Oral Progesterone medication and breastfeeding

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 · November 2019

Hello Im 5 weeks 4 days along and my progesterone levels are 11. I've also had many miscarriages. My docter prescribed me oral progesterone 200mg once a day, but it concerns me since Im still breastfeeding my 18 month old. I read online that vaginal progesterone was usually what is given and is safer for use when breastfeeding. Have any of you taken oral progesterone when breastfeeding?

harpseal135 · November 2019

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 said:

Hello Im 5 weeks 4 days along and my progesterone levels are 11. I've also had many miscarriages. My docter prescribed me oral progesterone 200mg once a day, but it concerns me since Im still breastfeeding my 18 month old. I read online that vaginal progesterone was usually what is given and is safer for use when breastfeeding. Have any of you taken oral progesterone when breastfeeding?

Did you ask your doctor? If you are concerned call the nurses line. They can give you the best answers.

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 · November 2019

I did ask her but Im hoping to hear from anyone with experience with it. My ob says its ok but I don't trust that since there has not really been any studies on its affects to a breastfeeding baby. My previous obs refused to prescribe it at all.

capnjackharkness · November 2019

So if you want to be on the safe side, stop breastfeeding your 18th month old and switch it to formula or soft foods or whatever else. Then you can take the meds for your new PG to help ensure you don't have another loss.
schitts creek comedy GIF by CBC

meggyme · November 2019

If there are no studies, how is our uneducated guess better than your medically educated doctor’s with full access to your personal health history?

lelkcot · November 2019

If you're concerned and don't trust the response you got from your doctor (side note - if you don't trust your doctor, you might want to consider switching) you can always speak to a pharmacist. Meds are their area of expertise and are usually happy to talk to you about concerns.

stassischroeder · November 2019

If you're worried (and don't want to listen to your doc) then just ask for vaginal progesterone.

stassischroeder · November 2019

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 said:

I did ask her but Im hoping to hear from anyone with experience with it. My ob says its ok but I don't trust that since there has not really been any studies on its affects to a breastfeeding baby. My previous obs refused to prescribe it at all.

Also, why would your previous OB refuse to prescribe progesterone? Especially if you have a history of low progesterone and/or miscarriages?

chichiphin · November 2019

it seems strange to waffle between risking another MC by not taking the progesterone, stop BF your baby, or ask for vaginal if you're so concerned even when your OB said it is okay.

capnjackharkness · November 2019

I want to know how someone who has a history of "many miscarriages" can even bring themselves to fathom doing something against medical advice that may knowingly cause that baby to die... #CannotComprehend

kiki75 · November 2019

Have you discussed with your doctor why they went with oral over vaginal?

What, exactly are you thinking it’s going to do to a breastfeeding baby? I would think that babies who are nursing from mothers who are naturally producing ample progesterone would get the same exposure to the hormone as they would artificial progesterone. I would also think there was little difference in the child’s exposure between the two. Finally, if additional progesterone may be the difference between a miscarriage and a healthy pregnancy, why not favor that over nursing an 18-month-old who should be getting the vast majority of their nutrients from solid foods? If there is an actual risk to the nursing child, it seems like a no brainer to me to discontinue something that is not necessary in favor of doing something that is necessary to protect this pregnancy.

lovesclimbing · November 2019

Your previous OBs refused to prescribe it because you're breastfeeding? Or they refused to prescribe it because they don't think you need it?

You should not be taking a very small sample size of woman from a random internet forum saying "oh, yea, I took it, and my baby is fine," as a reason to or not to take it.

What did the doctor say when you brought up the studies? If you have concerns, they should be able to address them in some way shape or form. And if you don't trust what they have to say and their recommendations, it's time to find a new doctor.

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 · November 2019

I can speak to my doctor about why they chose oral over vaginal tomorrow, I was given my prescription to start a few days in advance of being able to see her. I would really like to be able to just stop breastfeeding my 18month old but its not that simple. She refuses formula and there is no way she will nap or sleep without breastfeeding first. I feel so awful and worry for her when she can not be comforted at all. I had no intentions of weaning her so she is not used to going without it at all. As far as the other Obs I have met not prescribing it they all told me that the reason they refuse to and do not even if you've had multiple miscarriages is that there is not any scientific proof that it actually works to prevent miscarriage. Even though I trust my current Ob less she is the only person I can find who well even let me give progesterone a try. The reasons I trust her less have to do how little she seemed to care about my last miscarriage, she didn't even seem worried that I could go septic. Also her facility is not very clean. They do seem to be knowledgeable and nice, I just dont know how much they really care or have experience with this, but I don't have any other option if I want to try progesterone to save this pregnancy. I have already lost two babies since my daughter was born, one that made it all the way to 11 weeks.

