Can I Be On Birth-Control Pills And Breastfeed At The Same Time?

This question comes up in every one of my prenatal breastfeeding classes. The simple answer is "yes", but there are some important factors to consider...

If you plan to use birth control pills while breastfeeding, your safest bet is to take a progestin-only pill (also called the "mini pill"). Regular birth-control pills, the Patch, and the Ring typically contain estrogen, which is best to avoid during lactation. When estrogen levels rise, milk supply can drop dramatically. On the progestin-only pill, you will not have those issues. The only minor glitch is that you have to take the mini-pill at the same time every day, so you must be wary of that. Otherwise, it's an excellent contraceptive option.