Hyperlactation Associated With Oral Contraception Use: A Case Report, Part 1

Abstract

In this report, two women, whose infants were unable to transfer sufficient milk from the breast when solely breastfeeding, established and maintained their milk supplies using double electric breast pumps. After a delayed initiation of pumping, and without an infant influencing production, these women experienced hyperlactation. Milk storage soon became problematic. Each woman attempted to downregulate her supply by pumping less often for fewer minutes each time, yet both experienced increased production after their infants were 1 month old. This case report investigates why, with decreasing breast stimulus, their milk supplies increased. Commonality between these women was a shared history of long-term use of progestin-only birth control pills and/or injections, followed by infertility issues prior to getting pregnant. We’ve noted a potential association between hyperlactation and the long-term use of progestin-only birth control in two women. This information may be significant in our understanding of basic lactation physiology and potential external ramifications previously not researched.