Many couples turn to In vitro fertilization (IVF), which is a complex process that helps individuals and couples conceive when natural conception becomes a challenge.
As fertility products get more advanced and accessible, many women wonder how possible and safe it is to combine these treatments with other aspects of life, such as breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding offers a lotta benefits for both mother and baby. Talk of nutritional advantages, immune support, and bonding..
However, it also involves the production of certain hormones that can influence a woman’s reproductive system. This brings us to an important question: Can you undergo IVF while continuing to breastfeed?
Can You Do IVF While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding often delays the return of normal menstrual cycles due to the hormone prolactin, which can suppress ovulation. This can make it almost impossible to predict and manage your fertility, which is an important element in the IVF process.
Breastfeeding triggers certain hormonal changes, too. And this affects how your body responds to fertility medications and treatments.
Most fertility specialists, including myself, suggest weaning your child before starting IVF treatments. The primary reason for this is to reset your hormonal balance, which would make it easier to monitor your cycle and predict ovulation.
Also, certain medications used in IVF can be passed through breast milk, although we don’t know the effects on the baby. Weaning ensures that your little one is exempted from any possible risk from these medications.
We suggest steering clear of IVF treatment while nursing.
Factors Affecting the Decision to Stop Breastfeeding for IVF
Choosing to stop breastfeeding so that you can start IVF is a big decision, and it’s not always easy. We discuss some important things to think about when considering this step:
Your Baby’s Age and Nutrition
Breast milk goes beyond serving as a food. It’s a complete combo of essential nutrients, antibodies, and comfort that plays a pivotal role in your baby’s early life.
For younger babies, especially those under six months, it is often their sole source of nutrition. It offers everything they need to grow and flourish.
If your baby falls within this range, you might rethink the best ways to transition and ensure they keep on receiving the vital nourishments once you decide to go IVF.
As babies grow older and begin eating solids, they may not rely solely on breast milk, making it easier for mothers to consider beginning IVF.
The decision goes further into weighing the benefits of bearing your second kid against the immediate emotional and nutritional needs of the little one.
Consulting a healthcare provider can help you navigate this decision more effectively. Your family physician or doctors, generally, would ensure both your baby’s needs and your family planning goals are met.
It’s a deeply personal choice revolving around the wellness of your current child and hope for the future.
Timing for Another Pregnancy
One major thing to think about is the “right” timing. Every family has a timeline or interval for when they’d like to bear their kids.
Perhaps you want your kids to be close in age, or you feel old age (linked to infertility issues) is catching up really quickly with you. These factors can push the decision toward starting IVF sooner rather than later.
However, breastfeeding has its own timeline. Your baby might not be ready to wean off breast milk, which is an important source of nutrition and comfort for them.
Breastfeeding can also affect your menstrual cycle, which in turn influences fertility. Some women may experience irregular periods while nursing, which is something IVF needs to work properly.
Personal Health and Fertility
Breastfeeding has a powerful effect on the body. It creates a special bond between you and your baby, sure, but it also messes with your hormones.
These hormonal changes can make your monthlies unpredictable, in turn, impacting fertility. For some women, getting pregnant while breastfeeding can be more arduous.
This is because your body naturally focuses on nourishing your current child, which might delay the return of regular ovulation and periods.
Your overall health and fertility are also key players in this decision. Before starting IVF, doctors often recommend being in the best health possible to increase the chances of IVF success.
This might mean waiting until your body fully recovers from childbirth and breastfeeding. It’s basically about giving your body the needed time to be ready for another pregnancy.
Age is another aspect of personal health and fertility that needs to be rethought. Fertility naturally declines with age, so this might create a sense of urgency about starting IVF sooner.
Yet, balancing this with the benefits of breastfeeding your current child can be tricky. It’s a personal journey, and there are no one-size-fits-all answers.
Each family, mother, and child is different. That is why talking to a healthcare provider can be that helpful.
Emotional Readiness
You shouldn’t disregard feelings while deciding this. You may be excited about the idea of having another child but also feel sad about the thought of stopping breastfeeding. It’s natural to feel a mix of happiness, worry, and even guilt.
It’s also about thinking of your baby and how it will affect them. Aside from nutrition, your little one might find solace and calmness in breastfeeding. Thus, ensure y’all are ready for a new routine that excludes breastfeeding.
Some mothers choose to keep breastfeeding right up until they start IVF because they value this emotional bond. At other times, they might feel a strong pull to grow their family and sense that it’s the right moment to start the journey toward another baby.
Chatting with friends, family, or a counselor can help sort through these feelings. Plus, healthcare providers can give advice and support as you make your choice.
They understand that this decision intertwines with your emotions and can help you sort out if you, your baby, and your whole family feel ready for the next steps.
Financial concerns
Breastfeeding, in a way, is free. It doesn’t cost anything to feed your baby this way. But when you’re thinking about IVF, you have to plan for the costs involved.
This includes the IVF procedures alongside tests and medicines you might need. Some families save up money for a while before starting IVF. This could mean they choose to continue breastfeeding longer while they get their finances in order.
On the other hand, some might decide to move forward with IVF sooner for different reasons, such as their age or fertility issues, and have to budget carefully to make it work.
Sitting back to analyze your family budget and how IVF fits is crucial. You can discuss payment options or plans with the health center.
In developed countries, such as the US, UK, or Ireland, grants and financial assistance programs are available to help with the costs.
Talking with a financial advisor or planner about this can be a good step, too. They can advise on how to save for IVF as well as perhaps what changes you might need to make in your spending or saving habits.
FAQs
It is advised that you stop breastfeeding prior to starting IVF treatment. This is because the hormones and medications used in IVF can pass into breast milk, and it is not known if they could affect your baby. Also, breastfeeding can affect the hormones in your body, which might make IVF less successful.
Doctors often recommend stopping breastfeeding a couple of months before beginning IVF. This practically regularizes your period cycle again, helping IVF procedural timings.
Breastfeeding itself doesn’t usually affect the quality of your eggs, but it can change your hormone levels. These changes can pause your ovulation times, or make it harder to predict when you’ll ovulate. Both ways might impact IVF treatments. Breastfeeding can also make your body think it’s not the right time to get pregnant again, which is why stopping can help if you want to start IVF.
This is a wrap
You might be eager to expand your family through IVF while still breastfeeding. However, pausing it or weaning before starting the treatment is generally recommended.
Breastfeeding affects our hormone levels and potentially hinders the success of IVF as it changes our ovulation patterns. Waiting to finish breastfeeding regulates your body, preparing you better for the IVF process.
Talking this out with your family physician or a counselor sounds perfect, as they can offer individualized advice and can support you through the decision.
