Morning after pill whilst breastfeeding

[manxmarie78]

Hi,

Bit embarrassed to say this but last night we had a slight slip up and now am completely panicked because I think I need to take the morning after pill. I've taken it in the past but I'm breast feeding my littlest and I'm worried about all the hormones which is why we were using condoms in the first place. I feel so embarrassed - I'm really not a teenager anymore so I can't believe I'm having sleepless nights over taking the pill!! Has anyone else been in a similar sticky situation?!

Thank you all so much!

Marie

[cheekymonkey3791]

If your EBF day and night and your LO is under 6 months you might be ok? But it is a might

I would call docs for advice on taking the morning after or speak to a pharmacist when they open this morning.

Hope it works out & would be interested to know what you find out

[manxmarie78]

Thank you! Yes I am EBF so think I might be safe, and that's what Google says but I don't want to chance it. I'm going to my GPs today and will let you know what he says. I think I was in a bit of a panic this morning ha ha! Thank you for your reply

[Bpas_1968]

Hi Marie,

Don't panic! I'm sure your doctor will provide you with lots of useful info and advice, but just in case I thought I would chip in!

There are two forms of emergency contraceptive pills. The most common morning-after pill, Levonelle, is completely safe to use whilst breastfeeding. It won't harm your supply of milk or your little one. You can take it up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex but it is more effective the earlier you take it.

There is also another emergency contraceptive pill called ellaOne which you can use up to 120 hours after sex but you would have to pump and dump for 36 hours after taking it.

You could also have a copper IUD fitted up to 120 hours after sex but that is obviously a more long term method of contraception.

I work at bpas and we have produced a leaflet about contraception after you have had a baby. It's online here and might be of interest: bpas.org/js/filemanager/fil...

I hope this helps. Good luck at the doctors!

Best wishes,

Katherine

British Pregnancy Advisory Service, bpas

[manxmarie78]

Thank you for your messages! Morning after pill was indeed completely fine to take. Phew! X

[BubbaG]

Hi ya, I took the morning after pill when my little one was 12 weeks old, and I am EBF. It was fine x