Anne,
This could simply be a problem of "grand multip" syndrome.  Sometimes grand
multips just starting having more difficulty with milk production. BUT....
the correlation with the thyroid problems and the milk supply problems is
very intriguing. The creamtocrit is a good idea. But you might suggest that
mom monitor her thyroid frequently during pregnancy and the first few months
postpartum. A long-shot idea is that she could swing hyperthyroid-- this is
especially possible as pregnancy thyroid requirements increase, and often
the meds are not checked soon enough after delivery when the need decreases,
resulting in over treatment & hyperthyroidism. Research on pregnant rats has
shown that chronic hyperthyroidism uses up stored mammary fat, and there was
a preliminary suggestion of effect on milk fat as well. The key word here is
chronic, however. 

Does mom's breasts grow during the pregnancy? Does she notice the same
changes as with earlier pregnancies?

I would seriously consider doing pre- and post- weight checks just to verify
the amount that is going into baby in correlation to the weight gains.

There are other herbs that might also be of use to her. Borage oil and
marshmallow among others are supposed to help with cream (when babies aren't
gaining well). Check out the MOBI website for good Lactogenic food
suggestions that contain good fats. 

~Lisa Marasco

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