Can I take contraceptive pills while breastfeeding?
Aug 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
It is not recommended to take contraceptive pills during lactation, as the ingredients in the pills may affect the baby through breast milk and could also have adverse effects on the mother herself. Safer contraceptive methods should be chosen. During breastfeeding, women can opt for more secure contraception methods such as condoms or intrauterine devices (IUDs), which not only effectively prevent pregnancy but also avoid adverse effects on both the baby and the mother.
Generally speaking, taking contraceptive pills is not recommended during lactation. The ingredients in contraceptive pills may affect the baby through breast milk and could potentially have adverse effects on the mother herself. Therefore, a safer method of contraception should be chosen. The specific reasons are as follows:
Common contraceptive pills available on the market usually contain estrogen and progestin, both of which may enter the breast milk. After consuming milk containing these hormones, infants might experience impacts on their normal growth and development. For example, female infants may develop slightly enlarged breasts, while male infants may encounter abnormal development of reproductive organs, which is harmful to the baby's health. At the same time, the hormones in contraceptive pills may also inhibit milk production in lactating women, leading to reduced milk supply and failure to meet the baby's feeding needs. Therefore, for the baby's health and the mother's recovery, it is not advisable to take contraceptive pills during lactation.
In daily life, lactating women can opt for safer contraceptive methods such as condoms or intrauterine devices (IUDs), which can effectively prevent pregnancy while avoiding adverse effects on both the baby and the mother. Additionally, postpartum women should focus on body recovery and ensure the quality of breast milk and their own health.
