Is it safe to use birth control while breastfeeding?

Deciding to breastfeed is a uniquely personal decision — and so is your birth control choice. While you wait to welcome your little one, chances are you’ve got questions. What birth control methods can I use while breastfeeding? Are birth control pills safe to use while breastfeeding?

From non-hormonal methods (including copper types of IUDs, condoms, and diaphragms) to hormonal options, many effective birth control methods can be used while breastfeeding¹. However, there are some considerations that should be taken into account. Read on to learn more!

How do different methods of birth control affect breastfeeding?

Looking for a list of contraceptive choices for breastfeeding moms? Among all the different choices of contraception available, deciding what’s right for you while breastfeeding has different considerations. Wherever you are in your family planning journey, let’s explore the different types of birth control and considerations for each when it comes to breastfeeding. Be sure to consult with your doctor prior to giving birth on what birth control methods will be best for you.

 

Birth Control Type	Examples	Considerations for Breastfeeding	Recommended Timing Following Childbirth
Progestin-Only Methods	Mini-pill – like Opill®, injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera), the contraceptive implant and Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)	Contains only progestin Does not affect milk supply.	Can be started right after childbirth.†
Combination Hormonal Contraceptives	Combination Birth Control Pills, the Patch, Vaginal Ring	Contains both estrogen and progestin. Estrogen may affect milk supply and increase risk for blood clots.	Can start using 4–6 weeks postpartum when milk supply has already been established and risk of postpartum blood clots is lower.
Non-Hormonal Barrier Methods	Condoms, diaphragms, the sponge, and other barrier methods	Non-hormonal methods do not affect breastfeeding.	Condoms can be used soon after birth.† Diaphragms and other barrier methods can be used 6 weeks after childbirth.+
Non-Hormonal, Non-Barrier Methods	Copper IUD	Long-acting, non-hormonal birth control method that does not affect breastfeeding.	Copper IUDs can be inserted as soon as immediately postpartum.†

+Diaphragms and cervical caps should be refitted after childbirth.
†Most HCPs recommend that individuals abstain from intercourse for approximately 4-6 weeks post delivery

Can you use birth control pills while breastfeeding?

One common question is: Is it safe to be on birth control pills while breastfeeding? The short answer: Yes, you can use birth control pills while breastfeeding, but the timing of use following childbirth will depend on the type of birth control pills you choose to use .

Are combination birth control pills safe to use while breastfeeding?

If you wish to use combination pills (COCs) containing estrogen, you should wait 4-6 weeks after childbirth to begin taking them as estrogen can affect milk supply and increase the risk of postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE, or blood clots). Even if you are not breastfeeding, delaying the use of any contraceptive containing estrogen is recommended to reduce blood clot risk. Consult with your doctor for more information and considerations that are unique to you.

The mini-pill and breastfeeding: Are progestin-only birth control pills like Opill^® safe while breastfeeding?

Yes. The mini-pill, also known as the “progestin-only” pill (POP), is considered safe to use while breastfeeding and can be started as soon as you give birth.** Mini-pills, like Opill^®, are often recommended for breastfeeding mothers because it doesn’t contain the hormone estrogen, which can potentially affect milk supply. The progestin in the mini-pill, on the other hand, does not impact breast milk supply.

In fact, data demonstrates¹ that small amounts of progestin may pass into the breast milk; however, no adverse effects have been found on either breastfeeding performance or infant health.

If you’re still not sure where to start, be sure to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your individual circumstances. After all, everyone’s different — and you deserve support in making the right choice for you.

When can I start taking birth control pills after childbirth?

When you can start taking birth control pills after childbirth depends on the type of pill you’re taking. If you need to start right away, you can start taking progestin-only pills soon after birth— no need to wait even if you are breastfeeding.²

Most healthcare professionals recommend waiting to have sex until 4-6 weeks after childbirth to allow your body to recover. If you choose to have sex and don’t want to become pregnant, there are birth control options for right after baby is born, including progestin-only birth control like Opill^®.***

Unlike progestin-only pills, you should wait 4-6 weeks after giving birth to start taking combined hormonal pills.³

Does birth control affect milk supply?

Some hormonal methods of contraception may affect milk supply in the early weeks after childbirth, such as combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) including combined oral contraceptives (COCs), the patch, or the vaginal ring that contain both estrogen and progestin.

The estrogen in CHCs may affect milk production in the early postpartum period. Doctors recommend waiting 4-6 weeks postpartum before starting any type of combined hormonal contraception that includes estrogen, such as the patch, vaginal ring, or combination pill (COCs). This is to help establish breastfeeding and to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots) in the early postpartum weeks.

If starting birth control within 4-6 weeks after childbirth is important to you, consider a progestin-only birth control pill (POP) like Opill^®, injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera^®), a contraceptive implant, or Hormonal Intrauterine Devices (IUDs). In general, progestin-only birth control is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.** They won’t affect milk production. Even better? These methods can be started immediately postpartum.

When considering birth control options while breastfeeding, understanding the general side effects of POP and COC birth control pills and other birth control methods – and their unique effect on breastfeeding – is key. Not sure where to start? Remember: There are several different things to consider when choosing the right birth control for you after childbirth. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Is breastfeeding a form of birth control?

Yes, it can be. Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) uses breastfeeding as a temporary form of birth control but only in specific circumstances. When you exclusively breastfeed, your body naturally stops ovulating which prevents pregnancy. For LAM to be effective, you need to meet all three of the following conditions according to the CDC:⁵

1. Fully or nearly fully breastfeeding. 

   For LAM to be effective, the baby must only be breastfeeding for nutrition. This includes feeding baby at least every 4 hours during the day or at least every 6 hours at night.

2. Less than 6 months after delivering a baby. 

   For LAM to be effective, the woman must be less than 6 months from delivery, by which time almost all women have had the return of menstruation.

3. Maternal Amenorrhea. 

   (Translation: No menstruation). Your period must not have started again. Once menstruation returns it signals fertility has too — even if you’re still breastfeeding.

When all three specific conditions are met, LAM can be 98% effective as a temporary form of birth control.⁶ With that in mind, be sure to consider other birth control options when you no longer meet the relevant criteria. As always, talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Consider Opill^® if you’re breastfeeding

Opill^® provides you with the control and simplicity to access effective₸ and safe daily oral contraception on your terms. Even better? Opill^® can be used any time after childbirth, no need to wait if you’re breastfeeding.*** Life moves fast — and you deserve contraception that can keep up 24/7.

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