A recent study showed that breastfeeding did not have an impact on outcomes of frozen embryo transfer. Amazing news! I’ve had many a client who had planned to stop breastfeeding so that they could try for another baby through IVF. Fertility doctors tend to be conservative and recommend that people stop breastfeeding in preparation for subsequent IVF treatment. This leaves moms feeling like they have to choose between their baby and their baby’s future sibling.
The natural term for breastfeeding is between 2-7 years. Often people see 1 year as a good time to resume fertility treatment for another baby, but 1 year olds are really hard to wean. They are just starting to enter their independent, strong willed toddler phase, and so if they are not on board with weaning it could be tough.
It’s always ok to ask your doctor questions and have discussions about their recommendations. You have a say in your own health choices.
Hochberg, A., Kugelman, N., Amikam, U. et al. The effect of breastfeeding on treatment outcomes in in-vitro fertilization frozen embryo transfer cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 42, 2747–2754 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-025-03556-9
