This is a perfect example of how *everything* that is not good is blamed on breastfeeding.

Unusual weight loss in a mother of this aged baby should make one think of postpartum
thyroiditis in the *hyper*thyroid state.  She should have her thyroid function tested.  And if the
T4 and T3's are high, she should be put on propranalol.  If this is what the problem is, she will
lose less weight or stop losing weight.  If she does have hyperthyroidism, she should *not*
have a thyroid scan, as it is not necessary.  Get back on this if anyone is suggesting the scan.

Remember, though, that she may be dieting.  Or could she be anorexic?  It does not matter
how much the baby takes in calories from the milk, if the mother eats as many calories as she
uses up in the day 1800 or 5800, she will *not* lose weight.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC