Can you safely delay your period while breastfeeding?

[BusyMommaOf4]

I’m exclusively breastfeeding and my periods returned last month. I’m due to go on holiday next month when my next period will fall. Does anyone know a method to delay your period that’s safe for breastfeeding? I tried to get the pill that delays periods but pharmacist won’t prescribe as I’m breastfeeding. The last thing I want is to deal with periods when I’m away as they have come back heavier than normal at the moment

Have you asked your practice nurse? Pharmacist may not be able to prescribe but they might or offer alternatives (Mirena or pill for example

I feel for you but I don't think there is. Mirena is painful for 1-2 days and tends to cause spotting for a few months so I don't think it's a good quick solution for you.

Feeding frequently at night stimulates prolactin which suppresses periods. Between 12 -5am especially. So you could try waking up at 1am and 4am every night and pumping for the next month if you're desperate?

When I was at uni, a friend said she delayed her period by 2 days by eating a few kilos of oranges in one go. Not sure why or how it works or if it's real 😂

@ThatPeppyMauvePoster you’re roommate was delusional. And probably sick after eating ‘a few kilos’ of oranges! And if breastfeeding overnight delayed periods well then women wouldn’t have them for the first few months after giving birth!
OP the usual period delay medication is not recommended for lactating women. But consult your GP.

Most women who breastfeed exclusively do not have periods for 3-6 months at least.

By and large progesterones don’t affect breastfeeding, which is why the POP is the oral contraceptive of choice for lactating women. I suspect the reason norethisterone is contraindicated while breastfeeding is more of a “we’ve never studied it” than “it’s definitely harmful”.

I’d see your GP, OP - they may be happy to prescribe something off licence.

Thank you, I will ask my gp. I didn’t get my period for 6 months-1 year with my other kids who I breastfed. But this time it’s come back within 3 months and I booked the holiday before it happened not thinking it would be an issue.

It might not come when you expect. Mine was all over the place when it came back and I was stilll EBF

I'm sorry OP but I don't think there is a safe pharmaceutical option here - or at least not one where your GP will be willing to take the risk. Many women bleed or have spotting for months after Mirena so this is unlikely to address the issue. I think your best bet is to invest in some decent period swimwear.

I’m very much not a medic so please check this with your GP but if you are able to take the combined pill could you potentially start that now and not take the break next month?

You need this resource!

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/

Send them a facebook message or email if what you want isn’t on there.

Ah thank you! I’ve just messaged them, but I’ll contact my gp next week if I have no joy

They're usually pretty fast to reply.

This website is also really good, Wendy Jones who originally started the Drugs in Breastmilk service.

Norethisterone (norethindrone) and breastfeeding – Breastfeeding and Medication