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Date: | Sat, 25 May 1996 14:07:39 -0400 |
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Mary-Margaret: This mother's hyperthyroidism is essentially a
hypermetabolic state, i.e. her metabolic rate is increased. To improve
her nutritional status she needs to take in an increased number of
calories (a consult with a dietitian may help her to work out her
increased caloric needs). As we know, lactation also requires some extra
calories, so she needs to include that in her calculation. I am not
aware of any problem with decreased milk supply as long as she stays well
hydrated and takes in the requisite number of calories. As for the
weight loss, I imagine that weaning would only conserve the 200-500
calories/day that lactation consumes, but that only prevents a loss of
1/2 to 1 lb/week. In hyperthyroidism, the weight loss can be
considerably more, and if she continued to breastfeed, she could prevent
that extra 1/2 to 1 lb/week by eating an extra 200-500 calories/day
anyway. Her nutritional needs will change as the PTU starts to work, so
she needs to adjust her diet accordingly with the help of a dietitian.
She needs also to be monitored regularly by a physician to ensure that
her symptoms are not due to complications of her hyperthyroidism, such as
heart failure. Hope this helps. Alicia. [log in to unmask]
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