Do you have to stop breastfeeding before IVF?

The Intersection of Breastfeeding and IVF: What You Need to Know
As couples navigate the complex journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF), one common question arises: Do you have to stop breastfeeding before undergoing IVF? The answer is nuanced and depends on various factors, including the timing of the IVF process and the individual circumstances of the mother and child.
Breastfeeding and Fertility
Breastfeeding can influence a woman’s fertility, particularly in the early months postpartum. While some women may find that breastfeeding acts as a natural contraceptive, it can also complicate efforts to conceive again. The hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, making it more challenging to achieve pregnancy. However, it is important to note that it is still possible to become pregnant while nursing.
Recommendations from Fertility Experts
Experts generally suggest that breastfeeding does not necessarily need to be halted entirely before starting IVF. Dr. Jessica Bauer notes that mothers can often continue breastfeeding once or twice a day without significant negative effects on the IVF process. This perspective is echoed by other fertility specialists who emphasize that while nursing a newborn or infant might have some impact on the IVF cycle, complete cessation of breastfeeding is not a strict requirement.
However, some healthcare providers may recommend reconsidering breastfeeding if a woman is preparing for fertility treatments. This is primarily due to concerns that breastfeeding could potentially decrease the success rates of IVF by affecting embryo implantation. The evidence in this area is still limited, and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Timing and Medication Considerations
Another critical aspect to consider is the timing of IVF treatments in relation to breastfeeding. If a woman is prescribed fertility medications, some experts advise stopping breastfeeding for a period of 1-2 months prior to starting these drugs. This recommendation stems from the fact that certain medications can be excreted into breast milk, which may pose risks to the nursing infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is no blanket rule requiring mothers to stop breastfeeding before IVF, individual circumstances and medical advice should guide the decision. Many women can continue breastfeeding with minimal impact on their fertility treatments, but it is essential to consult with healthcare providers to tailor the approach to each unique situation. As always, open communication with fertility specialists can help navigate these decisions effectively, ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and child during this critical time.

Is it OK to have implant while breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If it’s fitted on or after day 21, you’ll need to use additional contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days. The implant is safe to use while breastfeeding and will not affect your baby or milk supply.

Can breastfeeding affect embryo implantation?

If you are still transitioning to full fertility (as discussed above), breastfeeding may affect the success of implantation. Once implantation is successful, breastfeeding should not affect a healthy pregnancy (see A New Look at the Safety of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy for more information).

Does breastfeeding affect egg quality?

Breastfeeding can have an effect on your fertility, particularly in the early months. While for some this is a benefit, it can also be a source of frustration for those hoping to grow their families.

What is the nursing responsibility in IVF?

Navigating in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment can be daunting. IVF nurses act as a fertility patient’s guide throughout their entire journey, providing critical education, emotional support, and clinical care to help patients achieve their ultimate goal: having a baby.

How long should you stop breastfeeding before IVF?

Therefore, there isn’t a general rule about whether a mum may need to stop breastfeeding before beginning IVF treatment. If you have resumed regular ovulation and menstruation while continuing to breastfeed, then weaning in order to start IVF may not increase your chances of falling pregnant.

Does long term breastfeeding affect fertility?

The simple answer is that you can get pregnant while nursing. However, many experience a time of delayed fertility during breastfeeding. This is very common and is referred to in many places as the Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) of contraception.

How long do you have to abstain before IVF?

Abstinence from intercourse is required for two to four days prior to egg retrieval. Typically, ejaculation should occur the same evening hCG is given, to assure the best quality sperm for the procedure. If significant male infertility is present, abstinence may be slightly prolonged.

Can breastfeeding affect fertility?

While it’s true that breastfeeding can delay the return of your fertility postpartum, it’s not impossible to get pregnant. The time it takes for a woman’s period to return after giving birth can vary widely. Once you start menstruating, it is usually a sign that your fertility has returned or will return soon.

Can I have IVF while breastfeeding?

My advice to you is to decide whether it is more important to continue nursing, or to try and conceive. This decision should be based on your age, the amount of time you have been nursing and the reason you need IVF. Despite my opinion that IVF and nursing do not mix, nursing during IVF is probably not dangerous.

How soon after having a baby can you start IVF?

If you had a vaginal delivery, we would like you to wait at least nine months prior to doing another embryo transfer cycle. If you delivered via C-section, we want you to wait at least one year.