12 Mar Hypothyroidism, Breastfeeding & Your Milk Production
Do you have a thyroid problem? Are you a breastfeeding mom? When you have a newborn baby breastfeeding can seem like a daunting task. Questions are constantly coming up. Am I producing enough, is my baby getting enough milk, can I take thyroid medication and breastfeed, could my thyroid be impacting my milk production. These are all valid questions.
Our thyroid levels can fluctuate a lot after delivery making it crucial to monitor them more closely. So can your thyroid impact your milk production? The short answer is yes. Under-treated hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can impact your breastfeeding efforts. Managing your thyroid effectively is best for you and the safety of your nursing child.
There are definitely medications that nursing mothers should avoid but don’t worry thyroid hormone replacement drugs that are used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), including Hashimoto’s disease, are exceptions. Don’t stop your taking your medication unexpectedly. It could drop your thyroid levels and you might experience symptoms of your condition. Let’s chat about some of the evidence-based facts that we know about breastfeeding and hypothyroidism.
EVIDENCE BASED FACTS: BREASTFEEDING & HYPOTHYROIDISM
- Our thyroid secretes hormones that play an important part in lactation by regulating prolactin and oxytocin. [1]
2. There is data that strongly suggests maternal hypothyroidism can adversely affect lactation. [2]
3. It is recommended that women experiencing poor lactation without other identified causes should have TSH measured to assess for thyroid dysfunction [3]
TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM
✖️ Visit your doctor regularly to help manage your thyroid. And remind them you’re breastfeeding.
✖️ Take your medication as prescribed it Has to be taken properly for it to work.
✖️ Stimulating milk production is key— use the breast pump after you feed your baby & in between.
✖️ Talk to your doctor about milk stimulant products that you can take to help increase milk production.
✖️ Stay hydrated
So if you are a breastfeeding mom and struggling with your milk production and don’t know if you have a thyroid problem— then ask your doctor to get tested. If you already have hypothyroidism then ensuring you have the proper thyroid hormone replacement will most likely help you feel better and make breastfeeding easier once it is corrected/ managed.
+ Wanna read more about the Thyroid from The Modern Practitioner –> Ways To Beat Anxiety Related To Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or 5 Things To Know If Diagnosed With Hashimoto’s Disease
**Just a reminder you’ll never see me promote something I don’t believe in or use. And please remember The Modern Practitioner and the materials on here are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material is provided is for educational purposes only. Please seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions.
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