Unprotected sex while EBF - should I take the pill?

[ebdb]

Bit embarrassed about this one... DS is 12 weeks old and EBF, including very regular feeds night and day (every 1-2.5 hours). He had a completely unprecedented 6/7 sleep this evening and DH and I ended up having sex, but in our sleep-deprived (and slightly shocked that we actually had a window for anything to happen!) state, we completely forgot to use a condom until it was too late. I’m torn about using the morning after pill vs. risking it. I really don’t want to get pregnant so soon (I had a C section so not supposed to for a year and also can’t face going back to work already pregnant again) but I also don’t want the MAP to interfere with my milk supply and I think I am doing all the things you’re supposed to do for breastfeeding to work as a contraceptive (feeding on demand, no formula, very minimal pumping and no bottles of expressed milk given for weeks). I’m leaning towards getting the pill since I know BF is no guarantee of not getting pregnant, but am I being over cautious? Anyone used the MAP while BF? Did it have any impact on feeding or any other side effects?

Take it, don't risk it. And it is safe to do so while EBF

"The EC pill can be taken while breastfeeding. After a single 1.5mg dose, the total amount of drug passing into the breastmilk over the next 3 days is only about 0.1% of the mother’s dose.5 Experts agree that this small amount of hormone is not significant and women are encouraged to continue breastfeeding without interruption.6 It is not necessary to withhold breastfeeds at all, though some drug companies may suggest this in their product information. It is important to remember that ceasing breastfeeding for a period of time reduces the contraceptive effect of breastfeeding itself. In addition, introducing formula unnecessarily to a young baby can increase the health risks for the baby. Studies indicate that levonorgestrel does not affect the composition or amount of breastmilk, or the growth and development of the breastfed infant.6 "

www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/migration/Mothersafe/documents/EmergencyContraceptionandBreastfeeding.pdf

I'm exclusively breastfeeding, no bottles at all and my period returned a couple of days ago at 15 weeks pp so I'd say don't risk it.
I'd have been fertile/ovulating around 13ish weeks! I'm not sure if this is early for my period to return or not but I had a feeling it was going to as I had the giveaway egg white CM to show I was ovulating.

If you don't want to get pregnant again, you must use contraception.

Your periods can come back at any time, I was ebf and mine came back at 16 weeks post partum.

Thanks all, in the clear light of day it was much clearer and your comments helped make up my mind. I’ve taken the MAP and it’s massively put my mind at rest. I’ve also set a reminder to make an appointment with the GUM clinic on Monday!