Breastfeeding and Hormonal Contraception: A Scoping Review of Clinical Guidelines, Professional Association Recommendations, and the Literature

Background:Postpartum contraceptive use can help prevent short-interval pregnancies, which have been associated with adverse neonatal and maternal health outcomes. Many contraceptive methods are safe for postpartum use, but patients and providers may be confused as to what impact hormonal contraception has on lactation. We performed a scoping review of the most recent U.S.-based guidelines regarding hormonal contraception on lactation to provide synthesis and recommendations to aid providers in counseling their patients. Methods:We conducted a scoping review by identifying the most recent clinical recommendations and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and three maternal and child health professional associations (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG, Society for Maternal–Fetal Medicine SMFM, and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine ABM). We also reviewed the citations in these guidelines used in their development. We then conducted an updated literature review to capture studies published since the most recent systematic reviews were conducted. Results:We reviewed 1 clinical guideline from the CDC and 2 systematic reviews cited in its references, 6 professional association recommendations, and 28 publications identified through the updated literature review. Progestin-only contraceptive methods continue to demonstrate safety in breastfeeding patients, while low-quality evidence supports concerns of decreased milk supply with combined hormonal contraception. Discussion:Organizations should consider updating counseling recommendations regarding progestin-only contraceptives and lactation. Further research is needed to examine new contraceptive methods as well as the effect of hormonal contraception on lactation in the setting of preterm birth.