The issue...
"I started breastfeeding my daughter with no problems and thoroughly enjoyed this very special time with her for the first 2 months of her life. Then, gradually, she became more and more fussy during each feed to the point that I dreaded each feed.

Reading a lot about breastfeeding problems on the web, I eventually came across a few seemingly "folklore" bits of wisdom that, apparently, the mini pill 1) changes the flavour of your milk, 2) decreases milk supply, 3) changes the speed of milk flow during a feed. My milk supply seemed fine, but I could not check 1) and 3).

However, me starting the mini pill was around the same time when my daughter's fussing began. I stopped taking it and, sure enough, within 2 weeks my daughter and I were back to our old breast feeding harmony. Anyone out there with a similar experience? Does anyone know of any "hard" facts backing a disadvantageous influence of the mini pill on breast feeding?"

Similar experience
I did have the same experience, I couldn't check 1) or 3) as well. After about a month I was breastfeeding well, then as soon as I went on the mini pill at around the same age, Codi did more than fussying. It was more like screaming (really!) after taking breast milk. I remember rushing around trying to get a formula bottle made up. Once given he would drink in a way that he was so thirsty and hungry. He was not happy at all. I would even try and top up, or even mix my breast milk in the formula and he would still cry (scream).

As you can guess I gave up the mini pill, but he weaned himself off breastfeeding at four months (only a couple of weeks later). I realized the same issues that you did. I really thought the mini pill was affecting at least the taste of it. I discussed this with my obstetrician and he did mention that the mini pill affects the taste. I now know not to go on the mini pill whilst breastfeeding and next time I will wait until my baby has decided to stop breast feeding, and then I will go back on the normal pill which is Mycrogynon 20 (a low dose pill).

I am not sure if you had problems with the pill in general, however I have. I am not sure if that has anything to do with it, however, the mini pill definitely affected the taste for my son. It was so obvious with the extreme dislike for it, after getting into such a great rythym with breastfeeding. I also ruled out things like, lactose intolerance. I was definitely sure it was the mini pill.

The facts
After searching around on the web a bit, it appears that there is no study that I can find that has been conducted to find out more about nursing mother's experiences.  Specifically, of their baby disliking the taste of the breastmilk after the mother has gone on the mini pill.  I am sure that they would find more than a few mothers that had our same issue.

Maybe it has something to do with the level of hormones in the body that alters the taste of the milk slightly, but for very sensitve babies puts them off the taste? Alcohol would taste gross, spicey food the same, so why not the mini pill? Or maybe it's something more?? If anything a study should been done.

If breastfeeding plays such an important role in our growing babies, I think we should be able to have an informed choice (I would have opted for the old method, a condom!!!) Especially, when breastfeeding in my experience needs skill and patience you don't need another factor stuffing it up!!!

My advice for other moms breastfeeding who are thinking of this form of contraception, I would suggest to talk to your clinic nurse and doctor. See if they had other mothers mentioning the same thing, then make your decision. However, if it were me I would hold off until I had weaned my little one off the breast.

I just did a search on the web and all I have been able to find are issues with the mini pill and the supply being affected click here. It would be interesting if someone checked with these mothers if they also noticed their babies disliking the taste.

I haven't been able to find any hard facts :(

However, maybe some investigating like asking your doctor, other mothers and clinic nurses may help to see how common it really is. However, from my experience from talking to all three groups it has been the case for some mothers like me.

BTW. I have emailed the Australian Breastfeeding Association to try and find out more :) - Update: it has been reported that some mother's do mention that the mini pill is making their child fussy and refusing to feed.