What You Need to Know About Birth Control While Breastfeeding

Aug 7, 2025

Hey new mama, welcome to the wild and beautiful ride of motherhood. Between late night feeds, diaper changes, and soaking up baby cuddles, you might suddenly find yourself wondering...

When will my period come back? or Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding? These are real, honest questions and you're not alone in asking them. So let's talk about birth control, your body, and what's safe for your milk supply.

Finding the right birth control while breastfeeding can feel confusing, especially when your hormones are all over the place and your baby is still depending on you around the clock. Let’s talk about what works, what to avoid, and how to make the best choice for your body and your baby.

Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you absolutely can. Breastfeeding may delay your period, but it’s not a guaranteed method of birth control. Some women don’t ovulate for a while after giving birth, especially if they are exclusively breastfeeding, but ovulation can still happen without warning, and you might not even know it. That means you can get pregnant before your period returns. If you're not planning another baby just yet, using birth control while breastfeeding is a smart choice.

When Should You Start Thinking About Birth Control?

Pretty early. Some women start thinking about it before they even leave the hospital. You don't need to feel rushed, but it's good to have a plan in place within the first few weeks. You can discuss options with your doctor or midwife during your postnatal check-up. There are plenty of birth control options safe for breastfeeding, and it helps to know what suits your needs and your body.

Does Birth Control Affect Breast Milk?

Some types might. But many don’t. Hormones in certain birth control methods can sometimes affect your milk supply, especially in the early weeks. But the good news is that there are many forms of birth control that don’t affect breastfeeding at all. If you're breastfeeding frequently and still building your milk supply, choosing the right method is important.

What Are the Best Options for Birth Control While Breastfeeding?

Let’s go over some common and safe birth control while breastfeeding options:

Mini Pill (Progestin-Only Pill)

This pill contains only one hormone, progestin. It’s often recommended for breastfeeding moms because it doesn't lower milk supply the way some other pills might. But you have to take it at the same time every day. Missing it by even a few hours can make it less effective.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

Both hormonal and copper IUDs are long-term options. The copper one has no hormones, so it won't affect milk at all. Hormonal IUDs release a low dose of progestin and are also considered safe for breastfeeding women. Once inserted, you don’t have to think about it again for years.

Birth Control Implant

A small rod placed under the skin in your arm that releases progestin. It works for up to 3 years and is also safe to use while nursing. Like the IUD, it’s easy to forget about once it's in place.

Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)

This shot is given every three months. It uses progestin, so it's okay for breastfeeding mothers, but in some women, it can lower milk supply, especially if given too soon after delivery.

Condoms

Still one of the simplest options. No hormones, no impact on milk, and they work well if used correctly. Condoms are also a good backup while you're deciding on a longer-term method.

What About the Combined Pill?

This is the one that contains both estrogen and progestin. It's a popular method for non-breastfeeding women, but it may not be the best choice early on if you're still nursing regularly. Estrogen can lower milk production, especially in the first couple of months postpartum. If you're thinking about using it, it's best to wait until breastfeeding is well established and your baby is a bit older.

Can Birth Control Affect Your Baby?

Most birth control options used during breastfeeding are considered safe for your baby. Hormones passed through breast milk are either very low or not present at all, depending on the method. With birth control good for breastfeeding, your baby continues to get all the benefits of your milk while you stay protected.

Choosing the Right Option for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your health, your breastfeeding goals, and how soon you want to have another baby (if at all) all matter. The good news is that there are many forms of birth control for breastfeeding that can work well without affecting your milk or your baby.

Talk to a doctor, but also trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re allowed to try something else. You know your body best.

Can Birth Control Help Regulate Periods While Breastfeeding?

Yes, it can. Some moms have irregular cycles after giving birth, especially if they’re still nursing. Certain birth control for breastfeeding women can help bring more predictability to your period. Keep in mind that every body is different, and it may take a few months before things settle.

What If I Don't Want Hormonal Birth Control?

That’s perfectly okay. You can use non-hormonal methods like condoms, copper IUDs, diaphragms, or even fertility tracking once your cycle returns. Some moms prefer these to avoid any effect on their milk supply. It’s about finding what feels right and works well for you.

What to Watch For

Any method can come with some side effects. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

  • Sudden drop in milk supply

  • Spotting or irregular bleeding

  • Headaches or mood swings

  • Cramps or pelvic pain with IUDs

If you experience any of these, talk to your healthcare provider. There may be a better fit for you.

Final Thoughts

Being a new mom comes with so many decisions. Choosing birth control while breastfeeding shouldn’t feel overwhelming. The most important thing is to pick something that supports your milk supply, keeps you feeling well, and fits your life right now. You’re doing a great job already. This is just one more step in taking care of yourself and your baby.

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to a healthcare provider who understands birth control and breastfeeding well. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Common Questions About Birth Control and Breastfeeding

Is it safe to take the mini pill while breastfeeding?

Yes. The mini pill is one of the most recommended types of birth control for breastfeeding moms. It doesn’t interfere with your milk supply and is easy to start soon after birth.

What if I stop breastfeeding? Do I need to switch methods?

You might. If you’re using a progestin-only method, you can stay on it, or you may choose to switch to another option, like the combined pill, once you’re no longer breastfeeding.

Can birth control cause side effects while breastfeeding?

Some women may notice mild side effects, like spotting or mood changes. These usually go away with time, but if something feels off, bring it up with your doctor.

How soon after giving birth can I get pregnant again?

If you're not using birth control, it can happen within a few weeks. Ovulation can return before your first period, which is why many doctors recommend starting contraception while breastfeeding if you’re not planning another pregnancy right away.

