Beyond the Pill

The mini pill is widely recommended by doctors as a birth control choice for breastfeeding mothers. It's similar to other oral contraceptives in that the pill must be taken the same time daily to prevent pregnancy. The mini pill does not contain estrogen, which can affect breast milk. Side effects are less probable but similar to estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives, and may include irregular bleeding. "It's a good choice for women who shouldn't take the combined pills due to health reasons or cigarette smoking," says Dr. Wilder, who also makes it a point to suggest the mini pill to her breastfeeding patients. She does indicate that it is not as effective as the regular pill as it is "short acting and does not allow any mistakes."

Molly Boarman, a San Diego mom of a 6-month-old son, started using the mini pill six weeks after she gave birth. "My doctor recommended the progestin-only birth control pill so it wouldn't interfere with my breast milk," says Boarman. "I have taken birth control pills in the past and never experienced any problems with them so I wanted a method I was familiar with."