My experience of breastfeeding through IVF and resultant conception, pregnancy and tandem feeding After a long journey of infertility and treatment we were delighted for our 2nd round of ISCI to be successful. The pregnancy and birth were relatively smooth despite heightened anxiety probably stemming from the difficulties of conception. I was always going to breastfeed, like my school friends, sister, mother and grandmother before me. Breastfeeding went well, very well in fact, and at one year, I had no wish what so ever to wean. Having discovered the concept of extended breastfeeding, it was not something I was willing to give up. Although I'd always wanted two babies, giving up breastfeeding would be sacrificing the best interest of the precious baby I had for one that may never exist. Not an option. I wanted both, so I did some reading. I found out : (1) that IVF whilst breast-feeding had been done, i.e. was possible. (see ref 1) (2) Regarding the effect of IVF on the nursling - the IVF medications would not harm the nursing child. Most are not given orally as are destroyed by the liver (first-pass effect). Thus if any were to pass via the breast milk, the babies liver would prevent the drugs being active. The only oral medication is given to induce a period and is hormonal, that same as in contraceptive pills. These are commonly used in breastfeeding women. (3) Regarding the effect of breast feeding on fertility- natural hormones are not likely to be relevant in IVF. In early stages of breastfeeding the raised prolactin suppresses ovulation. This is the basis of the natural contraceptive effect of breast feeding. In long term breast-feeding the prolactin levels stay only slightly raised and ovulation and periods usually resume. This is of no bearing in my case as due to polycystic ovary syndrome, I do not ovulate even when not breastfeeding. In any case of infertility treatment the whole process and hormone balance is managed artificially, so pre-existing levels may not be relevant. My conclusion was that there is no absolute requirement to stop breastfeeding. At our consultation breastfeeding was not mentioned (my baby was 14 months old so there may have been an assumption of weaning made). So we proceeded. There was a sudden drying of milk supply when my oestrogen levels soared, but it was temporary. After successfully conceiving there were the further issues of painful nipples and dry sucking, but that was unrelated to the IVF. A couple of years down the line I am now happily tandem feeding my three and five year olds.
references (1) Elliot, Jeanette., 2008. Breastfeeding through IVF treatment: A case study. Topics in Breastfeeding: Australian Breastfeeding Association
4 Comments
santhathi
13/12/2023 08:34:53 am
Great blog! Thank you for sharing. Santhathi Fertility Centre offers the best infertility treatments in Bangalore. Our Fertility hospital in Bangalore has the best IVF specialists who are experts in IVF Treatments and offer you the right medical care for your gynec problems. https://www.santhathiivfcentre.com/
Reply
santhathi
19/12/2023 02:37:33 pm
Great content. Thanks for sharing. Santhathi Fertility Centre offers the best infertility treatments in Bangalore. Our Fertility hospital in Bangalore has the best IVF specialists who are experts in IVF Treatments and offer you the right medical care for your gynec problems. https://www.santhathiivfcentre.com/
Reply
20/12/2023 10:57:10 am
Great content. I appreciate you sharing.Vardhan Fertility Hospital is the best test tube baby, IVF, IUI, womens care center in bangalore, India has world-class facilities, advanced procedures and equipment with high quality infertility treatment. For more information visit our official website https://www.vardhanfertility.com or Contact Us @ 9019134994, 080 23385656 you sharing with us.
Reply
santhathi hospital
25/1/2024 07:40:59 am
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Santhathi Fertility Centre offers the best infertility treatments in Bangalore. Our Fertility hospital in Bangalore has the best IVF specialists who are experts in IVF Treatments and offer you the right medical care for your gynec problems. https://www.santhathiivfcentre.com/
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2019
Categories |