Breastfeeding and the pill....

[VVeverlasting]

Decided to go back on the pill, little one was 9 weeks and I was exclusively breast feeding. Dr recommended Regevidon which I was on before. So I take it for a week.

Lo becomes really fussy and out of sorts, constantly wanting to feed and comfort on boob. Take him to weighing clinic and find he's put on very little weight (despite extra 'feeding').
I notice my boobs are a lot less full than used to be, now very soft, not leaking. At first I think it's due to increased feeds and also that they're just settling down (at this point 10 weeks pp).

Then I begin to wonder if it's the pill interfering with milk supply. Made the mistake of googling! So I Stopped taking Regevidon. (Have had awful bleeding!) But 5 days after stopping boobs much fuller, baby much happier and feeding better (longer feeds every 2.5 hours)

Now I'm left wondering....
Did the pill interfere with milk supply?
I know beast changes are somewhat normal and babies go through 'phases' so maybe I'm just overthinking it all... (I do that)

Anyone experience anything like this?

Go speak to your doctor. Babies go through phases but there are other pills or alternative contraception methods if you aren't happy with that one.

Not sure whether it would affect supply, but I thought you weren't supposed to take the combined pill when breastfeeding? That's what the midwives in my antenatal classes said.

Shocked! My GP wouldn't let me take the combined pill when I was breastfeeding, he said you could only take the mini pill whilst feeding. Get a 2nd opinion!

I'd be complaining about this tbh. The information on the medicine itself specifically says not to take whilst breastfeeding.

I'd post a pic, but the app won't let me attach anything.

I was under the impression that only the mini pill was suitable while bf. Go back and see the GP for advice though.

I was also told you can't take the combined pill while breast feeding. You need to switch to progesterone only.

However, if you are breastfeeding, the combined pill, vaginal ring and contraceptive patch may affect your milk supply and you are usually advised to wait until the baby is six months old.

Taken from the NHS website. So yes, it can interfere and you probably shouldn't have been given it.

Besides the obvious reason is there another reason you are on the pill?

If I were breastfeeding and presumably not having loads of sex (due to a newborn) I'd think condoms would be fine for the odd occasion.

Thanks for replies...

Any number of things could've affected baby and milk supply but it's too much of a coincidence really. I'm really annoyed I was given this, it could really have messed up the breastfeeding I've worked so hard to establish. Sometimes I get annoyed at all the shiny leaflets and ads promoting breastfeeding when there is little practical support.

I asked my health visitor about the pill but she didn't know and said I'd have to ask Dr. Dh and I not back to having sex, I just stupidly felt the need to get back to a 'routine' having been off the pill for so long. I will see Dr in a few mths and ask for diff pill as suggested.

Many thanks

Go back to your Dr and make them aware they have made an unacceptable mistake in prescribing this pill for you. The mini pill will not cause the same issues for you with breastfeeding and your Dr should know that you don't take the combined pill when breastfeeding as it's well know to interfere with milk production

There's a really good fact sheet here: breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/dibm/contraception%20and%20breastfeeding.pdf written by a pharmacist that has all the info you need

My midwife was giving me contraception advice on her visit after DD was born. I remember her saying 'you're probably not thinking about sex just yet, but' then gave me the options available and encouraged me to book a appointment with the gp.

As others have said combined pill isn't recommended when breastfeeding so really don't know why you were prescribed that. I'd go back and bring it up with your gp and talk through your options.

You shouldn't have been prescribed the combined pill as it does affect milk supply. The mini pill is ok though

Yep. Mini pill only. I was told specifically not to take combined pill when breastfeeding and I was fine with the mini pill. Definitely come off the pill!

All hormonal contraception affected my milk supply except the coil. it definitely does change milk supply.

Official guidance is avoid combined hormone contraception while breastfeeding as estrogen affects milk supply. Progestin-only (mini pill, implant, etc) are meant to be OK. However everyone is different and I've heard women like Rolypolybabies who couldn't take any hormones without milk supply impact.

Most women's cycle is naturally suppressed if they exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months. I relied on that, condoms, and fatigue - and lucky my period didn't come back until 14 months post-partum!