Brenda,
I know of no relationship between thyroid and milk *quality* per se. But
this mom is pumping 4-5oz at a time? I would make sure that she is draining
one breast thoroughly before using the other for starters. Also, breast
massage (Japanese study) has been shown to increase the fat content of milk;
you might suggest to the mother that she massage her breasts )(thoroughly!)
to help move fat/cream forward before she nurses or pumps.

She could also try adding some good fats to her diet. Borage seed oil and
flaxseed oil are both excellent sources of Omega-3s and are considered
galactogogues and milk enrichers, as well as marshmallow root. I had one mom
tell me about how her milk literally became creamier and baby happier when
she supplemented with borage oil (do not confuse with leaves). These are
anecdotal but when tried with reasonable amounts, are can't-hurt-might-help
things. 

If mom's supply was low I would suggest having her thyroid levels re-checked
as pregnancy and parturition can throw things off. A while back I dialogued
with Ruth Lawrence about borderline "low-normal" levels of thyroid hormone,
and she felt that affected mothers with struggling supply probably need
additional thyroid hormone supplementation. In the meantime, kelp/seaweed,
which is high in iodine, is another reputed (but unproven) galactogogue and
also is supportive of thyroid function. 

~Lisa Marasco

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