Contraception & breastfeeding

[booksandchocolate123]

Has anyone taken Norethisterone when breastfeeding, did it affect your milk supply?

I didn't really want to take hormonal contraception but my doctor was insistent. Now I'm worrying it'll affect my milk supply if I take it, or that I'll get pregnant again if I don't. My baby is 12 weeks old and was my second emergency cesarean. My husband and I haven't had intercourse since before she was born, but I feel physically and emotionally ready now.

(Background, I can't take any hormones that contain oestrogen. Norethisterone is progesterone only. I also didn't get along with the coil, implant or injection).

My doctor said if I fell pregnant again within the year it would be really dangerous, hence why he insisted on hormone contraception (he said condoms aren't always effective).

So my question is, (excuse my venting above), did norethisterone affect your milk supply or were you okay? Also, will the hormones get into my babies system through my milk!?

My obgyn said small quantities of the hormones do get into the breastmilk but risks are minimal. However, given I am breastfeeding full time, we should be ok with just condoms. She said breastfeeding protects but only to an extent and only as long as I am feeding at night too (prolactin is highest at night).

I wouldn't choose to take anything that could affect milk supply or have extra hormones in my milk. Surely you can be responsible adults and use condoms properly?

@Rose459Beach exactly my thoughts & I fully agree with you! The GP was so condescending I felt like a teenager in sex-ed class! Thank you for verifying the hormones can get into breastmilk and potentially affect supply

Hormonal contraception just doesn't agree with me, I can't have combined contraception and progesterone only means I spot all the time and have constant PMS! So yeah, we used condoms for almost 2 years after my son was born with no issues, then stopped when we wanted to TTC again. It's your body and your choice what contraception to take.

Oh that GP would have really got my back up. Trust your instincts on this.

Progesterones do not reduce milk supply.

How about condoms? It’s only while you breastfeed, so really just a couple years or so. Easier than worrying about hormones in your breastmilk.

Copper coil?