How Fast Does Birth Control Dry Up Breast Milk
If you’re a new mom considering taking birth control that contains estrogen, one of the biggest concerns is how it will affect your breastmilk supply. Does birth control dry up breast milk? The short answer is yes, depending on the type of birth control you use.
The hormones in birth control pills, patches or vaginal rings contain estrogen and progesterone, which can suppress lactation and decrease milk supply. However, it’s important to note that every woman is different and the degree to which birth control affects their milk supply can vary.
So, how fast does birth control dry up breast milk? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. Some women may experience a drop in milk supply within a few days of starting birth control, while others may not notice a decrease until a few weeks or months later. Factors such as the type of birth control, dosage, and how sensitive a woman is to the hormones all play a role in determining how quickly the milk supply is affected.
How Birth Control Affects Breast Milk Production
Breastfeeding is the best nutrition a mother can provide for her little one, but there are instances when a mother might decide to stop breastfeeding. For mothers who choose to discontinue breastfeeding, they might consider using birth control for a variety of reasons. First, however, it’s important to know that some types of birth control could affect breast milk production and lead to early weaning.
The estrogen in some types of birth control can decrease milk production and cause milk to dry up. In addition, estrogen can interfere with the milk-producing hormone prolactin and disrupt the milk supply. Progestin-only birth control pills, patches, implants, and injections, on the other hand, do not contain estrogen and do not generally affect milk production.
Suppose a mother is considering using birth control soon after delivery. In that case, it’s important to know that initiating breast milk production is a delicate process, and any interference can hinder the breastfeeding relationship. Therefore, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends waiting at least six weeks after delivery before starting hormonal birth control. This time frame allows for a mother’s milk supply to stabilize.
It’s also important to note that stopping breastfeeding abruptly can lead to engorgement and discomfort, which could lead to infection and other complications. So instead of stopping breastfeeding altogether, it’s recommended to gradually reduce the frequency and duration of nursing sessions to help the breast milk dry up naturally and prevent discomfort.
In conclusion, some types of birth control can affect breast milk production and lead to early weaning. Therefore, mothers should wait at least six weeks after delivery before starting any hormonal birth control, and they should gradually reduce the frequency and duration of nursing sessions to allow their breast milk to dry up naturally. As always, consult a healthcare provider to determine which form of birth control is best for you and your baby.
If breastfeeding and considering using birth control, it’s important to be aware of potential effects on your milk supply. While some types of birth control have little to no impact on breast milk supply, others can lead to a decrease in supply or even complete drying up of breast milk.
The Most Common Types Of Birth Control That New Mothers Use And How They Can Affect Milk Supply
Combined Hormonal Birth Control
Combined hormonal birth control, which contains estrogen and progestin, is the most likely to cause a decrease in milk supply. This is because estrogen can interfere with milk production, while progestin can cause milk to thicken, making it harder for babies to extract milk. Some examples of combined hormonal birth control include the pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring. However, it’s important to note that the progestin-only pill (also known as the mini-pill) does not contain estrogen and may be a better option for breastfeeding mothers.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only injectable form of birth control. While it’s a convenient option, it can potentially cause a decrease in milk supply. One study found that 64% of women experienced decreased milk supply using Depo-Provera. However, it’s important to note that not all women will experience this side effect.
Progestin-Only Implants
Progestin-only implants, such as Implanon and Nexplanon, are small rods implanted in the arm that release progestin over time. They can potentially cause a decrease in milk supply and should be used cautiously in breastfeeding mothers.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, while hormonal IUDs may not cause a decrease in milk supply, they have been known to cause other breastfeeding-related side effects, such as painful letdowns and longer intervals between feedings.
While some types of birth control can cause a decrease in milk supply, it’s important to remember that not all women will experience this side effect. As a breastfeeding mother, it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor and choose the best birth control method for you and your baby. If you experience a decrease in milk supply, some methods can help you increase your supply and continue breastfeeding.
Tips For Managing A Decrease In Breast Milk Supply While On Birth Control
If you have decided to take birth control while breastfeeding, you may notice a decrease in your breast milk supply. This common side effect of hormonal birth control can concern many new moms. In this section, I’ll provide some tips on managing a decrease in breast milk supply while on birth control.
1. Check with your healthcare provider: If you notice a significant decrease in your breast milk supply, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may be able to recommend alternative birth control options that are less likely to affect your milk supply. They may also be able to suggest supplements or medications to help increase your milk production.
2. Pump or nurse more frequently: To maintain your milk production, try to pump or nurse more frequently. Breastfeeding or pumping at least eight to ten times daily can help increase your milk supply. It’s also important to make sure that you empty your breasts during each feeding session to stimulate milk production.
3. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is important for maintaining your milk supply. Make sure you drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day.
4. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a well-balanced diet can help support your milk production. Ensure you’re consuming enough calories and nutrients to support your health and your baby’s.
5. Manage stress: Stress can negatively impact milk production, so try to manage your stress levels as much as possible. Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.
It’s important to remember that every woman’s body responds differently to birth control, so it’s difficult to predict how fast birth control will dry up your breast milk. However, following the tips outlined above, you can help manage a decrease in your milk supply while on birth control.
Conclusion
While birth control pills are an effective and safe method of contraception, they may cause some women to experience a decrease or complete cessation of breast milk production. If you’re a new mother considering this form of reproductive control and wondering, “how fast does birth control dry up breast milk?” The answer can vary depending on the individual. However, most lactation consultants suggest taking a progestin-only pill and waiting at least two to four weeks after delivery before starting it to minimize the risk of milk supply dwindling.
It’s important to note that lactation suppression isn’t guaranteed and varies from woman to woman. In some cases, women might still produce the same amount or even more milk while on birth control pills. Also, as with any medication, the effects of birth control pills can differ depending on a person’s hormone levels, medical history, and other factors. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting birth control pills as a new mother, especially if breastfeeding your baby.
In addition to birth control pills, other forms of hormonal contraception, such as injections and implants, can also affect breast milk supply. However, non-hormonal options like condoms, diaphragms, and copper IUDs do not interfere with lactation and are suitable for breastfeeding mothers who want to prevent pregnancy while nursing their babies.
In conclusion, while birth control pills are convenient and popular for many women, they may not be the best choice for nursing mothers who want to maintain their milk production. Therefore, it’s essential to consider your options carefully, speak with a healthcare provider, and research the potential effects of any medication before deciding what’s best for you and your baby.
