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Progestin-only pill use and pill switching during breastfeeding
Contraception
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Breastfeeding women can safely use progestin-only pills (POPs) throughout lactation. Experts recommend continuing POPs unless a switch to combined estrogen-progestin pills (COCs) is desired after six months postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Family Planning
- Lactation Pharmacology
Background:
- Expert consensus was sought regarding contraceptive pill use during breastfeeding.
- Specific focus on progestin-only pills (POPs) versus combined estrogen-progestin pills (COCs) in lactating women.
Discussion:
- Progestin-only pills (POPs) are deemed safe and effective for contraception throughout the entire lactation period.
- No mandatory need exists for breastfeeding women to switch from POPs to other contraceptive methods.
Key Insights:
- International experts in reproductive endocrinology and family planning support continued POP use during breastfeeding.
- Switching to combined estrogen-progestin pills (COCs) is permissible for breastfeeding women after six months postpartum, if desired.
Outlook:
- Continued use of POPs as a primary contraceptive choice for breastfeeding women.
- Consideration of COCs as an alternative after the initial six-month postpartum period.