In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is proving to be a boon for lakhs of childless couples today to have the happiness of having a child. From big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Kolkata to small towns in India, fertility clinics and modern medical technologies have made the dream of parenthood a reality. However, after conceiving through IVF process, many doubts and questions start arising in the minds of women. The most common and important question among these is whether the mother has to face any kind of physical or hormonal problem while breastfeeding the baby born through IVF technique? Do heavy hormonal medications and injections taken during IVF have any negative impact on the quality, taste or quantity of breast milk? According to international lactation and fertility experts, there is no difference in the biological ability to produce milk between women who conceive through IVF and those who become mothers naturally. Nevertheless, there may be some practical challenges in the initial days due to mental stress during the IVF journey, delayed delivery, C-section operation and underlying diseases. What does medical science say? Natural anatomy of milk production: According to medical science, the process of milk production and milk ejection in a woman's body completely depends on two main hormones – Prolactin and Oxytocin. The prolactin hormone produces milk in the mammary gland, while the oxytocin hormone controls the let-down reflex. When the baby is born and the placenta leaves the mother's uterus, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body suddenly drop. This biological change signals the pituitary gland in the brain to release prolactin and oxytocin. This process is completely natural and is not at all affected by whether the conception occurred naturally or through IVF technology in the lab. Progesterone or estrogen supplements given during IVF are given only in the early weeks of pregnancy (10 to 12 weeks) and by the time of delivery their effect is completely gone. Why may IVF mothers face initial interruption in breastfeeding? Even though IVF technology itself does not interfere with breastfeeding, certain circumstantial factors associated with IVF pregnancy can make breastfeeding a bit challenging in the beginning. The first major reason is the high probability of C-section delivery. IVF pregnancy is considered a 'high-risk' or extremely valuable pregnancy in medical terms, so doctors often prefer cesarean delivery to avoid any risk. After C-section, due to the effect of anesthesia, pain of stitches and stress of surgery, prolactin level does not increase rapidly for the first 24 to 72 hours, due to which there can be a delay of 2 to 3 days in lactation. The second major reason is mental stress and anxiety. After a long and mentally exhausting IVF journey, many women are extremely worried about the health and appetite of their newborn baby. Medical research suggests that excessive stress increases cortisol hormone in the body which inhibits the secretion of oxytocin. As a result, milk flow slows down. Additionally, women undergoing IVF have higher rates of older age (maternal age 35+), having twins, and underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid. Due to PCOS or thyroid, the development of glandular tissue in the body may reduce, due to which the complaint of low milk supply is seen in the initial days. Myths vs. Medical Truth related to IVF and Breastfeeding There are many misconceptions and myths spread in Indian society regarding IVF and lactation, which are very important to be dispelled: Myth: Mother's milk becomes toxic or harmful due to heavy medicines taken during IVF. Fact: This is completely baseless. The first thick yellow milk (Colostrum) produced at the time of delivery and the milk produced later are rich in nutrients, antibodies and proteins. This is best for the immunity of the child. Myth: If the baby is born from a donor egg or donor sperm, mother's milk will not be produced. Fact: Biologically, the mother's body automatically prepares to produce milk according to the baby growing in the uterus and the hormonal changes that occur after delivery. Whether the egg is a donor's or her own, the birth mother's body is fully capable of breastfeeding. Special tips from lactation experts for IVF mothers: If you have become a mother through IVF and are feeling some hesitation or difficulty in starting breastfeeding, then you can increase the milk supply naturally by adopting these easy and scientific methods: Skin-to-Skin Contact: Immediately after the birth of the baby, place it on the mother's chest with bare skin close to it. Due to this, the level of oxytocin hormone in the mother's brain immediately increases and the process of milk production speeds up. Early Latching: Try to latch the baby to the breast within 1 to 2 hours of delivery. Even if only a few drops of milk come out initially, the baby's sucking signals the brain to produce milk. Correct use of a breast pump: If the pain is severe after a C-section or the baby is not able to latch properly, use a hospital-grade electric or manual breast pump to stimulate the milk glands. Lactation Consultant's Advice: If milk flow is not normal even after 3-4 days, seek help from a certified lactation expert or doctor. They can solve your problem by teaching correct positions and latching techniques. In short, breastfeeding after IVF is not only completely safe, but it is also extremely beneficial for the health of both mother and child. Minor problems in the first 1-2 weeks can be easily overcome with proper guidance, patience, nutritious diet and staying stress-free.
