if it is dry, but you can always use a lubricant. Also, note that this option is not as safe pregnancy-wise as hormonal contraception, but condoms do protect you from STIs and STDs.
  • Cervical caps are birth control options that also do not affect breastfeeding whatsoever. This said, options such as the diaphragm and cervical caps have a higher chance of pregnancy than hormonal birth control, so speak to your doctor about the most suited option for your particular needs. If you have been using these methods prior to your pregnancy, wait until the first check-up to start using them again because you might need a different size than before.
  • Tubal sterilization is a surgical approach considered a permanent method of birth control. It is more known as “tying your tubes”, and the only negative effect it can have on breastfeeding is connected to general anesthesia which can be used during the procedure. When you tie your tubes, it cannot be reversed, so you must be absolutely certain that you do not want to have any more children. 

Call Us!

As mentioned in the beginning, our clinic offers birth control counseling to patients who are not sure how to approach this topic and what choices they might have. Regardless if you are wondering what birth control to choose because you just had a baby, or can you breastfeed with implants, our specialists are here to answer all your questions and guide you through this process. 

Trusting your doctor is one of the most important factors when deciding on having a baby, and the post-partum period is crucial in the healthy development of your child and the preservation of your health.