- Hormonal contraceptives for breastfeeding mothers - Important Information
- Harm
How progestin gets into the milk, and whether it will not hurt the baby?
If you use progestin contraception in milk gets only a small amount of progestin. While receiving progestin tablets, for example, the progestin in breast milk is only 1-6% of its level in the mother's blood.
Numerous studies so far have not revealed any adverse effects of progestin on breast-feeding, and do not increase the weight of the child's health and development. Most experts on family planning, and many organizations, including the World Health Organization believe that progestin-only contraceptives are ideal for nursing mothers.
When can I start taking progestin-only contraceptives?
In this regard, experts can not yet come to a consensus. Some believe that the use of contraceptives can be started only six weeks after childbirth, when breastfeeding and the child is stabilized a little older. In addition to this period women tend to have sexual relationships.
Other experts say that women are going to feed your baby not only breast milk, but also substitutes, and are not sure how long they will continue breastfeeding can start taking progestin-only contraception in three weeks after giving birth.
If you are breastfeeding and taking hormonal contraceptives until the sixth week of pregnancy, however, is highly unlikely. Women who have given up breastfeeding, it makes sense to start using contraception before.
What disadvantages have progestin contraceptives?
While progestin-only contraceptives are considered safe for nursing mothers, some women can not be taken for medical reasons. At the same time, some women who are contraindicated combined contraceptives (due to estrogen) tolerate receiving progestin contraceptives.
The most common complaint of progestin-only contraceptives - vaginal bleeding, beginning on or during menstruation. In some women, and they cause side effects such as weight gain, headaches and nausea
Nausea - there may be problems with the nervous system
. Unlike condoms, hormonal contraceptives (any) does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases through, so they should be used only for those who are in a stable relationship with a reliable partner.
In any case, before you start using progestin contraceptives, you must discuss it in detail with your doctor. Based on your medical history and personal preferences, he will be able to decide what contraception is best for you.