Breastfeeding with Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. A common form of this is Hashimoto’s disease. Hypothyroidism can affect breastfeeding in several ways, but the most common concern is its potential impact on milk supply. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in lactation, and low levels can lead to a reduced milk supply.

Common breastfeeding challenges with hypothyroidism

• Low milk supply: Hypothyroidism can affect the hormones that help produce breast milk.
• Fatigue: Hypothyroidism can cause tiredness, making it hard to keep up with the demands of breastfeeding.
• Difficulty losing pregnancy weight: Thyroid hormones affect metabolism, and hypothyroidism might make it harder to lose weight gained during pregnancy.

Questions you might have about breastfeeding with hypothyroidism

Q: Can I breastfeed if I have hypothyroidism?

• A: Yes, mamas with hypothyroidism can breastfeed. You should manage your condition with the help of your healthcare provider to ensure healthy breastfeeding.

Q: Will my medication affect my breast milk?

• A: Most thyroid medications are safe to take while breastfeeding and do not affect breast milk significantly. However, always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific medication. You can also reference LactMed database or TrashThePumpandDump.org to see the latest research on your specific medication and breastfeeding.

Q: What can I do to increase my milk supply?

• A: Regular breastfeeding or pumping (at least 8-12x in 24 hours), staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and managing your thyroid levels can help maintain or increase your milk supply.

Q: When should I seek medical advice?

• A: If you notice a significant drop in milk supply, feel unusually tired, or have other symptoms of hypothyroidism, it’s important to seek medical advice. Additionally, if you’re concerned about your baby’s growth or health, consult with your healthcare provider.

Closely related issues

If you have hypothyroidism, you might also experience other conditions that can affect breastfeeding, such as postpartum depression. The hormonal changes and the stress of dealing with a thyroid condition can increase the risk. Monitor your mental health and seek support when needed.

Postpartum Thyroiditis

Some experts refer to pregnancy and postpartum as a stress-test on your thyroid. For some moms, this may mean that they experience new changes to their thyroid for the first time in pregnancy or postpartum. This can be caused by inflammation to the thyroid gland in the first year following pregnancy or miscarriage called postpartum thryoiditis.

A lot of the symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis mimic normal symptoms of the postpartum hormone shift. With postpartum thyroiditis, common symptoms include:

• Anxiety or postpartum depression
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Rapid heart beat
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Low milk supply
• Hypersensitivity to heat or cold

Postpartum Thyroiditis also usually comes in phases, with phase one causing hyperthyroidism (high metabolism symptoms such as weight loss and rapid heart beat), phase two causing hypothyroidism (low metabolism symptoms such as weight gain and fatigue), and phase three where thyroid function returns to normal.

Thyroid function is commonly checked during pregnancy and postpartum through bloodwork or drawing labs. If you notice any sudden changes to your energy levels or are concerned with the above symptoms, it’s not a bad idea to speak with your OBGYN or healthcare provider and have your thyroid levels checked.

IBCLC-specific advice for breastfeeding with hypothyroidism

• Monitor your thyroid levels: Keep regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your thyroid hormone levels.
• Stay informed about your medication: Discuss your medication with your healthcare provider and an IBCLC to understand its impact on breastfeeding.
• Seek support: Connect with a lactation consultant for personalized advice and support on maintaining your milk supply and addressing any breastfeeding challenges.
• Self-care is crucial: Take care of your physical and mental health. Rest when you can, eat a nutritious diet, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends.

Breastfeeding with hypothyroidism has its challenges, but with the right knowledge and support, you can have a successful breastfeeding journey. Every mama’s experience is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider and an IBCLC to navigate this journey together.

If you have other questions about hypothyroidism and breastfeeding, you might find these article helpful:

1. Breastfeeding and Thyroidism – La Leche League International (llli.org)
2. Breastfeeding and Thyroid Problems: FAQ – KellyMom.com
3. TPD App FAQs – Trash The Pump and Dump | Trash the pump and dump
4. Taking Thyroid Medication While Breastfeeding (verywellhealth.com)
5. Postpartum Thyroiditis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)

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Sources

• Alexander EK, Pearce EN, Brent GA, Brown RS, Chen H, Dosiou C, Grobman WA, Laurberg P, Lazarus JH, Mandel SJ, Peeters RP, Sullivan S. 2017 Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum. Thyroid. 2017 Mar;27(3):315-389. doi: 10.1089/thy.2016.0457. Erratum in: Thyroid. 2017 Sep;27(9):1212. PMID: 28056690.
• Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-. Levothyroxine. [Updated 2023 Sep 15]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501003/
• Vass RA, Kiss G, Bell EF, Miseta A, Bódis J, Funke S, Bokor S, Molnár D, Kósa B, Kiss AA, Takács T, Dombai F, Ertl T. Thyroxine and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in Own Mother’s Milk, Donor Milk, and Infant Formula. Life (Basel). 2022 Apr 14;12(4):584. doi: 10.3390/life12040584. PMID: 35455075; PMCID: PMC9025043.