As a new mom who had IVF, you might be thinking, ‘Will I be able to breastfeed my baby like others?’. Understandably, many IVF mothers ask this question.Â
Following the emotional highs and lows of IVF, questions regarding milk supply can be overwhelming.
The good news? It is completely possible to breastfeed after IVF, but there are a few things to think about.
Knowing how IVF could contribute to hormonal shifts and the body’s normal postpartum modifications will help you confidently navigate this lovely stage. Let’s simplify things and ease your worries.
Breastfeeding in IVF Pregnancies
Breastfeeding is common for all mothers who were conceived naturally or through IVF.Â
They both deliver a healthy baby and undergo the same pregnancy process of carrying a baby.Â
IVF mothers who had a caesarean may undergo several challenges due to their health and age.Â
They need more attention and care for themselves.
Research says that only 10% of IVF mothers are continuing breastfeeding for nearly four months.Â
Others are facing a lot of issues and challenges with breastfeeding their babies. Factors like delayed milk production, low oxytocin levels, and lack of support can contribute to these struggles.Â
Despite the hurdles, breastfeeding is entirely within reach with the right guidance and determination.
Factors that can impact Breastfeeding in IVF Pregnancy
Certain elements unique to the IVF process might affect nursing your baby. These consist of:
A. Disruptions in the body’s hormone balance:
To promote egg production and get the uterus ready for implantation, women are given hormonal medicines during the IVF process.Â
Initially, these drugs may interfere with milk production, but this normally goes away a few weeks following delivery.
B. Understanding the Reason for Delay in Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding may take longer to begin after fertility treatments or a C-section. No matter how your pregnancy journey unfolded, remember that every woman’s body is unique, and it’s perfectly normal for lactation to take a little time to kick in.
 C. The Role of Emotional Factors in Nursing Your Baby:
The desire or social pressure to become pregnant and the emotional toll of fertility treatments can occasionally lead to additional stress and strain.Â
These emotional elements may indirectly impact nursing.
How can IVF Patients Enhance their Breastfeeding Experience?
Breastfeeding isn’t as easy a task as you think for even natural delivery mothers. As you undergo IVF, you may have to follow some suggestions to take care of yourself as well as your baby.Â
It involves both your physical and mental health to support milk secretion in your body naturally.Â
A recent Australian study focuses on the issues faced by IVF mothers after delivery.
The study looked at women who had C-sections after IVF. Most aimed to breastfeed for six months, but many faced challenges.Â
At four months, only 40% were still breastfeeding, which is 10% lower than mothers who conceived naturally. Delayed lactation, low oxytocin, and lack of support were key reasons.
Take a Deep Breath and Relax
When the excitement of birth dissipates, reality sets in. Your birth is especially miraculous if you are an IVF mother.Â
You might have experienced a hard pregnancy and exhausting IVF cycles. Get over all of that and calm both before and during nursing. Stress is the oxytocin killer, so leave it at the door.
Get the Right Support from Day One
The Australian IVF/breastfeeding study made the important suggestion that IVF patients ask for more help right away.Â
This entails getting extra help from your neighborhood doctor, midwives, and lactation specialists.Â
Demand that one or more come regularly. Additionally, private nursing tutors are less expensive than you might imagine.Â
The necessity of expert breastfeeding assistance was brought to light by a recent study.
Lean on Friends and Family for Help
You will know which members of your family and friends you can trust to support you as an IVF patient. Early on, invite them over to assist with cleaning and cooking.Â
You’ll be shocked to learn how little time you have to do your housework. You’ll have more time for relaxing and concentrating on your breastfeeding goals as a result.Â
After giving birth, close family support is encouraged in many cultures. Request it for yourself.
Boost Yourself with Folic Acid and Fenugreek
During pregnancy, folic acid vitamins are well known to IVF patients. Take one as part of a multivitamin after birth. After you bring the baby home, you might not eat well.Â
Your vitamin and mineral intake is important during nursing. Consider fenugreek, which many midwives recommend. Verify that you are taking the recommended dosage with your physician.
Eat Well and Keep the Water Flowing
During your pregnancy, you could have kept an eye on your food. You can rediscover your love of food while you’re at home. Following nursing, you will have intense hunger.Â
Try to eat a diet that is well-balanced in terms of fruit, vegetables, fish, protein, and carbs.
In the weeks before delivery, make and freeze a lot of soups and sauces; you’ll be happy you did.Â
Additionally, get 40 bottles of mineral water because nursing makes you thirsty. Drinking warm or hot water can also be soothing and aid digestion during this time.
It’s Okay to Use a Breast Pump
IVF patients require support, so use a breast pump if your milk isn’t coming in. Start with an automatic pump, then try a manual one.Â
They may feel unusual at first, but they can be effective. You’ll soon see if pumping or breastfeeding produces more milk. If one breast works better, don’t ignore the other—stimulation is key for lactation.
 Even if your milk supply isn’t as high as the pump’s, it’s still better than nothing.
Breastfeeding Isn’t Always Easy and That’s Okay
It’s a popular misconception that breastfeeding is simple, whether or not you had IVF. However, this isn’t the case, and nobody tells you this. Many mothers deal with difficulties.Â
Additionally, there are problems with latching, uncomfortable nipples, anxiety about the infant, social pressure, and worries about feeding in public.Â
These difficulties may cause you to want to give up. Breastfeeding is just another challenge for IVF moms, but you’re strong enough to get through it.
Enjoy a Warm Bath and Ditch the Bubbles
Following your IVF transfer, you will have been instructed not to take a bath. It has been demonstrated that taking a hot bath every day lowers stress levels. This implies that nursing will be simpler.
 Therefore, take a half-hour break every day to take a bath in hot water. Avoid using bubble baths or bath oils since the scent of your skin may deter your infant from latching on.
Try Feeding or Pumping in the Early Hours
Stress levels are lower during or immediately after sleep. This could be the reason why many women find that producing milk is easier in the morning. If this is the case for you, extract some milk right away; you could even store some for later in the day.
Treat Yourself to a Change of Scenery
You should breastfeed your child away from the stresses of daily life after the IVF journey and the delivery.Â
However, it’s time to go out after three or four weeks, regardless of whether you’ve received enough assistance.Â
Have courage. Reserve a weekend stay at the upscale hotel you’ve always wanted. The scene alteration could have a significant impact.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding after IVF presents unique obstacles, but with the appropriate tactics, you may increase your milk production and begin a healthy breastfeeding journey.Â
Keep in mind that each breastfeeding experience is different.Â
You can overcome obstacles and give your child the advantages of breast milk if you have the proper support and take care of yourself.
