Is Breastfeeding In IVF Pregnancies Different From Natural Conception?

If you are wondering how breastfeeding in IVF pregnancies is different from naturally conceived pregnancies, this is just the blog for you! In this blog, we will talk about differences in both pregnancies and further delve into a deeper understanding of breastfeeding under certain circumstances.

Role of Breastfeeding in IVF Pregnancies and Normal Conception

Breastfeeding is undoubtedly a major building block for any individual, it plays a great deal of importance in shaping the physical as well as emotional aspects of any human being. Whether your conception is natural or artificial like IVF, there is the most crucial role of breastfeeding in child development.

This is the time when a human being is first exposed to the necessary nutrients required for the functioning of the human body and truly makes up for the further development of the individual. Whether or not the individual receives proper nutrients will be reflected in the health of the child even years later in their adult lives.

Is There a Difference Between Breastfeeding in IVF and Natural Pregnancies?

Predominantly no, there is not much difference in the breastfeeding process between both pregnancies. To understand this, it's important to understand how IVF works, it primarily involves collecting mature eggs (oocytes), fertilizing those eggs in a laboratory and further carefully planting them into the uterine cavity. 

Once planted, the female body prepares to conceive. Then after conceiving, the female body goes through the same hormonal imbalances and changes as experienced by women who conceive naturally, the IVF pregnant female body also steadily prepares for lactation as would a naturally pregnant female body at the same pace and the same method while releasing the same fluids and hormones. Hence, with proper prenatal care, breastfeeding superficially is as normal and general as it gets and the majority of the women, statistically speaking almost 90% of IVF pregnant women go about their lactation process without any added concerns and issues.

Circumstances Where Breastfeeding in IVF Could be Different

Breastfeeding for IVF pregnant women and normally conceived women is not much different. However, there can be certain circumstances where breastfeeding in IVF could be different.

1. If there aren't appropriate and routine lactation consultants guiding women throughout their lactation journey. We have skilled and experienced doctors guiding women in their breastfeeding journey.
2. IVF can be a rather emotionally and physically exhausting experience, it might cause stress in pregnant women, which inevitably results in low milk supply.
3. IVF more often is not the main cause for issues of any breastfeeding concerns; however, the reasons women opt for IVF are infertility factors like PCOS thyroid disorders, or other endocrine issues, which subsequently later play a role in less milk supply in women.
4. IVF could potentially impact the balances of certain hormones like oxytocin, and prolactin, which are directly associated with milk supply.
5. IVF pregnant women sometimes continue to take supplements even after the delivery, which could perhaps inhibit the milk supply in lactating women.

When IVF Pregnant Women Should Avoid Breastfeeding

There are situations wherein our doctors would not recommend breastfeeding for IVF pregnant women, those situations are:

• Where the pregnant woman has inadequate maternal weight
• Women with a history of miscarriages
• Bleeding of the pregnant women through the vaginal duct
• Underlying health issues
• Situation of multiple gestation

All the above situations could potentially harm the infant or cause serious health issues immediately or in the long run; hence, it is not recommended to breastfeed in those situations. Parents are recommended to opt for various breast milk alternatives, like soy formulas or infant formulas.

Final thoughts on breastfeeding in IVF Pregnancies

Breastfeeding is an incredibly important aspect of human life, it helps provide sufficient nutritional value for the baby. It is also a very sensitive journey for lactating women to take on and it must be taken with great awareness. IVF pregnant women have a very similar journey, more or less, to a naturally conceiving pregnant woman. However, in IVF pregnancy, women need a little bit more attention and care, that’s where Angel Fertility Clinic plays its role, both importantly and effectively.

At Angel Fertility Clinic, we provide you with the most experienced and skilled doctors on the matter of breastfeeding, IVF, and your other various potential queries, to help you make the best and wisest decision for both the mother and the child. Feel free to contact us at  +977 15903855 or email: angelfertilityclinic@gmail.com.