Extended breastfeeding and combined pill, advice needed

[user202111]

I posted this on the post natal health thread earlier as I didn't realise this one existed. I wasn't sure if you can move a post and it's probably more suited here!

Can anyone offer me some advice with regard to extended breastfeeding and taking the combined pill?

My little one is now 15 months and is still breastfed through the night when required (mostly once but not uncommon for two times) and also 2/3 short feeds throughout the day. I know this is probably too much for her age but it's her comfort and I enjoy the bond.

I have been on the mini pill since 4 months pp, and have not had a period yet. I have piled on weight which I can't shift, I'm also very emotional and seem to have a very short fuse too which is getting me down. I was on the combined pill for 10 years with no adverse effects.

My question is, has anyone taken the combined pill and still been able to continue breastfeeding? I'm not sure how long I will continue, being able to breastfeed is more important to me than my needs but I just don't like the mini pill and my GP has a 6-12 month waiting list for the coil.

Also if I make a switch would upping an oat intake and re starting breastfeeding supplements make any difference to ensuring my supply doesn't drop?

Thanks

Firstly you're not bf you lo too much. Both my DS's fed more than that until I decided to stop past the age of 2. It's totally normal.

The issue with the combined pill is that it tricks your body into thinking it is pregnant and many women's milk "dries up" during pregnancy. I don't have any experience of the combined pill but I was pregnant with Ds2 when Ds1 was only 8 months old. My milk supply didn't dry up but feeding did become uncomfortable even bordering on painful sometimes.

No one can say for certain what will happen with your supply. It's probable that because feeding is established that if it did dry up it would be very slowly.

Are condoms an option?

Hey thanks for your response.

That makes sense with the combined pill.

It's not the end of the world to stay on the mini pill I would prefer to be a bit like my old self and on something I know worked with my body.

My GP didn't have any concerns prescribing my old pill when I discussed with her. However reading stories about milk supplies drying up it just makes me think again !

Hey! I know this is an old post but I couldn't find anything on this subject when I looked either so thought my experience may help. I've been on the combined pill (low dose, 20mg) for two months and it has not affected my milk supply or breast feeding in any way. Obv its different for everyone but I thought I'd answer in case you were still considering it because it took me so long going back and forth to commit to it and in the end it was fine. I started when baby was five months old if it helps.