Taking Fertility Drugs while Breastfeeding

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Taking Clomid while breastfeeding

Nov 2000

Hi, does anyone have any experience or know where I can get information about nursing and taking clomid? My doctor says there's no data that says it's bad to do it but she can't advise me one way or the other. I'm old enough that I don't want to wait until I wean my current baby, but at the same time I don't feel I can wait to take the clomid. We had tried for over two years before taking clomid the first time and it worked on the first shot. I'm also anxious that there not be more than two years between the two children. My current baby nurses throughout the night, but can go most of the day without nursing, so I thought it might be ok if I took the clomid right after he finished nursing in the morning. thank you.


My book on nursing, which has a list on common drugs, doesn't mention Clomid, but it seems counterproductive to take fertility drugs while nursing. I don't know all the physiology involved, but I do know that prolactin, which is the hormone that produces lactation, inhibits fertility. I have known women who got pregnant (naturally) while nursing, but my understanding is that it's uncommon. Have you and your doctor discussed whether your body is ready to be pregnant again? Fran
Please consider calling a La Leche League Leader for this information. La Leche League is the worlds foremost authority on breastfeeding and Leaders have access to the latest research information.