Can Breastfeeding Women Take Generess Fe?
Most healthcare providers do not recommend Generess™ Fe (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) or other similar
birth control pills for women who are breastfeeding.
Generess Fe is a birth control pill that is classified as a combined
oral contraceptive. Combined oral contraceptives, which contain both estrogen and progestin hormones, are the most commonly used form of birth control pills. Although combined oral contraceptives are quite effective at preventing pregnancy, they are usually not recommended for women who are nursing.
More Information on Generess Fe and Breastfeeding
Studies have shown that the hormones in birth control pills pass through breast milk in low amounts.
Although these amounts are probably too small to cause significant problems, there have been a few cases of side effects, such as jaundice and breast enlargement, in babies whose mothers took combined oral contraceptives while breastfeeding.
Combined contraceptives may also decrease the production and quality of breast milk. For this reason, progestin-only oral contraceptives (also known as "mini-pills") are almost always recommended instead of combined contraceptives for women who are breastfeeding.
However, progestin-only contraceptive pills are usually less effective than combined contraceptives. As soon as you stop breastfeeding, it may be a good idea to ask your healthcare provider about switching to a combined contraceptive, such as Generess Fe.
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