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 · November 2019

As far as finding a new or better ob goes I don't have time to do that in time for this pregnancy since my progesterone is already low at 5 weeks. I have to make a choice immediately. I'm going to ask her for the vaginal because that seems to be what is most commonly prescribed for miscarriage. Sorry if my line of thought seems absurd, I just worry very much for my older babies well being as well. I don't think she can go cold turkey off breast milk, and I worry the progesterone could have weird affects, especially with how many losses I have already endured, Im always very paranoid about any drug. She is my one rainbow baby, and counting her and this current baby I have now been pregnant 7 times. The 5 others ended in miscarriage. So please try to understand how I worry.

daffodil_shoe · November 2019

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 said:

I can speak to my doctor about why they chose oral over vaginal tomorrow, I was given my prescription to start a few days in advance of being able to see her. I would really like to be able to just stop breastfeeding my 18month old but its not that simple. She refuses formula and there is no way she will nap or sleep without breastfeeding first. I feel so awful and worry for her when she can not be comforted at all. I had no intentions of weaning her so she is not used to going without it at all. As far as the other Obs I have met not prescribing it they all told me that the reason they refuse to and do not even if you've had multiple miscarriages is that there is not any scientific proof that it actually works to prevent miscarriage. Even though I trust my current Ob less she is the only person I can find who well even let me give progesterone a try. The reasons I trust her less have to do how little she seemed to care about my last miscarriage, she didn't even seem worried that I could go septic. Also her facility is not very clean. They do seem to be knowledgeable and nice, I just dont know how much they really care or have experience with this, but I don't have any other option if I want to try progesterone to save this pregnancy. I have already lost two babies since my daughter was born, one that made it all the way to 11 weeks.

Why are you trying to give your 18-month-old formula? Children can start drinking cows milk at 1 year of age.

I have nothing against breastfeeding until age two like APA recommends. But if the choice was lose the pregnancy or weaning your daughter, I feel like this is a no-brainer. But I also don’t think Progesterone supplements would harm your toddler, and that your doctor would have said something if there was a risk.

capnjackharkness · November 2019

As all my babies are dead, I don't 'get' how difficult it could be weaning a child off of breast milk. However, again, if my choice were cold turkey weaning and having a second living baby, or coddling a child because I felt bad for it not being able to have the exact type of food it wanted and having a 6th dead baby... I know damned well what I would choose.

Additionally, after 3 MC you can have an RPL panel of tests done. Of course, now that you may end up with 2 living children that probably is negated. That panel of tests usually includes a progesterone test to let you know what your levels standardly are, so that they can compare them when you get to early PG. With as many losses as you've had, if you have another one, I'd strongly recommend you go to an RE and not stay with an OB.

varimama · November 2019

So I’m not an expert and I don’t have any training in the medical field so take my advice as you will... From what I’ve read the concern with breastfeeding and progesterone supplements is that it often causes you to reduce or loose your supply. This however is also a common side effect of pregnancy though not everyone experiences it.

If you wish to continue nursing your toddler I would recommend the book Adventures in Tandem Nursing by Hilary Flower. You might be able to find it at a local LLL because it’s out of print so pretty pricey on Amazon though I’d argue it’s worth it. She is working on a 2nd edition which she is hoping to release in December.

kiki75 · November 2019

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 said:

As far as finding a new or better ob goes I don't have time to do that in time for this pregnancy since my progesterone is already low at 5 weeks. I have to make a choice immediately. I'm going to ask her for the vaginal because that seems to be what is most commonly prescribed for miscarriage. Sorry if my line of thought seems absurd, I just worry very much for my older babies well being as well. I don't think she can go cold turkey off breast milk, and I worry the progesterone could have weird affects, especially with how many losses I have already endured, Im always very paranoid about any drug. She is my one rainbow baby, and counting her and this current baby I have now been pregnant 7 times. The 5 others ended in miscarriage. So please try to understand how I worry.

