Is it harmful to take oral contraceptive pills while breast feeding?

Q: I delivered a baby 4 months back. Due to some function I need to postpone my periods this time. Can I take pills for the same? I am still breast feeding my baby. Will it have any impact on my child?

A:If you take the contraceptive pill, there is no known adverse effect on your baby if you are breastfeeding. Sometimes the pill can reduce the amount of breast milk delivered to the baby, but this is not significant if you have a well established breastfeeding program. Your periods will be light while on the pill. If you want to avoid a period while on the pill you can skip the placebo week (after 3 weeks) and start on a new pack of pills.