breastfeeding and crazy thyroid

[pamperedchef]

Hey all,

I am currently breastfeeding my 8week old. I have hypothyroid. I just had my tsh drawn and have now switched to hyperthyroid for the time being so the dr is adjusting my meds. I am very worried abolut my milk supply becase of this. All has been going well until the last 1-2 weeks. He seems to be looking for more when at the breast. He is back to eating every hour and a half again. I am only nursing and I do it on demand so he only gets me. I also am taking the sacred tea for nursing mothers. I just do not know when to pump to get some store and also stimulate more. I do not want to take what I have from him.:confused:
Any help or suggestions with the thyroid.

[Nipple_nectar]

Welcome to the boards! Congrats on your new baby and the decision to BF!

I do not have experience with hyperthyroidism but I can help reassure you about your supply:) Your baby is at a prime age for a growth spurt (www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/growth-spurt.html) and will make it seem as if he is not getting enough nutrition but this is actually the way he needs to bump up your supply, it is completely normal!

The most reliable indicator of supply would be tracking baby's output, this is the truest measure~ you need to see a minimum of six wet diapers in a 24 hour period, if you have that you are golden!

Now, if you feel the need to pump for whatever reason and you are at home nursing full time, your supply is naturally at it's greatest in the am, so the best time to pump is right after the first nursing session of the day. You can pump for up to twenty minutes on both sides following every session, if you want to increase supply but you may not need to do that.

You can also eat oatmeal daily, for a good boost. You can also look into angled horns (www.pumpinpal.com) for a better pumping yield.

I have not heard of sacred tea but I believe that tinctures are best and you can get a really good one called "nursing mothers blend" at www.kerrysherbals.com

[madelsmama]

From what I've read, hyperthyroidism doesn't cause a decrease in milk supply, but hypothyroidism does. Have you been told/read otherwise?
http://www.kellymom.com/health/thyroid/thyroid-faq.html

How are his wet diapers? Are you seeing at least 5-6 ones a day? Is he gaining weight?

[pamperedchef]

thanks girls,

His diapers are totally fine that is why I am confused about the way he is acting at the breast and increase in the need to eat. He is gaining slowly but the dr is not concerned. At one month he was 7-15 and at 2 month he is 9-5. He is on the 9th % for weight. I am not worried either about that. I have just struggled with suppy for all three boys and don't want to mess anything up. I was not able to nurse my 1st b/c of thyroid we did not know about and yes I was hypo and had noooo milk. I nursed my 2nd for a year with no probs. Not as much milk as a normal mom but he made due and he is bigger than my 4yr old who was on formula. I hope to nurse now til he is at least a yr. I hate my stupid thyroid!!!! I never had any probs until my 1st was born. ARRRGH!!

[blessedbythree]

My thyroid went bad after the birth of my second child and disrupted our breastfeeding when it was undiagnosed for too long. I understand your frustration. I'm not sure that now being hyperthyroid will affect your supply though. I would be more inclined to say your son is in a growth spurt. If you're seeing good output I wouldn't be too concerned at the moment. I hope they can regulate your meds quickly and that you are feeling good again soon. You could also try fenugreek if you really feel your supply is low.