You may begin the application while breastfeeding, but must have stopped breastfeeding before starting medications, need regular menstrual cycles resumed, typically wait 2-3 months after weaning. We don't recommend stopping breastfeeding solely for donation.
Overview
This guide answers “Can I donate while breastfeeding?” for egg donors, including the typical process, common variables, and what to confirm before moving forward.
Typical workflow (high level)
- Application + screening: health history, labs, and psychological screening.
- Matching: preferences and profile selection.
- Legal + consent: agreement review before medications.
- Medication + monitoring: clinic-guided injections and frequent appointments.
- Retrieval + recovery: outpatient procedure with short recovery window.
- Wrap-up: follow-ups, records, and next steps if donating again.
What can vary (and why)
- Clinic schedules and medical protocols (individualized to the situation).
- State and international legal requirements (especially for parentage workflows).
- Matching preferences and availability (fit matters).
- Insurance and financial structure (coverage details can change).
- Logistics like travel, time zones, and appointment availability.
Questions to ask (so you don’t get surprised later)
- What are the next 2–3 steps in my specific situation?
- What documents or records should I prepare before we start?
- Which decisions should I make now vs later?
- Who will be my primary point of contact during the journey?
- How will we communicate and share updates (email, calls, portal)?
- What are the typical milestones from start to finish?
- What should I expect during screening, medications, and recovery?
- How are privacy and future contact handled?
Next steps
Important note
This page is educational information only and is not medical, legal, or tax advice. Always confirm specifics with qualified professionals and your care team.
See the sources section below for reference links when available.
What to prepare (so the next step is faster)
- Your health history and any recent labs or medications.
- Your schedule constraints (work/school) and travel flexibility.
- Questions about screening, medications, retrieval, and recovery.
- Any family history details the clinic may ask about.
- How you prefer to handle privacy, contact, and record-keeping.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on assumptions instead of getting the “who pays/does what” in writing.
- Comparing costs or success rates without confirming the exact definition being used.
- Skipping a professional review when the decision has legal, medical, or tax consequences.
- Waiting too long to clarify timelines, documentation needs, and scheduling constraints.
When to get professional help
If your situation involves cross-state or international elements, complex medical history, insurance uncertainty, or legal/tax questions, get qualified professional guidance early. It’s almost always cheaper (and less stressful) to prevent surprises than to fix them mid-journey.