Hi All,

I don't know enough about thyroid stuff since it doesn't often come into my
practice and I am having a difficult time 'getting' the info I am reading
and trying to apply it to a situation I have been to assist with.  I have
permission to post.

I am working with a mom who has 3 kidlings and is planning on becoming
pregnant with #4 sometime in the next year.  Her youngest is 8 so it has
been a while since she breastfed (new marriage...).  With her previous
babies, she had NO problem with milk supply at all. In fact, she had more
than she needed.  :)  

Last year she was diagnosed with low thyroid via saliva testing.  She has
had blood work done in the past (not within the few years) and was always
told she was within normal.  Low thyroid runs in the family.  She will be 40
or 41 when she attempts to get pregnant.  Her main concern is being able to
produce a healthy milk supply (she read that low thyroid can contribute to
low milk supply).  She is dead set against using ABM and will do whatever
necessary to NOT go down that road.  She has been taking an herbal
combination by Nature's Sunshine to increase thyroid 'naturally' before
going to prescription drugs.

Questions are:

Is saliva testing a good indicator of thyroid levels or is blood better?

With a history of excellent milk production would possible low thyroid be a
big problem or just potential problem?

Since she will be an "older" mom what role will this play for her where the
milk supply is concerned?

What steps should she take to increase thyroid levels to a optimal
breastmilk production level (provided levels are still low)- stick with
herbal or go straight to prescription?

How long before getting pregnant should she get this taken care of?

Pregnancy will be sometime within the next 12 months - mom wants a timeline
to plan and get her 'older' body ready for a new baby.  This is just a tad
outside my expertise...

Thank you for all help!

Warmly,

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC

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