Comparing Breastfeeding Outcomes in Mothers Conceiving via Assisted Reproduction versus Spontaneous Conception: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Previous evidence on the outcomes of breastfeeding among assisted reproduction mothers (ARM) compared to spontaneous conception mothers (SCM) were inconsistent. This study aimed to compare breastfeeding practices between mothers who had in vitro fertilisation (IVF) as compared with SCM. This retrospective cohort study was conducted among mothers who delivered beyond 36 weeks gestation at an obstetric centre from 2010 to 2019. ARM and SCM groups were set to match in terms of maternal parity, age, delivery method and pregnancy period. Information on socio-demographic factors, reproductive health, birth outcomes and breastfeeding practices was collected through telephone interviews. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were applied. Out of 110 eligible ARM, 82 (75%) were contactable and agreed to participate. The group was matched with 82 SCM. Compared to SCM, ARM had a slightly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) (47.5% versus 46.3%), and a higher percentage of breastfeeding >12 months (62% versus 55%), although these differences were not statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression showed antenatal illness and babies’ birth weight were significantly associated with EBF. In conclusion, conception mode had no significant association with breastfeeding practices. Mothers undergoing IVF may be assured of similar breastfeeding success chances compared to mothers who conceived spontaneously.