Breastfeeding and The Pill

[Ondine]

Hi!

Just wondering if there are any mothers out there who are breastfeeding or part breastfeeding that are on the full strength contraceptive pill (both estrogen and progesterone)?

Anyone know of the side effects of taking the full strength pill whilst breastfeeding? I am only breastfeeding two feeds per day (first and last) and have stopped taking the mini pill (it is pretty ineffective when I forget to take it)! I have found one doctor only who is willing to write a script for the pill for me, provided my blood pressure stays at a more normal level after still suffereing the after effects of pre-eclampsia.

Any info or comments would be fantastic!!?

Ondine

[aardvark]

The oestrogen component of the pill will dry up your milk supply.

You need to stay on progesterone only until you have completely stopped breastfeeding.

[Ondine]

Really? One doctor told me that it was because the oestrogen was excreted through breast milk and the effects on baby are unknown (that is, have not been researched conclusively).

Thanks for letting me know. I will do more research on it!!

[xkwzit]

Hi
My docs also told me that the full pill would affect the milk supply (quantity - noone mentioned the chemicals crossing into BM).

Cheers