Your needs
Birth control while breastfeeding
Quick answer
Progestin-only methods (pills like Daphne, Exluton and Cerazette, the implant and the injectable), IUDs and condoms are all suitable while breastfeeding. The NHS advises waiting until 6 weeks after birth before starting a combined pill like Trust if you are breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or health center when to start.
Your options
| Method | While breastfeeding |
|---|---|
| Progestin-only pill | Suitable [src] |
| Implant | Suitable [src] |
| Injectable | Suitable; ask when to start [src] |
| IUD | Suitable, timing after birth matters [src] |
| Condoms | Suitable any time |
| Combined pill | NHS: wait until 6 weeks after birth [src] |
Daphne, Exluton and Cerazette
Progestin-only pills are the usual pill choice while breastfeeding [src]. Daphne (lynestrenol) and Exluton (lynestrenol) have the same formula; Daphne starts at ₱161 and Exluton at ₱218.50. Cerazette (desogestrel) costs more but has a 12-hour window instead of 3 hours, which some tired new moms find easier [src]. Progestin-only pills are also free at health centers, subject to supply [src].
Moms on Reddit share reviews of Daphne while exclusively breastfeeding, including worries about weight and spotting [src]. Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect [src], though many breastfeeding moms have no periods anyway.
Can breastfeeding alone prevent pregnancy?
WHO describes the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM): it only works if your baby is under 6 months, you are fully or nearly fully breastfeeding day and night, and your period has not returned [src]. If any of those changes, you need another method. Many moms get pregnant because one condition quietly stopped being true.
What about Trust or other combined pills?
The NHS advises waiting until 6 weeks after birth before starting a combined pill such as Trust (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) if you are breastfeeding [src]. A doctor may suggest waiting longer. See also birth control after giving birth.
These are method families to discuss with a doctor, not a prescription. A health center visit is free, and online consults start from ₱700 on some platforms.
Three legal routes
Get a prescription or a clinic visit
Progestin-only pills need a prescription, or are free at health centers. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Pwede ba ang Trust pills sa nagpapadede?
Ayon sa NHS, maghintay hanggang 6 na linggo pagkapanganak bago magsimula ng combined pill kung nagpapadede. Mas karaniwang pinipili ang progestin-only pill tulad ng Daphne. Kumonsulta sa doktor.
Does Daphne reduce breast milk?
Progestin-only pills are the usual choice while breastfeeding because they are not expected to affect milk supply. Talk to your doctor if you notice changes.
Do I need to switch from Daphne when I stop breastfeeding?
Not necessarily. You can keep using it, or talk to a doctor about other options once you stop.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Combined pill: who can and cannot take it, NHS
- Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, World Health Organization
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Managing missed pills (Family Planning Handbook), WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- DOH reminds public family planning services are free at public hospitals, Daily Tribune, 12 Jul 2025
- Daphne pills review, r/nanayconfessions