- Progestin-only methods include
- progestin-only pills (POPs)
- progestin-only injectables (DMPA, NET-EN)
- implants (Norplant)
- levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNg
IUS)
- No effect on breastfeeding, breastmilk production
or infant growth and development
- WHO recommends delay of 6 weeks because very
young
infants may be at risk of exposure to the progestin
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Breastfeeding women who have unprotected
intercourse
can safely use POPs for emergency contraception
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Progestin-only methods include progestin-only contraceptive
pills (or POPs), injectables such as DMPA and NET-EN, subdermal
implants such as NORPLANT, and the levonorgestrel intrauterine
system
(LNg IUS).
Studies indicate that the use of progestin-only contraceptives
does not affect breastfeeding, breastmilk production, or infant
growth and development. Regardless of the progestin-only method
used, studies suggest that only a very small amount of the progestin
reaches the infant through breastmilk. Long-term follow-up of
children exposed to progestin-only contraceptives through breastmilk
has not shown any adverse effects from this exposure.
However, WHO recommends that breastfeeding women delay use
of progestin-only methods until six weeks postpartum due to
theoretical concerns that steroid hormones may pose some risk
to young infants.
If a breastfeeding woman has unprotected intercourse, she can
safely use progestin-only emergency contraceptive pills, although
many breastfeeding women are protected by, and choose to rely
on, LAM.
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