Yes, you can take Plan B while nursing. Emergency contraception like Plan B (levonorgestrel) is considered safe to use during breastfeeding. Major health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the World Health Organization, state that it does not pose a risk to you or your baby. A small amount of the hormone passes into breast milk, but no harmful effects have been reported in nursing infants.
Can You Take Plan B While Breastfeeding?
The short answer is yes. Plan B is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive pill. It contains 1.5 milligrams of levonorgestrel. This is a synthetic hormone similar to the natural progesterone your body makes. Research consistently shows that taking Plan B while breastfeeding is safe. The amount that gets into breast milk is very low. No studies have found negative health effects in breastfed infants whose mothers used levonorgestrel emergency contraception.
If you are nursing and need emergency contraception, Plan B is a reliable option. It works best when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. You do not need to pump and dump or stop breastfeeding after taking it. You can continue nursing as usual.
How Does Plan B Get Into Breast Milk?
After you swallow Plan B, your body absorbs levonorgestrel into the bloodstream. Like many medications, a small fraction of the hormone passes into breast milk. Studies estimate that a fully breastfed infant would receive less than 0.1% of the dose you took. That amount is far below any dose known to cause effects in a baby.
The baby’s liver and kidneys quickly process and clear the tiny amount they might get. Because the hormone level in milk peaks a few hours after you take the pill, some sources suggest you could time the dose right after a feeding. But this is not necessary for safety. The amounts are so small that timing makes no meaningful difference for the infant.
Does Plan B Affect Breast Milk Supply?
This is the question nursing mothers most often ask. The evidence here is mixed. Progestin-only contraceptives can sometimes reduce milk supply, especially if started in the first few weeks after birth. But the effect is not consistent, and for a single dose of emergency contraception, any impact is usually temporary and mild.
Some women notice a slight dip in milk production for a day or two after taking Plan B. Others see no change at all. If you do notice a decrease, it typically resolves on its own. Frequent nursing or pumping can help maintain supply. No studies have shown that a single dose of levonorgestrel causes a lasting or significant drop in milk volume for most women.
What Are the Alternatives to Plan B for Nursing Mothers?
Plan B is not the only emergency contraception option. The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective emergency contraception available. It works over 99% of the time and does not contain any hormones. That means it has zero effect on breast milk or milk supply. A copper IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex. It also provides long-term birth control if you choose to keep it.
Another option is ella (ulipristal acetate). This pill is more effective than Plan B for most of the five-day window. But the evidence for its use during breastfeeding is less robust. Some experts recommend avoiding ella while nursing or pumping and discarding milk for five to seven days after taking it. Because the data are limited, Plan B or a copper IUD are generally preferred for nursing mothers.
When Should You Take Plan B While Nursing?
Take Plan B as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The pill is most effective within 72 hours, but it can still work up to 120 hours (five days). Effectiveness decreases with each passing day. For nursing mothers, there is no medical reason to delay.
You can take Plan B at any point in your menstrual cycle if you have resumed periods. If you have not had a period yet after childbirth, you may still be fertile. Ovulation can happen before your first postpartum period. If you had unprotected sex and do not want to become pregnant, using emergency contraception is a reasonable step regardless of whether your cycle has returned.
Plan B vs. Ella for Nursing Mothers
| Feature | Plan B (Levonorgestrel) | Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) |
|---|---|---|
| Hormone type | Progestin (levonorgestrel) | Progesterone receptor modulator |
| Effectiveness window | Up to 72 hours (some data up to 120 hours but less effective) | Up to 120 hours with consistent effectiveness |
| Safety during breastfeeding | Well-established – safe, small amount in milk | Limited data – may be safe but less studied. Some experts recommend avoiding or pumping and dumping for 5–7 days |
| Effect on milk supply | Possible temporary mild decrease in some women | Unknown risk – less studied |
| Preferred option for nursing mothers | Yes | Generally not first choice unless Plan B is unavailable and copper IUD is not an option |
For most nursing mothers, Plan B is the recommended oral emergency contraception. If you can get a copper IUD inserted quickly, that is the most effective option with no hormonal effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about what works best for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after taking Plan B can I breastfeed?
You can breastfeed immediately. There is no need to wait or pump and dump.
Will Plan B hurt my baby if I breastfeed?
No. The amount of hormone that passes into breast milk is tiny and has not been shown to harm infants.
Can Plan B affect my milk supply long term?
No. Any effect on milk supply is usually temporary and mild, lasting a day or two at most.
Is Plan B more effective than other emergency contraception for nursing mothers?
Plan B is effective and well-studied for breastfeeding. A copper IUD is more effective overall, but for oral options, Plan B is the preferred choice during lactation.
