It is possible to get pregnant again after giving birth during the breastfeeding period, and at that time contraceptive options and the timing of their use are discussed; To avoid pregnancy, which forces him to wonder about the harms of contraceptive pills while breastfeeding, and does it reduce breast secretion of milk? Follow us to learn more about the effects of birth control pills on lactation in this article.

Types of birth control pills

There are progestin-only oral contraceptives, intended for daily use, that are highly effective for women who are breast-feeding. A small amount of the hormone may pass into breast milk but has no known ill effects on a nursing infant. In fact, some studies have indicated a good effect of the hormone on the quantity and quality of breast milk.

As for combined birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, they are approved for lactating women, provided that their milk production becomes stable.

Genera pills and breastfeeding

Genera pills are a type of combined contraceptive pill, which contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone together. Therefore, doctors advise to avoid using Gynera pills during lactation and to choose another method of contraception.

Effects of contraceptive pills on breastfeeding women

In the beginning, you should know, dear mother, that despite the low incidence of pregnancy during breastfeeding, it can happen, so mothers use contraceptive methods, and the most used method is the contraceptive pill because it is easy to use and because it is safe, but it affects the secretion of breast milk.

Combined contraceptive pills usually affect lactation greatly, as they reduce milk secretion by approximately 40%, which affects lactation and thus affects the needs of the child, especially in the first months after his birth, especially if the mother relies on breastfeeding only at first, so doctors do Prescribing the small pill to the mother during the lactation period, because it is safer.

Sometimes mothers may need to use combination pills, but the doctor does not prescribe them until 5 to 6 weeks after giving birth, especially since their use increases the possibility of blood clots forming for the mother, so the doctor does not prescribe them directly even if the mother is breastfeeding the child with formula.

And if the pills are taken before the end of the six-month breastfeeding period, it may lead to breastfeeding problems.

Contraceptive pill damage

After clarifying the harms of birth control pills while breastfeeding, here are some of the side effects of birth control pills in general, including the following:

• Combined contraceptive pills have a significant effect on milk production.
• Presence of vaginal bleeding.
• Black spots may appear on the skin.
• Some pills also cause nausea with water retention in the mother. The breasts also tend to ache if the baby touches them too hard while feeding.
• Hormones also tend to cause mood swings in the mother.
• Mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes if they take progesterone-only pills.
• Blurred vision.
• severe headache

What are the alternatives to birth control pills for a breastfeeding woman?

There are some safe alternatives to avoid the harm of contraceptive pills while breastfeeding, including the following:

condoms

Condoms can be used without affecting breastfeeding. A breastfeeding mother’s vagina may be drier than usual, which can make condoms a little painful. Some may resort to using additional lubrication.

barrier methods

Diaphragm and cervical cap methods with the use of spermicides have no effect on breastfeeding.

The copper IUD

It is a suitable non-hormonal alternative in emergency cases to prevent pregnancy, as it is considered an effective and safe method during lactation, as it does not affect the quality and quantity of breast milk.

In conclusion, after you learned about the harms of birth control pills during breastfeeding and what are the side effects of birth control pills and safe alternatives during lactation, you should consult your doctor about the type of contraceptive method that is safe for you and the extent of its effect on lactation to determine the most appropriate for you and your child.