Many of us commenting here, myself included, are loss moms. So we do understand the worry. Which is why we don’t understand putting toddler’s wants over something potentially critical to this pregnancy. I understand the desire to coddle your baby. But she will be fine even if you had to stop nursing cold turkey. She should now be able to drink cow milk or other milk, and she can learn other soothing methods. It’s healthy for her to learn self-soothing and how to put herself to sleep without nursing to sleep. Most of the time transitions like that are not as hard on them as we anticipate and it’s harder on us than them.

And, unless you live in a tiny town with only a handful of OBs, you absolutely can keep searching and switch OBs after you do an initial appointment with this one. It gets harder to switch the longer you wait but just because you see someone one or two times doesn’t mean you’re committed to them for the entire pregnancy. You need a doctor you trust and you have a good working relationship with.

crazypuglady · November 2019

Saying this gently, as I know how it's hard to convey tone when reading posts as opposed to having an in-person conversation- but I agree with pp's.

1- Your 18M old doesn't need formula in any way shape or form. By all means, BF as long as you and your daughter like- but you don't need nutritional supplementation in the form of formula beyond one year of age. Toddler formulas are expensive and a scam. At 1+ years they can drink cow milk, any milk substitute or another animal milk. Or some skip milks all together and just do water. I understand the attachment to BFing in both mom and child though- so I get not wanting to give it up if it's still working for you both.

2- I too am no medical professional nor have I read any studies on the subject, but my line of thought is that the progesterone reduces the mother's milk supply, which is why Drs are hesitant to give it to lactating mothers. BUT... so does being pregnant in general... sorry to say, your days of nursing your toddler may be numbered anyways. (At least until new baby is born and supply comes back.)

3- If you don't trust your OB... I would absolutely look for a new one. I get your immediate concerns- but outside of that- look for new care. You named a number of red flags in my mind- you do NOT want to be stuck with someone you can't trust caring for you and your baby.

4- IF there is a chance that taking progesterone could harm my BF toddler- and it was a choice between stopping and upsetting my toddler and saving/supporting my new pregnancy... it would be a no brainer. Sorry but there's going to be a lot in life your toddler won't like and will have to deal with. This is life and death. I would never risk the life of one of my children to keep my other child content. Sorry. I know you are scared and anxious as you have mentioned other losses (I'm so sorry for that btw.) and emotions run high when it comes to pregnancy and children... but you have to be rational about this.

5- I like the suggestion of asking a pharmacist, as they are the drug experts and should be able to help. Maybe also try asking your pediatrician? I know they specialize in children and not so much pregnancy, but maybe they can give you some insight on what's good for your toddler? At least it would be another professional opinion.

wishiwaspreggo · November 2019

I'm definitely the parent who coddled her first kid. I get it, it's hard to see them sad and worry about how they'll feel, especially with a new baby on the way. But if you want to take progesterone to keep your pregnancy viable, and your doctor advises against BF while taking progesterone, you'll have to wean. My son was a paci addict and I though the world was going to collapse around him when I took it away but he ended up being just fine. Look up articles and resources on how to gently wean. I can't imagine she's taking in that much breastmilk at this point anyway... you do offer her other things to drink along with whole milk, right? At 1 they can have cow's milk and should be eating a wide range of foods to meet nutritional needs. Your toddler will be fine, and she will have to cope with a lot of changes with a new baby anyway.

leksiL · November 2019

wishiwaspreggo said:

... At 1 they can have cow's milk and should be eating a wide range of foods to meet nutritional needs. Your toddler will be fine, and she will have to cope with a lot of changes with a new baby anyway.

+100000000

I think one of the most important job we have as parents is teaching our kids independence.
- She can sleep without nursing. It's important for them to learn to sleep on their own without any crutches anyway.
- She can have her full nutritional needs without nursing. Kids have this innate sense that they have to eat what their little bodies need.

It will be a tough transition but kids go through a lot of tough transitions, especially as said above when the new baby comes. It is time to start letting her be a bit independent now or you are going to have a rough go at it with two.

brettanomyces · November 2019

A few points to consider:

Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone, it is also in birth control pills which are routinely prescribed to breastfeeding mothers, so in that regard it doesn’t pose risk to your breastfeeding toddler.

It may or may not decrease your milk supply, but increased progesterone in a normal pregnancy often leads to decrease or change in milk which can cause a child to nurse less or stop altogether.

Breastfeeding does increase your prolactin levels, which increases your risk of miscarriage.

