Another question: I have been working with a mother who had her thyroid
removed ten years ago and also has fertility issues she has struggled
with. Baby is now 6 weeks old. Her milk supply has gone through its ups
and downs, but currently she is able to pump 4-5 ounces at a time. She
is exclusively pumping and bottle feeding  because baby was "not
enjoying" breastfeeding sessions. 

This mother's baby was failure to thrive at two weeks of age. Her baby
has had green stools for over four weeks. Mother says that her baby is
always restless and agitated. She did an epxeriment this past week in
which she gave only formula to her baby for 2 days. The stools changed
to a normal, lighter color, and baby appeared far more relaxed and "in
tune with the world", according to the mother. When HM was reintroduced,
all of the restless behavior and green stools returned. Even when the
milk is mixed with 50% formula, the green color remains.

Mom tells me that there is no separation of her milk after being
pumped. She sees only a very thin layer of fat covering the top of her
bottles. She is concerned that her malfunctioning thyroid is effecting
the quality of her milk. Can this be true? Lisa Marasco, I hope you are
reading this and can respond!

I have advised this mom to pump until her first MER is gone, then to
set that milk aside and pump the rest for feedings. Hopefully this will
increase the overall fat content of her milk. Mother really wants baby
to get the protective factors in the milk, but is thinking that her baby
is doing better with the formula. 

Thanks for any input,
Brenda Phipps, BS, IBCLC

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