Necon and Breastfeeding

Is Necon Safe While Breastfeeding?

Necon^® is a prescription birth control pill. There are two basic types of birth control pills: combined oral contraceptives and progestin-only contraceptives. There are five different types of Necon, all of which are combined oral contraceptives. These are not the best choice for women who are breastfeeding.

 

What Will Happen If I Take Necon While Breastfeeding?

Combined oral contraceptives are the most popular type of birth control pill used today and are effective at preventing pregnancy. However, combined contraceptives (such as Necon) may decrease both the production and quality of breast milk. For this reason, healthcare providers almost always recommend progestin-only oral contraceptives (also known as "mini-pills") instead for women who are breastfeeding. However, progestin-only contraceptive pills are usually much less effective than combined oral contraceptives. As soon as you stop breastfeeding, it may be a good idea to ask your healthcare provider about switching from a progestin-only pill to a combined contraceptive pill. Of course, other types of birth control aside from birth control pills are also appropriate for women who are breastfeeding.

 

Research indicates that the hormones in birth control pills do pass through breast milk in low amounts. These amounts are probably too low to cause significant or long-lasting problems in nursing infants. However, there have been cases of problems, such as jaundice and breast enlargement, in babies whose mothers took certain types of combined oral contraceptives while breastfeeding.