Progestin-only oral contraceptives are particularly suitable during lactation because they:

• A. Have estrogen-related side effects
• B. Are unsafe during lactation
• C. Do not contain estrogen and are safe during lactation
• D. Require estrogen to be effective

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that estrogen can interfere with milk production, so during lactation, contraception that contains estrogen is avoided. Progestin-only oral contraceptives provide effective contraception without introducing estrogen, making them safe for both the breastfeeding mother and the infant. By relying on progestin to suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, they avoid the estrogen-related effects that can compromise milk supply. For breastfeeding moms, this helps protect milk production while still offering reliable birth control. They do need consistent daily timing to maintain effectiveness, but they do not carry the estrogen exposure concern that makes other options less suitable during lactation.