Breastfeeding and Birth Control 101: Which Methods are Compatible?
Breastfeeding and Birth Control 101: Which Methods are Compatible?
Deciding on birth control after having a baby can be a tricky task, especially for nursing mothers. Many women wonder if various contraception options are safe and effective while breastfeeding. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most popular birth control methods and their compatibility with breastfeeding.
Hormonal vs Non-Hormonal
The first decision involves hormonal versus non-hormonal contraception. Hormonal options like the pill, patch, ring, shot and implant contain estrogen and/or progestin. These hormones likely affect milk supply to some degree. However, small amounts like in mini-pills may not cause issues. Talk to your doctor about the latest research. Non-hormonal methods including condoms, diaphragms, copper IUDs, natural family planning and outercourse avoid hormones altogether.
IUDs and Implants
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants are top choices for breastfeeding moms. The hormone doses tend to be low and localized, meaning less gets into breastmilk. The non-hormonal Paragard copper IUD provides 10+ years of protection with no hormones at all. Mirena and Skyla IUDs use only progestin, which some studies find compatible with nursing. The Nexplanon arm implant also contains progestin and prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years.
Mini-Pills
These progestin-only pills, also called POPs, are another option. Since they do not contain estrogen, they are considered more breastfeeding-friendly than combination pills. However, regulations still recommend waiting until 6 weeks postpartum to start mini-pills. Possible progestin side effects include reduced milk supply, but many women report no issues. Talk to your medical provider about trying POPs or other short-acting hormones.
Barrier Methods
External and barrier contraceptives like condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps do not introduce hormones into the body, making them generally safe for breastfeeding. Condoms can be combined with other methods for additional protection. Diaphragms and caps must be properly sized and require appointment fittings - so plan ahead if interested. Using spermicides with barriers may also be an option, but can come with side effects.
Natural Family Planning
Also called fertility awareness, natural methods involve tracking menstrual cycles to predict ovulation. Options include calendar calculations, cervical mucus checks, basal body temperature readings and LH urine test strips. These tools help determine fertile versus non-fertile days each month. Avoiding unprotected sex during fertile windows prevents pregnancy. Natural methods require diligent daily tracking, especially for inconsistent postpartum cycles. But they give nursing moms non-hormonal control without devices or medications.
The Breakdown
No contraception is guaranteed to be 100% effective or free of side effects. But methods like LARCs, mini-pills, barriers and natural family planning avoid estrogen and use low hormone doses. These options enable mothers to safely space pregnancies while breastfeeding exclusively and on-demand. Discuss your preferences and concerns with medical providers to determine the best birth control solution for your needs.
