Contraceptives for breastfeeding women: everything you need to know

If you have doubts about using contraceptives for breastfeeding, this is your lucky day! The gynecologist and obstetrician Karina Tafner (CRM-SP 118066) took our doubts on the subject so you know exactly what to do. Look that:

Can someone who is breastfeeding take birth control?

Karina points out that starting contraception during the postpartum period is very important to prevent a new pregnancy. Therefore, the use of contraceptives, even among breastfeeding women, can be performed and is essential to avoid another pregnancy at this time. “Conception should be started from 6 weeks after delivery, and it is advisable not to exceed the period of 6 months without using protection (exclusive breastfeeding time)”, says the doctor.

In women who are exclusively breastfeeding, lactational amenorrhea can be an effective contraceptive method, but for this, breastfeeding must be practiced 24 hours a day, with about 6 or more feedings and an average duration of at least 15 minutes. to keep ovulation blocked. From the moment the baby starts sleeping more and breastfeeding less frequently, the mother is already at risk of becoming pregnant.

In artificially breastfed women, the first postpartum ovulation occurs after 6 weeks of birth. In these cases, the start of contraception should be after the third week of delivery.

Side effects

During the lactation period, attention should be paid to the possible effects that the chosen contraception may have on lactation and the newborn. Thus, any method that potentially interferes with breastfeeding is of concern.

The increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among postpartum women, particularly in the first 6 weeks, contraindicates any contraceptive method that contains estrogen, as it would add an additional risk to the chances of VTE. In addition, they can decrease milk production. Therefore, lactating women should choose contraceptives that contain only progesterone.

What contraceptives are recommended for breastfeeding women?

The gynecologist and obstetrician indicated the types of mini contraceptive pills available in Brazil that follow medical advice for breastfeeding women. Take a look at what they are:

• Norethisterone hormone: found in the drugs Norestin and Micronor (350 mcg/day);
• Linestrenol Hormone: Found in the Exluton Pill (500 mcg/day);
• Desogestrel hormone: found in Cerazette, Nactali and Juliet (75 ug/day).

In addition to the contraceptive consisting of only progesterone, contraceptives indicated during breastfeeding are barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal implants and injectable hormonal methods that contain only progesterone, as pointed out by Karina.

Experience of those who have used it and more information

To understand more about it, release play in the sequence of videos! It’s professional information and experiences from other women that can help you. Follow up!

Postpartum contraception options

In this video, a gynecologist and obstetrician informs us about the postpartum period, as well as options for contraceptive methods for moms. She understands which is best for each woman and how to deal with the lactation period. Check out!

Experience of those who use contraceptives and breastfeed

If you are looking for the experience of those who went through this phase, follow the video! In it, you find out what it was like for a mother who used one of the indicated contraceptive options for breastfeeding women. Take a look!

What was it like to take birth control while breastfeeding?

To check out another breastfeeding experience that used the contraceptive pill, click on the video! You will find out if the contraceptive has dried up the milk and made the mother fat. In addition to clearing any doubts.

Can we solve your doubts about contraceptives for breastfeeding mothers? Take advantage of the information and take care of yourself and your little one, remembering to always consult a doctor to find out what is best for you. For a more special moment, also check out tips on breastfeeding armchairs!