Progestin-Only Pill Use and Pill Switching During Breastfeeding
Visness, C.M.; Rivera, R.
Contraception 51(5): 279-281
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 7628200 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(95)00076-mDocument Number: 290056
The opinions of 20 international experts in reproductive endocrinology and family planning service delivery were solicited concerning contraceptive pill use during breast-feeding and, in particular, to determine whether the experts felt that breastfeeding women who use progestin-only pills (POPs) should be advised to switch to combined estrogen-progestin pills (COCs) during lactation. The experts agreed that POPs can be used safely and effectively throughout the period of lactation and there is no need to switch to another contraceptive method or another type of pill. If, however, a woman wishes to switch to COCs while she is still breastfeeding, it is acceptable for her to do so after six months postpartum.