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Can my wife take birth control pills while breastfeeding?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Can my wife take birth control pills while breastfeeding? Also, she has not gotten a period since our baby was born, that is, for nine months. Also, let you know that I have another baby who is 2. When he is six months old, my wife got pregnant while she is not having a period, as we thought if there is no period, then there is no chance of conceiving a baby. Kindly advise which birth control pill would be better for her.

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Poonguzhali Liston

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The period of amenorrhea (when the period cycle is absent) is directly related to breastfeeding. If the baby is feeding well, then the mother will not have her periods (lactational amenorrhea). But like you said, there are chances of getting pregnant during this period also. Since your wife is feeding, it is not safe to give combined contraceptive pills or birth control pills as the hormones in this will go to the baby. Only pills that are safe in breastfeeding are known as progesterone-only pills (mini-pills ). Other methods of contraception that are safe are male contraception condoms, depot progesterone injections, implants, intrauterine contraceptive devices. If you do not wish to have any more children, then either vasectomy or tubectomy can be done.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Can you please prescribe medicines? Also, suggest how she will take the medicines daily or weekly. Also, can we take medicine while she does not have a period?

Answered by Dr. Poonguzhali Liston

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The pill is called Cerazette (Desogestrel), which is a progestin-only pill. This has a pack of 28 tablets and has to be taken every day at 8 am in the morning and should not be missed. At the end of 28 days, she should have some bleeding, and she can stake the next pack from day 2 of periods. This can cause side effects like spotting and irregular bleeding. This can be taken when your wife does not have any periods. If she has to have her periods again, she should gradually stop feeding the baby and give the baby other foods. Only if exclusive breastfeeding is stopped it will return her period completely. And once she stops feeding the baby completely, she can take another contraceptive pill safely.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Thank you for your valuable time.

Answered by Dr. Poonguzhali Liston

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am happy to help you. Please revert back after taking the medications.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 20, 2021
Reviewed At May 11, 2026

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Poonguzhali Liston is a skilled Obstetrician and Gynecologist specializing in comprehensive women’s health care, including high-risk pregnancies, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries. She is experienced in prenatal care, childbirth, and managing reproductive health disorders. Dr. Liston is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care focused on enhancing women’s health and well-being at every stage of life through evidence-based and patient-centered treatment.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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