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Pregnancy Today's Advisory Panel Answers:
Can I take Depo-Provera or the "mini-pill" during lactation?

by Lisa Miller
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago

Question
What are the current recommendations regarding the use of Depo-Provera or the "mini-pill" during lactation? Will it have any affect on milk supply? Have there been any studies on the possible effects on the babies from the small amounts secreted in the milk? I have received conflicting information regarding these questions and would like to find some trustworthy resourses.

Answer
Both injectable progestins (Depo-provera) and oral progestin-only pills ("mini-pills") have a number of contraindications, however, breastfeeding is not one of them. The amount that may be secreted in breastmilk is not significant, and would not have any affect on the infant.

For confirmation, I suggest the latest edition of Contraceptive Technology by Hatcher, et al., although it is a medical text, it is pretty easy for an educated lay person to read.

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