Planning IVF for #2 - What if I'm still BFing and don't have a cycle yet?

[Baby Dreamtime]

Hi Pholi, I found this previous thread that might help IVF and BF'ing. Wishing you all the best xx

[Pholi]

Thanks ladies.

Alligator's Mum, I had wondered if the hormone treatment would dry up milk.

Thanks Baby Dreamtime, I didn't find that one. I hadn't thought about the hormone medications passing into breastmilk, and what that might do to bubs. I'll have to listen to that podcast sometime.

TT40, I hadn't even stopped bleeding by 3 months post birth - I was perfectly happy not to have my period return at that point, but now I'm starting to get a little bit anxious. I would have though with my poor supply that my cycle would be more likely to return, but maybe it's because my supply issues are a result of surgery, not hormones. Good luck to you!

[juniper76]

My understanding is that the general "rule" is that you can't start IVF until 3 months after weaning. The reason being that the hormones related to BF (eg elevated prolactin) can actually reduce the chance of the IVF working. That said, the actual policy will vary from one Dr to the next, so your best bet is to contact your FS and ask what their policy is. I have heard of some allowing women to cycle earlier, but I know others simply won't. You just have to ask.

Given your circumstances, I would hope your GP could give you a referral immediately. Like you, I wouldn't want to wait any longer than necessary. The fact that you only got 3 eggs suggests to me that you're a poor responder (or was it by design?), in which case, you may be in the same boat as me with DOR, meaning that clock is ticking even louder...