Birth Control Pills and Breastfeeding: Everything You Need to Know

Duly Care
Jun 17
5 min read

Many women want to avoid pregnancy soon after giving birth, but they also want to continue breastfeeding without any problems. Birth control pills are a commonly used contraceptive method, and are often used for managing other health conditions as well. However, women wonder if these pills are safe to be used while breastfeeding.

Understanding how birth control pills interact with breastfeeding is important to make the right choice. This blog explains how breastfeeding affects the likelihood of getting pregnant, the different types of birth control pills available, and which birth control pills are most suitable for new mothers.

Key Takeaways:

Birth control pills are hormonal medication taken daily to prevent pregnancy. These contain synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
There are two main types of birth control pills — Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCPs), which contain estrogen and progestin, and Progestin-Only Pills (POPs), which contain only progestin.
Breastfeeding can delay the return of fertility and can serve as a natural method of preventing pregnancy (also called the Lactational Amenorrhoea Method), but it is not foolproof. LAM works only under strict conditions and becomes unreliable once breastfeeding patterns change or periods return.
POPs are safe to use right after childbirth and do not affect breast milk. COCPs should be avoided in the first six weeks after delivery because estrogen can reduce breast milk production.

What are Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptive pills, are hormonal medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. These contain synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

There are two main types of birth control pills:

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs), which contain both estrogen and progestin (the synthetic form of progesterone), and
Progestin-only pills (POPs), which contain only progestin.

Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

A lot of women hear that breastfeeding can stop them from getting pregnant. This is partly true, but not always. There’s something called Lactational Amenorrhoea, which is a natural form of temporary infertility that occurs after delivery due to hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. The word lactational means “related to breastfeeding,” and amenorrhoea means “not getting your period.”

How Breastfeeding Affects the Likelihood of Getting Pregnant

When a woman breastfeeds very often, both day and night, her body makes a hormone called prolactin. This hormone helps her make breast milk. It also sends a message to the brain to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg every month. If no egg is released, pregnancy cannot happen. And without an egg to be fertilised by sperm, the uterus lining does not build up and shed. Without a uterine lining to shed, there is no period either.

But this only works if certain conditions are met. Lactational Amenorrhoea is most effective at preventing an unintended pregnancy when the baby is less than six months old, is only having breast milk (no formula or other food), and the woman hasn’t had her period back after childbirth. If all these conditions are true, lactational amenorrhoea can be more than 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.

In case any one of those conditions changes - like the baby starts sleeping longer at night, or is introduced to formula or food, or the woman's period comes back - lactational amenorrhoea becomes less reliable. At that point, she can get pregnant even if she is still breastfeeding.

So, while breastfeeding does give some protection from pregnancy, it’s not a guaranteed method. It works only under strict conditions, and only for a limited time. That’s why many doctors recommend adding another form of birth control if you want to avoid getting pregnant again soon.

Can Birth Control Pills Be Taken While Breastfeeding?

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCPs)

COCPs contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin. While these pills are effective in preventing pregnancy and are the most widely used, they are not the first choice for women who are breastfeeding. This is because estrogen can lower breast milk production, especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding. For this reason, COCPs are usually not recommended during the first six weeks after childbirth.

After six weeks, if breastfeeding is well-established and milk supply is stable, some doctors may consider prescribing COCPs. However, caution is still advised. In many cases, it is preferred to wait until the baby is around six months old, when solid foods are introduced and breastfeeding is less frequent. COCPs should only be started after medical guidance and after ruling out any existing risk factors.

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs)

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs), on the other hand, contain only one hormone: progestin. These pills are considered safe for use during breastfeeding because they do not interfere with milk production. POPs can be started at any time after birth, including within the first few days.

For women who are breastfeeding exclusively or frequently, POPs are usually the first type of birth control recommended. However, POPs must be taken at the same time every day to maintain effectiveness. Missing a dose or taking it late can reduce protection.

Conclusion

In summary, both COCPs and POPs are types of birth control pills, but POPs are better suited for use during breastfeeding. COCPs are generally avoided in the early months after delivery due to the risk of reduced breast milk production and other health factors.

Every woman’s body is different, especially after childbirth. What works for one may not be the best choice for another. Whether choosing progestin-only pills, considering combined oral contraceptives later, or relying on natural methods in the early months, it is important to make informed decisions.

Always consult a doctor before starting any form of birth control, especially during breastfeeding. The right guidance ensures both safety and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the side effects of birth control pills?
Some women experience mild and temporary side effects like nausea, vomiting, mood changes, spotting between periods, breast tenderness, or headaches etc. The chance of side effects depends on the type of pill being used and personal health factors. It is best to consult a doctor for personalised advice.
Is there a natural way to prevent pregnancy?
Yes, methods like the Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) and fertility awareness (tracking signs like cervical mucus and temperature) are considered natural methods of preventing pregnancy. However, these are not foolproof, are less reliable than other methods, only work when certain conditions are met, and require strict tracking and discipline.
When will my period come back postpartum?
It depends on how often you breastfeed. If you are breastfeeding exclusively, periods might not occur for several months. Some women do not get their period until after they stop breastfeeding completely. Others may get it back even while breastfeeding. There is no fixed timeline, since each woman's body is different.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised advice, always consult a doctor.