Was hoping to get some advice before heading back to the GP next week.
I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid last week, had a ultrasound and will be returning to the GP next week to get the results.
I have noticed over the last few weeks that my milk supply seems to be decreasing. The only way I can tell is that bubs (who is 4 months old) gets frustrated after feeding for only a few minutes on each breast, bitting and headbutting to encourage more milk to come in. He has only 3 slightly wet nappies a day and has lost approx 1kg over about 5 weeks. I was wondering if this had anything to do with my thyroid problem. He is still feeding every 3-4 hours during the day and I am not sup feeding him at all. I am concerned that he is hungry and I just don't know about it. Will be talking to the doctor on Wednesday about it. If I do have to go down the road of sup feeding I am looking at using a supply line in order to keep him at the breast so he is still getting breast milk and won't lose his sucking reflex and so that I can keep up my supply.
I feed DS1 till he was 19 months old with no issues at all.
Any advice, ideas, suggestions would be much appreciated.
Tracey, thyroid issues can affect milk supply. Sometimes mums in this situation are not able to fully bf. The Lactation Resource Centre (LRC) run by the ABA should be able to help you out with more information. I have read a lot about it but can't remember it all. I think there can also be an issue with the thyroid meds and bfing, but as I said, I forget the finer points. As well as the information from the LRC, a call to Dr Rodney Whyte at the Monash Drug Information Service - 03 9594 2361 from 9am to 5pm business days - would be a good idea to get the low down on the meds situation.
In the meantime, 3 wet nappies a day isn't enough. It sounds like you will need to supplement for now. It is more important to "feed the baby" at this stage. This is a tough decision for a mum to make, but sadly one of the issues many mums face with health issues like this. Babies of your son's age should be having at least 5 heavily wet disposables (6 - 8 pale, wet cloth nappies) in 24 hours.
Hi,
You've really had a tough time of it. It's a hard thing to accept when you breastfed your first child for so long and so well, that you might have to supplement this baby. A weightloss of 1kg in 5 weeks is concerning. I agree with Manta, you will need to supplement. Get in touch with your local ABA breastfeeding counsellor and ask them to help you with a supply line, and you probably need to do it sooner rather than later.
I hope this is a useful article - let us know how you go
Hi Tracey
If you have an underlying medical condition that is affecting your supply then motilium probably wouldn't do much good - you need to get the thyroid under control. It's certainly worth asking the question, but right now the priority is getting milk into your baby - if you can get the other issues sorted you may be able to ditch the forumula later.
Hope you can get some answers on your thyroid - are you feeling ok? Do you know how bad it is?
All the best
Marcellus - I don't know it bad it is yet, still undergoing further testing. After hearing that is was over active alot of things made sense.
Went to the useless doctor, not my usual one, will see her on Wednesday. Was basically told that she does not know of any relation between thyroid issues and breast milk production, tried to google it while I was there to see if she could find anything Told me that my milk is simply "drying up" and that I would need to look at formula feeding the baby. When I told her that I did not have any issues with my supply last time and that I feed DS1 until he was 19 months she was shocked and told me that all babies are different! She reluctantly gave me medication to see if that would help with the supply.
I did go and get the formula and feed hims some through a syringe as I am waiting for my supply line to arrive tomorrow.
Thanks for the advice and will keep you informed of my progress.
overactive thyroid and milk supply issues
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Told me that my milk is simply "drying up" and that I would need to look at formula feeding the baby. When I told her that I did not have any issues with my supply last time and that I feed DS1 until he was 19 months she was shocked and told me that all babies are different! She reluctantly gave me medication to see if that would help with the supply.
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