Tri-Norinyl and Breastfeeding

Studies have shown that the hormones in birth control pills (including Tri-Norinyl) do pass through breast milk in low amounts. Although these small amounts probably won't cause any serious problems, it can decrease the production and quality of breast milk and may cause other problems (such as jaundice in nursing babies). Therefore, most healthcare providers do not recommend taking Tri-Norinyl and breastfeeding at the same time.

Tri-Norinyl Birth Control

Is Tri-Norinyl Safe During Breastfeeding?

Tri-Norinyl^® (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription birth control pill. Although a few types of birth control pills are safe to take while breastfeeding, most are not recommended. In particular, "combined" oral contraceptives (such as Tri-Norinyl) should usually be avoided while breastfeeding. Combined oral contraceptives contain two different kinds of hormones (both a progestin and an estrogen).

(Tri-Norinyl is equivalent to Aranelle™ and Leena^® birth control pills. The information in this article also applies to each of these medications.)

Birth Control Pills and Breastfeeding

Although combined oral contraceptives (such as Tri-Norinyl) are very effective at preventing pregnancy, they are usually not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. Combined contraceptives may decrease 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 of combined contraceptives 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 to a combined contraceptive product (such as Tri-Norinyl).

Studies have shown that the hormones in birth control pills do pass through breast milk in low amounts. These small amounts are probably too low to cause significant or long-lasting problems in breastfeeding 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.

(Tri-Norinyl and Breastfeeding Continued: Page 2)