Breastfeeding, fertility and assisted reproduction

For anyone thinking about breastfeeding and fertility – before pregnancy, between babies, or after fertility treatment – you’re in the right place.

Many mums wonder how breastfeeding fits into their plans for a future pregnancy, whether fertility treatment affects breastfeeding, or how breastfeeding might influence their chances of conceiving again. This page brings together clear, supportive information to help you feel confident, whatever stage you’re at.

If you're pregnant after IVF or another type of fertility treatment, you may be wondering whether this will affect breastfeeding. The good news is that, for most mums, fertility treatment itself doesn’t impact the establishment of breastfeeding.

Sometimes the underlying reasons you needed treatment, such as having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can play a part in how your milk supply develops. Getting support early on can be helpful if you’re concerned about this.

If you’re currently breastfeeding and thinking about getting pregnant again, here’s how breastfeeding can influence your fertility and what to expect.

Breastfeeding can delay the return of your periods and ovulation. This is because the hormones that help you make milk also help suppress fertility, especially when your baby is feeding often. 

Every mum’s experience is different. Some notice their periods return within a few months, while for others it can take a year or more. Your fertility may return when your baby starts feeding less, sleeping for longer stretches or eating more solids.

Signs that your fertility is returning can be:

• your first period arriving
• changes in vaginal mucus
• light or unexpected bleeding

It’s also possible to be fertile before your first period comes back.

If your periods have returned and you're ovulating, you may not need to wean to get pregnant. You can check for signs of ovulation by tracking your temperature, noticing changes in cervical mucus or using a home ovulation test.

If your periods haven’t returned and you want to get pregnant, you could try reducing breastfeeds to see if this helps your fertility return.  

Some mums find they have trouble ovulating, or that the second half of their cycle isn't long enough to begin a pregnancy. In these situations, you may need to reduce breastfeeds further to increase your chance of conceiving.

A few mums don’t ovulate again until they fully wean.

Everyone’s experience is different. If you’re finding it hard to get pregnant, talking with your doctor or a fertility specialist can help you work out what’s happening and what your options are. 

If you’re breastfeeding and thinking about assisted reproduction, you might be wondering whether you need to wean and how the treatment could affect you or your baby. Here’s what can help you make a decision that feels right for your family.

Do I need to wean before fertility treatment?

Not necessarily. If your periods and ovulation have already returned, some fertility specialists are comfortable proceeding while you continue breastfeeding.

However, some doctors prefer mums to wean before treatment to maximise the chance of pregnancy. If you’re not ready to fully wean your baby, discuss this with your fertility specialist to understand the part that continuing to breastfeed might play in your situation. 

What about the medicines used in treatment?

Treatments like IVF, IUI or ovulation induction can involve medicines to stimulate ovulation or support early pregnancy. Most medicines used in assisted reproduction are considered safe for breastfeeding if your milk supply is well established but always check with your doctor or specialist. If you need to take medicines that aren’t safe for breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend weaning before starting treatment.

You can also contact the Medicines Line for up to date information on medications and breastfeeding. This can be especially helpful if you’ve been advised to wean but aren’t sure if you have other options.

Deciding whether to wean your child before starting fertility treatment is a personal choice, and there’s no single right answer. Some parents choose to wean because they want to feel they’ve given the treatment the best possible chance of success. Others prefer to keep breastfeeding and wait until their child naturally reduces feeds or weans on their own.

Your decision may be influenced by many things:  the reasons you need treatment, how you feel about breastfeeding, your child’s age, your own health, and the medicines your treatment plan involves. All of these are valid considerations, and every family’s situation is different.

If you’re unsure what to do, talking things through with your fertility specialist, GP or an ABA counsellor can help you explore your options and feel supported in whatever choice you make.

The information on this website does not replace advice from your health care provider.

© Australian Breastfeeding Association March 2026