Ortho-Cyclen 28 and breastfeeding a toddler

QUESTION: I have started using birth control pills to control my cycles (and birth control). I had been told by my doctor that my milk would most likely dry up which was fine since I'd been trying to ween my son anyway. Two months later I still have a little milk and he nurses before nap and at bedtime. I think he nurses more for security than the milk. He doesn't use a pacifier or suck his thumb. Is there any danger to him in taking a small bit of milk? I take the pill before my bedtime after I've put him in. I'm taking Ortho-Cyclen 28 (NorgestimateE/thinyl Estradiol)

Thanks for your help.

Birth control pills are generally considered safe while nursing. The small amount of the drug that the baby may receive should not cause harm according to the AAP. The main concern when mom is on medication is that her milk supply may (and usually does) go down so we have to watch the weight gain in the baby. This should not be an issue in your case since your little one is basically weaned

Good luck,

Anne Norton-Krawciw, RPh, IBCLC

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