LCGB Conference 2024 ‘Breastfeeding During IVF’

Ali Thomas, Speaker at LCGB Conference 2024

I had the privilege of attending the LCGB Conference in Birmingham this September 2024, supported by a bursary from ALCI. One of the standout sessions for me was Breastfeeding During IVF, presented by Ali Thomas. Ali started a Facebook group in 2015 when she realized many mothers felt reluctant to stop breastfeeding in order to begin IVF treatment. Most mothers are told that for treatment to commence, they must have ceased breastfeeding for up to three months prior. This group has since grown to over 7,500 members, providing a unique space for mothers to share their journeys and support one another through fertility treatments without needing to wean prematurely.
The group asks that all nursings are over 12 months before mothers start treatment. During her session, Ali highlighted several misconceptions that breastfeeding mothers often face when pursuing IVF:

• Stopping breastfeeding: Many mothers are told they need to stop breastfeeding to improve IVF success rates. This advice, Ali pointed out, is often based on limited understanding of lactation and fertility.
• Medications in milk: Mothers are frequently told that IVF medications will
  pass into their breast milk and harm the child, though this isn't always based
  on solid evidence.
• Increased miscarriage risk: Another widespread belief is that breastfeeding
  while undergoing IVF raises the chance of miscarriage. However, this claim is
  not always grounded in facts.
• Impact on the foetus: Some mothers are even told that IVF medication could pass through the placenta and affect the foetus. Ali prompted us to question the logic of this argument.
• Guilt and judgment: Ali touched on how some mothers are accused of being selfish, with critics suggesting they are breastfeeding for their own emotional needs rather than the child’s.

Ali's insights into fertility treatments were incredibly helpful. She explained key terminologies that often confuse many of us (finally learning what terms like dpi and frosty mean was a revelation!). She also broke down the various types of fertility treatments, including IVF, IUI, and FET.

The Facebook group is exclusively for mothers, without input from IBCLCs or peer
supporters, offering a safe space for women navigating both fertility challenges and breastfeeding. Success stories are shared alongside posts of deep sadness. In
cases where IVF doesn't lead to a successful pregnancy, mothers often express
gratitude for the comfort and connection breastfeeding provides during such an
emotional journey.

One of the group’s most practical resources is a compiled list of UK and Irish fertility clinics that support breastfeeding during IVF. This list is continuously updated, and after the session, I had a chance to speak with Ali, who kindly provided the names of some Irish clinics and doctors. If anyone is interested, feel free to message me for more information (as it’s not suitable to publish here).

Importantly, while the group supports mothers who want to continue breastfeeding, it does not offer medical advice. Instead, they provide information on medications and their passage into breastmilk, allowing mothers to make informed decisions with their healthcare providers. Ali showed us some lovely stories where mums told their stories of continuing to breastfeed through treatment, onto pregnancy and then tandem feeding. It was a soul nourishing experience for all the IBCLC’s in the room. A group of Irish IBCLCs also travelled over for the conference, and we had a great time together. Of course, we stayed up way too late chatting and catching up on the ups and downs of private practice. Many thanks again to ALCI for the bursary that made my attendance possible.

L_R Sue Jameson. Naomi Hurley, Nicola O’Byrne, Caoimhe Whelan.

Complied by: Nicola O’Byrne, RGN RCN IBCLC

Nicola did receive a bursary from ALCI for this report. ALCI Council would like to thank Nicola for her report.

Dated: 23 September 2024. 

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