Thyroid Problems And Breastfeeding: Here’s What New Moms Must Know
Mother’s milk is critical for a baby’s optimal development, but some conditions can impact its supply. Unchecked diseases of the thyroid gland can be detrimental to breastfeeding. Thyroid diseases can have major implications for your body and also stifle your breastfeeding efforts. A well-functioning thyroid hormone is vital for maintaining the proper supply of milk to nurse your newborn. So, when your thyroid’s hormone-producing capacity is thrown out of balance, that is, it produces either too little or excessive hormones, it could cause thyroid disorders (1).
If you suffer from thyroid dysfunction, it is obvious to wonder if this will affect your baby as you nurse them. Effective management of the issue can help you prepare yourself to undertake precautionary measures and ensure the highest safety for your nursing child. So, keep reading this article as we uncover the correlation between thyroid and breastfeeding:
How Does The Thyroid Affect A Breastfeeding Mother’s Milk Supply?
The thyroid is a gland in the body that produces hormones needed for the efficient functioning of the body. It is located in the neck region, around the windpipe (trachea). The thyroid gland’s hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) help the body perform vital functions essential for your survival, such as breathing, metabolism, menstrual cycle, heart rate, body temperature, and much more! (2).
The most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). Another condition called postpartum thyroiditis is also prevalent in women, which includes both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid in phases (3), (4).
Thyroid and prolactin hormones play a significant role in the development of breasts and milk production in lactating women. Prolactin (the hormone responsible for the production of breast milk) is produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin levels are usually low in men and non-lactating women. In general, a high level of prolactin is normal during pregnancy and childbirth for breastfeeding (5).
Thyroid hormones above or below the recommended normal range can lower a mother’s milk production. Also, the availability of a mother’s milk can be affected if she is suffering from hypothyroidism. While hypothyroidism can decrease milk production, hyperthyroidism can cause the secretion of a large amount of milk (6).
Most importantly, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can affect prolactin levels. It can cause an enlargement of the pituitary gland, which results in a significantly high release of prolactin that may hinder breast milk production. Thus, elevation in prolactin levels may lead to galactorrhea (secretion of milk in non-breastfeeding women), while its reduction can affect milk supply (7).
Can Postpartum Thyroiditis Impact Breastfeeding?
Postpartum thyroiditis is a rare thyroid dysfunction that affects a woman during the first year after childbirth. When a woman is pregnant, her immune system is suppressed. Therefore, it is critical for the baby’s survival so that the immune system doesn’t attack the developing fetus mistaking it as a foreign body (8).
Once the baby is delivered, the immune system bounces back in full force. This phase of an “immune rebound” can lead to inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to postpartum thyroiditis. During this postpartum period, the symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are prevalent. Postpartum thyroid dysfunction affects about 5% of women in the general population. More often than not, these thyroid conditions can be confused with other illnesses, so a detailed check-up is essential. Usually, postpartum thyroiditis goes away on its own and does not require any serious medical intervention (9), (10).
Can Mothers With Thyroid Problems Breastfeed?
Yes, it is safe to breastfeed your child if you are diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction. Studies suggest breastfeeding may positively affect thyroid function and autoimmunity in the baby (11).
What you need to ensure is sticking to the prescribed dose of medication only. It will be helpful for you to know that thyroid hormone medications are similar to the natural ones produced by the body. As long as you follow your doctor’s advice and stick to the suggested routine, only a tiny amount of it will pass through your milk to the baby (12).
The American Thyroid Association recommends that hypothyroidism in lactating women should be treated with levothyroxine (13). Sufficient data has suggested that levothyroxine during breastfeeding has no adverse effects in infants. To be safe, it is advisable to take your thyroid hormone pills well before you breastfeed your baby or preserve the milk through breast pumping so that your baby can consume it later (14), (15).
How Can You Manage A Thyroid Problem During Breastfeeding?
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism need to be effectively managed to mitigate an adverse outcome in the mother and the newborn baby. Here are things you can do to cope with thyroid disease:
- Make a note of all the other conditions you may have and the medications you take before booking an appointment with your doctor. Some drugs may be contraindicated during breastfeeding. So, discuss the same with your doctor without fail.
- You need to visit your doctor or a breast care specialist for a thorough examination. Ask specific questions to your healthcare provider to increase your awareness. This should help you resolve your issues better. Some important questions to ask your doctor during a visit are:
- What are the possible causes of the symptoms?
- Which tests do I need to take?
- What is the most commonly used treatment?
- Are there any natural home remedies that can provide relief?
- Try and avoid stimulating your breasts in case you are experiencing excessive milk production. For this, you may avoid wearing clothes that cause friction and overstimulate the milk ducts. Also, you may use breast pads that can help prevent milk leaks.
If you contracted a thyroid disease before getting pregnant, you must regularly monitor your T4 and TSH levels during pregnancy and after childbirth. It could be reassuring to know that there is no reason to fear breastfeeding your child if you suffer from a thyroid malfunction. In all likelihood, your thyroid medications will not affect the baby’s health. Consult your doctor to help you adjust your medications and maintain a healthy thyroid hormone level. Did you have similar thyroid concerns during breastfeeding? Do share your experience with us in the comments section below!
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