Oral contraceptives contraindicated for nursing mother

F.S. Schroeder (Eureka, Montana) asked: Is it wise or advisable for a nursing mother to take oral contraceptives? Answer (by W.N. Spellacy): It is neither wise nor advisable to prescribe oral contraceptives to nursing mothers. This is because the steroid components, as is the case with most drugs, are excreted into the milk. Their effects on the neonate are variable and dose-dependent. For example, an androgen-type progestagen may masculinize a female infant, and steroid metabolites may contribute to neonatal jaundice. Accordingly, most pharmaceutical companies include a Food and Drug Administration approved statement in their drug advertisements under warnings: A small fraction of the hormonal agents in oral contraceptives has been identified in the milk of mothers receiving these drugs. The long-range effect to the nursing infant cannot be determined at this time.