Is The Abortion Pill Safe While Breastfeeding?

Medical abortion has revolutionized abortion practices in several regions of the world. More than 70% of all abortions are performed using the medical method in the US. Given a choice, most women choose medical rather than surgical abortion.

But what happens if you are breastfeeding? Can the abortion pill affect your breast milk or your nursing baby? Is it necessary to stop breastfeeding temporarily, or can you continue as usual?

These are important questions for breastfeeding mothers considering a medication abortion.

In this article, we will explain what is known about mifepristone and misoprostol while breastfeeding, whether these medications pass into breast milk, and what current medical guidance says about their safety.

You can continue breastfeeding after the abortion pill

In most cases, you can continue breastfeeding after taking the abortion pill. The two medications commonly used for a medication abortion, mifepristone and misoprostol, pass into breast milk in only very small amounts.

Available medical guidance indicates that these levels are generally too low to be expected to cause harm to a breastfed infant. For most patients, there is no need to interrupt breastfeeding, pump and discard breast milk, or wait a specific amount of time before nursing again.

However, every situation is different. If your baby was born prematurely, has a medical condition, or you are taking other medications, it is a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after the abortion pill?

4 hours. The recommended 4 hours is based on the fact that both Mifepristone and Misoprostol are lowest in concentration (below one pg per milliliter) in about that time.

Your clinic may advise that you hold off on breastfeeding for five or more hours after medical abortion to reduce any risk.

Research shows that because of the low concentrations of Misoprostol and Mifepristone in the breast milk, amounts ingested by the baby are infinitesimal and wouldn’t cause any adverse effects in them at all.

You can also follow additional precautions and monitor the infant for diarrhea and other side effects for speedy mitigation.

Are there side effects of the abortion pill on breastfeeding mothers?

There are no specific side effects of the abortion pill on breastfeeding mothers, except for the standard bleeding, cramping, nausea, etc.

It can be hard to breastfeed when experiencing these side effects, and for that reason, some mothers would prefer discontinuing breastfeeding for some hours or days.

As always, contact your doctor if you experience heavy after-abortion pill bleeding. Severe bleeding entails soaking more than two big pads in under an hour for more than 2 hours.

These contraindications can affect any woman, whether breastfeeding or not. Speak to your doctor or clinician for care and medical intervention.

How do I know if the abortion pill was successful when I’m breastfeeding?

If you are a lactating mother and take the abortion medication, it’s advisable to confirm whether the procedure was successful. The abortion procedure can get more intricate as you advance in the pregnancy, and so an early verification can help save you from future frustrations.

A follow-up appointment is recommendable to test that the abortion is complete. At this verification visit, we perform a quick examination that may include a blood test and an ultrasound or one of the two.

Our specialists will ask you some questions about the experience and side effects.

In the rare instance that you are still pregnant, we will carefully assess your situation and provide you with an alternative procedure.

How should I breastfeed after taking the abortion pill?

If you have taken the medical abortion pill while breastfeeding, observing a few safety precautions can keep you and the baby safe from harm:

• Wait for four to seven hours before breastfeeding after taking the pill to reduce stomach upsets in your child.

• Discuss the matter with your physician.

• Before the procedure, disclose that you are a lactating mother to get further guidelines on breastfeeding and the pill.

• Your doctor may require that you undergo tests to show the pill’s concentration levels in your system.

• Do not take the abortion pill to end an ectopic pregnancy, whether or not you are breastfeeding.

• You may need the surgical procedure to end an ectopic pregnancy while breastfeeding your baby.

Conclusion

For most people, taking the abortion pill while breastfeeding is considered compatible with continuing to breastfeed.

The medications commonly used for a medication abortion, mifepristone and misoprostol, pass into breast milk in very small amounts and are not generally expected to harm a nursing infant.

In most cases, there is no need to stop breastfeeding or discard breast milk after taking these medications. However, individual circumstances can vary, especially if you are taking other medications or have specific health concerns.

If you are breastfeeding and considering a medication abortion, speak with your healthcare provider for advice based on your medical history and your baby’s health.

Having clear, medically reliable information can help you make an informed decision and know what to expect during the process.

Contact us if you need help.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center  | Abortion Clinic Orlando