IVF after pregnancy- how long to wait, breastfeeding etc

[KatnissMellark]

We are so lucky to finally have our lovely DS after years of trying and four rounds of IVF. I'm 30 and both DH and I are keen for a big-ish family if possible so thoughts are turning to number two. How long is it recommended to wait before attempting IVF again? And do you have to stop breastfeeding for a period beforehand?

TIA

[Avocadosmoothie]

Hi Katniss, I'd be v interested in any responses to this. Unfortunately I don't have any advice as I've only just started my IVF journey. How long ago did you have the baby? I think you might need to stop breastfeeding, unless your period comes back whilst you are breastfeeding?

[Chattycat78]

I'm pretty sure you'd have to be done with breastfeeding to do ivf. Otherwise the ivf drugs would pass to the baby you're feeding.

[sauceyorange]

The clinics have their own guidelines, so check with them. I wouldn't worry about the drugs, as they are fat soluble, not in your bloodstream. But ask them.

I would imagine if you have started your periods again that would be the key factor
In making their decision, rather than bf per se. They want to be working with a body experiencing ovulatory cycles.

[Twistandshout77]

Yes you'd have to stop breastfeeding but not sure how long you can try after that. Don't rush it - do it when you are ready not just ready because you think it might take a while to happen

[Chattycat78]

How old is your baby?

Could you conceive naturally?

I ask because I was having these thoughts after my ivf baby. I even called a clinic to ask about it.

However, I got pregnant naturally just after I stopped breastfeeding . I now have 2 boys with 17 months between them.

Several doctors have suggested that the ivf kick started something in my body so it "knew what to do" to get pregnant.

[morecynicalthanVimes]

You don't necessarily have to stop breastfeeding to do IVF - there is a Facebook group of women who have continued to feed through treatment. Some have told their clinics, some have not. They also have a resource list of doctors who are supportive.

[Megha22]

As far as i know you don't have to stop breastfeeding you can still consult a doctor and get all your doubts cleared! best of luck for your journey!

[Twickerhun]

Ive been told I can do a natural cycle of ivf if breast feeding but only if periods have come back.
If I want to do a medicated cycle i can if my periods haven't come back but I need to stop breast feeding.

[Twickerhun]

Oh and don't forget you need to be on folic acid for at least 3 months.

[Twistandshout77]

You just need to be careful if you choose to bf and do ivf - fertility returns in stages and you can have your periods back but your fertility still not completely returned to normal. There IS an increased risk of miscarriage if you bf and are pregnant although it seems to affect some people and not others. Of course go for it if you want to but personally I wouldn't take the risk - I'd enjoy breastfeeding my LO for as long as I wanted and then start the ivf.