Many individuals who seek out abortions are already parents. Some may even be actively breastfeeding. For these people, the question of whether or not abortion pills are safe while breastfeeding may arise.
While many drugs should be avoided while breastfeeding, rest assured that abortion pills are safe. Let’s dive into the details of taking misoprostol or mifepristone while breastfeeding.
Is It Safe to Breastfeed After Using Misoprostol or Mifepristone?
Abortion pills can include misoprostol alone or both mifepristone and misoprostol. If you are considering an abortion and are actively breastfeeding, you may be concerned about the effects of these medications on your breast milk and your baby.
The good news is that these drugs appear in breast milk in negligible amounts. That means it is generally considered safe to take misoprostol and mifepristone when breastfeeding. In fact, data analyzed by CNN shows that abortion medications are considered safer than many other popular medications, such as acetaminophen, Viagra, or penicillin.
How Long Should You Wait Before Breastfeeding After Using Abortion Pills?
Because both misoprostol and mifepristone are considered safe for breastfeeding women, there is no need to wait between taking abortion pills and breastfeeding.
Typically, you can continue breastfeeding while taking the abortion pills. However, if possible, it is always best to consult a health-care provider for guidance when introducing new medications while breastfeeding.
Do Abortion Pills Affect Breast Milk or the Baby?
In general, abortion pills have a minimal effect on breast milk and do not affect a breastfeeding baby.
According to the United States Prescribing Information (USPI), mifepristone is present in human milk, but in negligible amounts. Research shows that it appears at undetectable to low levels in milk, with the infant dose being 0.5 percent or less than the maternal dose.
A small older study evaluated 12 individuals who had a medical abortion while breastfeeding. It indicated that there were only very small amounts of mifepristone present in breast milk. Levels of mifepristone were greatest within 24 hours of pregnancy termination and decreased over the following seven days. Nursing infants did not experience any adverse effects.
Like mifepristone, misoprostol can also appear in breast milk in low quantities. However, there have been no reports of side effects in breastfeeding infants.
As such, both medications are generally considered safe and effective for use in breastfeeding individuals. Additionally, abortions do not have any long-term impact on someone’s ability to nurse or breastfeed. Nevertheless, some health-care providers may opt for a slightly lower dose of medication to further minimize any risk.
Tips for Safe Breastfeeding After a Medical Abortion
As mentioned, breastfeeding can continue as normal after a medical abortion.
- If possible, though, consult with a health-care provider about your breastfeeding plans. They may offer aftercare instructions and/or pain management options that are safe for the breastfeeding infant.
- You’ll also want to watch out for changes to your milk supply. While the abortion drugs shouldn’t impact milk supply, hormonal shifts and stress associated with pregnancy can.
- Finally, ensure that you keep hydrated and rest. Doing so will promote milk production and recovery after an abortion. Don’t be afraid to also seek support during this time.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Mifepristone and misoprostol are generally considered safe during breastfeeding. However, it is always best to consult a health-care provider when starting a new medication while breastfeeding, if possible.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of rare signs of complications postabortion and seek medical attention when necessary. For example, the following would warrant a consultation with a health-care provider:
- serious pain not relieved with pain medication;
- heavy bleeding that requires more than two pads per hour or includes large clots;
- a high fever; and
- signs of infection (e.g., abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge).
If you or someone you know wants answers to questions before, during, and after an abortion with pills, Ally, the safe abortion chatbot, is available to provide support 24/7, irrespective of your location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can abortion pills harm my breastfeeding baby?
No, abortion pills won’t harm your breastfeeding baby. These drugs show up in undetectable or low amounts in breast milk, and they won’t impact the infant.
Will I still lactate after an abortion?
Abortion pills shouldn’t impact lactation directly. However, stress and hormone changes can affect lactation. Ensure you stay well hydrated and get adequate rest to support recovery and healthy milk production.
Can I continue breastfeeding if I have side effects?
Depending on the side effects, you may be able to continue breastfeeding. For example, typical side effects like bleeding and cramping during an abortion are normal and to be expected.
However, you should consult a health-care provider if you start experiencing concerning side effects like serious pain or signs of infection.