The contraceptive pill most suitable for the period of breastfeeding is the one with only progesterone, such as Cerazette, a contraceptive pill of continuous use. Other contraceptive names indicated for the breastfeeding phase are Micronor, Minipil and Depo-Provera, which is injectable.
Until when should I take the breastfeeding pill
It is recommended to take the pill with 1 hormone, which is a little weaker than the combined pill, until the baby suckles only 1 or 2 times a day. When the baby reaches this stage, which should be around 9 months to 1 year of age, the mother can return to using the same contraceptive method she used before becoming pregnant, but always under the guidance of her gynecologist.
See also: How to choose the best contraceptive method.
How to take contraceptives in breastfeeding
The birth control pill with 1 hormone may begin to be taken 15 days after delivery or at any other time during breastfeeding. It is recommended to return to sexual intercourse after 15 days from the beginning of the card, to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
The use of the birth control pill during breastfeeding should be done daily, strictly at the same time, without time interval between the boxes, until the baby stops breastfeeding exclusively. At this time, the woman should return to the pill containing 2 associated hormones to increase its effectiveness against pregnancy.
Effects of contraception on breastfeeding
The main effect of the use of the contraceptive pill in breastfeeding is to avoid pregnancy. But, during the use of the pill of continuous use, it is possible that the woman:
- Have a small decrease in breast milk;
- Get without monthly bleeding or bleeding several days a month;
- Have fluid retention.
The effects of the combined pill on the still-breastfeeding baby are not fully understood but it is known that a small amount of the combined pill passes into the milk and can be harmful in the long term and that is why it is recommended to take only the mini-pill while the baby is nursing more than 2 times a day. See when to go to postpartum appointments.
Other methods of contraception in breastfeeding
In addition to the mini-pill, other contraceptive methods that may be used during breastfeeding are:
- condom; IUD with or without hormones; progesterone injection;
- vaginal ring / diaphragm or implant.
Interrupted intercourse and tablet are not effective contraceptive methods and can lead to an unwanted pregnancy. If in doubt, the gynecologist can indicate the best solution.
Does breastfeeding work as a contraceptive method?
Breastfeeding only serves as a contraceptive method if the baby is exclusively breastfed, without eating any other type of food, milk or bottle. This is because when the baby suckles several times a day and with a lot of suction intensity the woman's organism inhibits ovulation and, therefore, does not enter the fertile period. Despite this, there are women who have been able to get pregnant yet, and therefore, doctors do not indicate breastfeeding as a contraceptive method. Learn more in: Pregnancy in breastfeeding.