The general norm from what ive seen in fertility treatments is vaginal progesterone.

Weaning a toddler can be really hard (I’m trying to do it now). It can be downright traumatic for them to be refused the breast cold turkey. Gentle weaning normally happens over several months, a luxury you may not have if you’re trying to mitigate your risk of miscarriage. A couple things you could try: 1. a bottle of warm milk (add a bit of honey or chocolate syrup for incentive) and lots of snuggling when they’d normally nurse down for sleep. 2. Leaving the house and letting husband do bedtime. Kids will often handle going down without nursing better if mom is not around at all.

Knottie16120cd3f750e160 · November 2019

Thank you for the advice everyone. Sorry I went MIA for a min, I got really odd news when I went in for my ultrasound that I will need to be seeing a better OB for then my current one. While she is understanding enough to prescribe me progesterone I feel she doesn't have much experience with strange or complicated pregnancies. My current Ob wasn't sure what to think of it. When she looked on the screen I appeared to somehow be pregnant with a small amount of left over fetal tissue from the last miscarriage. I'm not sure how that could even be possible though because my HCG had dropped to zero so my old OB that did my D and C was sure it was fine. Also I have a fibroid poking up through the back of my uterus that has grown over 6cm in the last 6 months and the new OB jumped straight to believing it must be cancerous then. The chances of it being cancer and not just a normal fibroid are very rare. Only 1 in 1000 and typically affecting women who are post menopausal, which I'm not. I've had large fibroids throughout my successful pregnancy as well, and they've always grown a bit with each pregnancy, so considering this is the 2 pregnancy I've had this year alone, I don't think its to strange that one grew larger like that. I think its strange of my current OB to jump straight to that assumption. I'm going to get a second opinion from my preferred older OBs, who have worked with me through all my fibroid issues and have never told me anything like that. The only reason I went to my newer OB is just that she is much closer to me and has no problem prescribing progesterone, but other then that I actually trust and prefer my old OB. I'm still going to be taking the progesterone until I find out what is going on for sure, but I will be taking it vaginally so my blood serums levels don't get as high, and reducing breastfeeding to once a day just before bed, my daughter seems to be able to handle that. Thank you again everyone for your support understanding and thoughts. If you've ever heard of someone being able to get pregnant while still retaining past fetal tissue let me know. I can't find any info on this yet.

crazypuglady · November 2019

OP- sorry you are going through these complications. Sounds like you are making some sound decisions moving forward though. Good luck and I hope everything works out fine for you!

chichiphin · November 2019

OP - it is usually re-absorbed if it isn't a concerning amount. that is per my RE after our D&E showed some tissue left in the uterus before a treatment cycle.

Malidocious · November 2019

It is definitely possible to get pregnant again while still retaining some fetal tissue from a past pregnancy. Like others have said, it typically gets reabsorbed and is a non-issue.

delujm0 · November 2019

I'm a few days late here, so this may have already passed, but if you were pregnant and creating an adequate amount of progesterone to support the pregnancy naturally, your 18 month old would likely still wean in the next few months, unless they are so attached to breastfeeding that they are willing to dry-nurse. I am a textbook Overproducer, and when i got pregnant with my second, my first was still nursing twice a day. She dropped the first of those when i was 1-2 months pregnant, and the last one when i was about 4 months in. At the time that she fully weaned she was 18 months old, so i wasn't sure if it was her age or my production that caused it. But i got pregnant with #3 when #2 was only 5 months old, and since i was still pumping at work during the day, i noticed pretty quickly that my supply majorly dropped almost immediately and that i'd have to supplement with formula until #2 turned 1.

It is highly highly likely that an 18 month old, who should be getting most of their nutrition from other sources by now, would self-wean shortly after their mother got pregnant again regardless. Of course, your child could be in the minority that doesn't really mind reduced supply or the taste of the milk changing over to colostrum, but tandem nursing is difficult and fairly unusual, even if you are willing to do so. Most toddlers will see nursing as pointless once there is no more milk coming out, provided that they are receiving adequate nutrition from elsewhere.

+10000 to not feeding an 18 month old formula. Cows milk or any high-in-healthy-fat substitute is completely fine and a LOT cheaper and easier.

Want a personalized experience?

Oral Progesterone medication and breastfeeding

Re: Oral Progesterone medication and breastfeeding

Choose Another Board

Search Boards