I have been approached by a mother who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 2
weeks ago. She was advised to wean her 8 1/2 month old baby within 24 hours
to enable her to commence medication.The baby is now weaned and mum is
taking Carbimazole. Apparently she is taking the lowest possible dose. I
have checked Hale and it appears it would be ok for her to take it,
provided the baby's thyroid functions are checked. From Hale it appears she
could also take propylthiouracil, which wasn't offered. I get the
impression that the Dr felt the baby was *old enough* to be weaned!

I have given the mother the information from Hale, also from Royal Women's
Hospital - Drugs and Breastfeeding Guidelines 1994/95 by Jane Colvin
(Melbourne, Australia) which advises propylthiouracil over carbimazole.
The mother's main concerns are future pregnancies and future lactations if
she needs to continue medication indefinitely. She may also consider
relactating.
Any information on use of these medications during pregancy? TIA

Roslyn Draper, RN RM IBCLC MCHN