Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

this group was very helpful to me as I endured a number of losses, and trouble becoming pregnant.

I ultimately did IVF. My fresh cycle failed, but I got pregnant via FET. It was a high risk pregnancy and he came early, but baby is here and fine.

We are discussing a subsequent pregnancy. I am nursing, my baby is 8.5 months old. I still haven't had a period. I was told I can't do IVF or FET while nursing. I am upset, because it is yet another thing infertility has screwed with, forcing me to end nursing earlier than I would like.

Obviously the FET drugs are not nearly as strong as the FET cocktail. Has anyone attempted a second FET while nursing? Maybe done pump and dump?

Thank you and I wish you all well.

Re: Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

I can't comment on fertility drugs but most obgyns suggest waiting at least nine months for a vaginal birth and potentially a year to 18 months post c/s to try to get pregnant for a second child. I wish you the best of luck.

Re: Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

I would wait until you stop nursing before doing a IVF cycle. Due to the fact you are still nursing it's delayed your period so you wouldn't be able to cycle anyway until AF arrives.

Re: Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

Fwiw I nursed until 27.5m and got AF back just before 12m so you may not need to stop nursing to get AF

Re: Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

I got Preggo with DD when DS was 8 months, but I stopped breastfeeding.

With a frozen transfer, you take high doses of estrogen & progesterone for a long time. The estrogen can be secreted in your breast milk (and secretion is not predictable, so pump & dump won't work). After transfer, you still need progesterone (not sure how that effects breast milk).

I'd speak to your RE and find out what the secretion is of each drug you take. You may be able to pump & dump for a few weeks (get those BM stores out).

Either way, a few of my friends stopped lactating when pregnant (how they found out).

Sadly, you may have to choose.

Re: Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

it depends on the drugs youre taking. you can research them through dr hale's site, infantrisk.com, or calling them. but most likely, no RE would advise it.

not the same situation at all but i had a surprise pregnancy while breastfeeding (after almost 2 years of infertility and ivf) and was advised to quit bf so i could go on meds immediately to prevent miscarriage (prednisone and intralipids). i didnt quit and managed to keep the pregnancy anyway.

Re: Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

I would ask the RE. I know they have always screened for elevated prolactin levels, but I'm not sure if that affects stims or implantation. I certainly wouldn't want to rush it and waste a precious embryo.

Anyone Attempt FET While Breastfeeding

I Just did a fresh cycle and it did not work. Most dr.'s want you to stop nursing before doing it but my dr and i discussed, did a LOT of research and decided to give it a go. Looking back I would do it again b/c I don't think I didn't get pregnant b/c I was nursing. I think it depends on why you can't get preggo in the first place. I interviewed an OBGYN, Midwife, LaLeche, did a ton of reading on my own, and of course spoke with my RE who also called old colleagues of his. Happy to discuss further but t his is definitely a personal/RE choice. For me, i didn't want to stop nursing and then get a big fat negative and be left with SQUAT. And I'm very happy with my decision now at 16 months with my lo still nursing away!