After 2 miscarriages, I had to supplement progesterone vaginally to sustain my pregnancy with Maddie. I would like to become pregnant again within the next year. I will need to supplement progesterone again, and I am concerned that this may pass through into my breastmilk. Also, while I was pregnant, my MD advised "pelvic rest" for the first trimester (no sex). I am concerned that continuing to nurse may cause uterine contractions which might imperil a new unborn babe. I can't find any reference to vaginal progesterone suppositories, so I would greatly appreciate any info (anecdotal or scientific) that you may offer. I know Maddie would thank you too!






Dear Kristen,

My comprehensive drug book, Medications and Mother's Milk, by Thomas Hale PhD does not list progesterone as a drug.  Would you be able to check with the pharmacist to see if there is a drug name for the active ingredient in the suppositories? I think that progestin is the synthetic form of progesterone and it is the drug of choice for birth control pills in lactating mothers so it is safe to take while breastfeeding, it that helps any! 

I looked in all three of my favorite references on lactation to check on your concern about safety of the new baby if you breastfeed during your pregnancy. It is widely agreed now that the extra uterine contractions pose no threat to a normal pregnancy and most people worry more about the nutritional demands which are easily met, by the way. The most detailed discussion is found in the LLLI publications. They have a nice FAQ on this question and you can see it at

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/FAQbfpregnant.html

Interestingly, they do mention that medical reasons to wean for pregnancy include uterine pain or bleeding, a history of premature delivery, or a continued loss of weight by mother during pregnancy. I don't know if that is in the FAQ but it is in THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK which I am looking in right now.

All of this really comes down to you and your physician's best guess at what is best for your sweet baby and the one to come.  Perhaps a wait and see could be considered? If you wish to discuss the issues further, please write back! Our best wishes go to you and your family.

Elaine Matheny, BS, IBCLC, LLL Leader





 

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