Jay I can't help you with your hormonal birth control questions. I do have other questions though. Why can't this mother use other methods of birth control? The barrier methods are certainly compatible with breastfeeding and reliable if used properly, particularly during the time of lactational ammenohrea. I also used an IUD while nursing my first. I would imagine that these would not have any effect on migranes. Are the hormonal methods preferred because they cut down on migranes? Sarah Friend Barnett LLLL and IBCLC Bronx (NYC) NY