Hey new mama, welcome to the wild and beautiful ride of motherhood. Between late night feeds, diaper changes, and soaking up baby cuddles, you might suddenly find yourself wondering...

When will my period come back? or Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding? These are real, honest questions and you're not alone in asking them. So let's talk about birth control, your body, and what's safe for your milk supply.

Finding the right birth control while breastfeeding can feel confusing, especially when your hormones are all over the place and your baby is still depending on you around the clock. Let’s talk about what works, what to avoid, and how to make the best choice for your body and your baby.

Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you absolutely can. Breastfeeding may delay your period, but it’s not a guaranteed method of birth control. Some women don’t ovulate for a while after giving birth, especially if they are exclusively breastfeeding, but ovulation can still happen without warning, and you might not even know it. That means you can get pregnant before your period returns. If you're not planning another baby just yet, using birth control while breastfeeding is a smart choice.

When Should You Start Thinking About Birth Control?

Pretty early. Some women start thinking about it before they even leave the hospital. You don't need to feel rushed, but it's good to have a plan in place within the first few weeks. You can discuss options with your doctor or midwife during your postnatal check-up. There are plenty of birth control options safe for breastfeeding, and it helps to know what suits your needs and your body.

Does Birth Control Affect Breast Milk?

Some types might. But many don’t. Hormones in certain birth control methods can sometimes affect your milk supply, especially in the early weeks. But the good news is that there are many forms of birth control that don’t affect breastfeeding at all. If you're breastfeeding frequently and still building your milk supply, choosing the right method is important.

What Are the Best Options for Birth Control While Breastfeeding?

Let’s go over some common and safe birth control while breastfeeding options:

Mini Pill (Progestin-Only Pill)

This pill contains only one hormone, progestin. It’s often recommended for breastfeeding moms because it doesn't lower milk supply the way some other pills might. But you have to take it at the same time every day. Missing it by even a few hours can make it less effective.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

Both hormonal and copper IUDs are long-term options. The copper one has no hormones, so it won't affect milk at all. Hormonal IUDs release a low dose of progestin and are also considered safe for breastfeeding women. Once inserted, you don’t have to think about it again for years.

Birth Control Implant

A small rod placed under the skin in your arm that releases progestin. It works for up to 3 years and is also safe to use while nursing. Like the IUD, it’s easy to forget about once it's in place.

Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)

This shot is given every three months. It uses progestin, so it's okay for breastfeeding mothers, but in some women, it can lower milk supply, especially if given too soon after delivery.

Condoms

Still one of the simplest options. No hormones, no impact on milk, and they work well if used correctly. Condoms are also a good backup while you're deciding on a longer-term method.

What About the Combined Pill?

This is the one that contains both estrogen and progestin. It's a popular method for non-breastfeeding women, but it may not be the best choice early on if you're still nursing regularly. Estrogen can lower milk production, especially in the first couple of months postpartum. If you're thinking about using it, it's best to wait until breastfeeding is well established and your baby is a bit older.

Can Birth Control Affect Your Baby?

Most birth control options used during breastfeeding are considered safe for your baby. Hormones passed through breast milk are either very low or not present at all, depending on the method. With birth control good for breastfeeding, your baby continues to get all the benefits of your milk while you stay protected.

Choosing the Right Option for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your health, your breastfeeding goals, and how soon you want to have another baby (if at all) all matter. The good news is that there are many forms of birth control for breastfeeding that can work well without affecting your milk or your baby.

Talk to a doctor, but also trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re allowed to try something else. You know your body best.

Can Birth Control Help Regulate Periods While Breastfeeding?

Yes, it can. Some moms have irregular cycles after giving birth, especially if they’re still nursing. Certain birth control for breastfeeding women can help bring more predictability to your period. Keep in mind that every body is different, and it may take a few months before things settle.

What If I Don't Want Hormonal Birth Control?

That’s perfectly okay. You can use non-hormonal methods like condoms, copper IUDs, diaphragms, or even fertility tracking once your cycle returns. Some moms prefer these to avoid any effect on their milk supply. It’s about finding what feels right and works well for you.

What to Watch For

Any method can come with some side effects. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

  • Sudden drop in milk supply

  • Spotting or irregular bleeding

  • Headaches or mood swings

  • Cramps or pelvic pain with IUDs

If you experience any of these, talk to your healthcare provider. There may be a better fit for you.

Final Thoughts

Being a new mom comes with so many decisions. Choosing birth control while breastfeeding shouldn’t feel overwhelming. The most important thing is to pick something that supports your milk supply, keeps you feeling well, and fits your life right now. You’re doing a great job already. This is just one more step in taking care of yourself and your baby.

If you’re unsure where to start, talk to a healthcare provider who understands birth control and breastfeeding well. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Common Questions About Birth Control and Breastfeeding

Is it safe to take the mini pill while breastfeeding?

Yes. The mini pill is one of the most recommended types of birth control for breastfeeding moms. It doesn’t interfere with your milk supply and is easy to start soon after birth.

What if I stop breastfeeding? Do I need to switch methods?

You might. If you’re using a progestin-only method, you can stay on it, or you may choose to switch to another option, like the combined pill, once you’re no longer breastfeeding.

Can birth control cause side effects while breastfeeding?

Some women may notice mild side effects, like spotting or mood changes. These usually go away with time, but if something feels off, bring it up with your doctor.

How soon after giving birth can I get pregnant again?

If you're not using birth control, it can happen within a few weeks. Ovulation can return before your first period, which is why many doctors recommend starting contraception while breastfeeding if you’re not planning another pregnancy right away.