Breastfeeding and been put on combined pill

[humanz]

I'm 21 months in to breastfeeding. It's a really important part of my son's routine. He had a rough start in life and has had some issues but breastfeeding is his one constant.

I asked my GP surgery if there was something I could take to regulate my periods. Iron levels were through the floor and I was bleeding 3 out of 4 weeks. Was prescribed the combined pill by the practice nurse.

Since taking the pill, my breast milk has almost disappeared. I can hardly produce anything and I'm trying desperately to increase it again. I've stopped taking the pill after speaking to a family member who is a GP who said the combined pill should never be given to breastfeeding women unless there is a reason they can't take other pills. Said it's particularly likely to affect breast milk if the child is over 1 and weaned so not feeding all the time. He said I should've been asked if I was still breastfeeding.

AIBU to be slightly annoyed about this? Or should I have told the nurse I was still feeding? It didn't cross my mind to at the time as I am not medically trained.

I've just read the leaflet for the pills and it says 'this pill should not be taken whilst breastfeeding' and I feel like a fool for not reading it. So I guess it may be my fault.

To add, I've just realised I actually did tell the nurse I was breastfeeding because this is the whole reason my periods are messed up. I also put it on the form I had to fill in for my appointment so she DID know.

That sucks, I am sorry. For future reference, you do need to actively ask if xyz is safe when breastfeeding. I think fewer than 1% of babies are breastfed in the UK over one year so it tends not to occur to HCPs to check suitability, though it should.

Keep nursing and stay off the pills. Hopefully the supply will return. How long were you on them for? I suggest joining a Facebook group called 'Breastfeeding older babies and beyond'- they're very knowledgeable and may have more insight to give you on this issue. Good luck getting your supply back x

Thanks @FourPlasticRings - I just didn't think to. I do remember now that I explained to her that the whole reason my periods were erratic was likely due to me still breastfeeding so she did know. I really hope I can get my supply back.

@FourPlasticRings oh, I was on them for about 5 weeks

I think you'll be able to get it back- it's usually possible to relactate even after baby is fully weaned, though it may require patience. I have read that in some cultures grandmothers relactate to breastfeed their grandkids. See what they say on the Facebook group though.

@FourPlasticRings that's quite amazing! Might see if I can get my mum to help me out in that case