Lisa,

    I feel this is an area where much research is needed.  I have come across
hypothyroid moms with low milk supply, and they have tried everything except
a blood test for TSH, T3, T4.  I was recently at a workshop with Nancy
Mohrbacher, which I thought was excellent.  She pointed out that the Hartman research
is indicating that breastfeeding is more autocrine than endocrine.  I don't
really think the jury is out on that one yet.  There are a number of endocrine
factors that seriously affect breastfeeding, and I think that time will tell
that both are equally important.

    It is clear that some families are more genetically prone to autoimmune
disease.  I have been fascinated by a very current book on the topic: "The
Autoimmune Connection: Essential Information for Women on Diagnosis, Treatment,
and Getting on with your Life (2003) by Rita Baron-Faust, and Jill P. Buyon,
M.D.-- ISBN 0-658-02131-1.  Despite everything else that we LCs must know, it is
very important to be clued into physical and emotional factors related to
autoimmune disease.  We have to be careful not to chalk up depression as
"post-partum" when it could be thyroid related.  When we start talks about fenugreek or
domperidone, we need to ask more primary questions like, "When was your last
blood test?" or "Does anyone in your family have a thyroid condition or
diabetes?"  I believe that autoimmune issues are much more pervasive than most of us
think.  I can only imagine how many women have quit due to milk supply issues
that were caused by some autoimmune issue that was not diagnosed.  Too many
women go through years of poor health before someone actually identifies the
problem.


Debbie Albert, Ph.D., IBCLC
Tampa Lactation Counseling
Tampa, FL



In a message dated 6/20/04 12:03:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Date:    Sat, 19 Jun 2004 12:15:57 -0700
From:    Lisa Marasco IBCLC <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Autoimmune issues and lactation

I would be interested in the experiences of other lactnetters with moms
who have autoimmune illness or leanings. Have you noticed any particular
kinds of breastfeeding problems among these women?

~Lisa Marasco

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