Thought I'd share this interesting study report and some commentary, and invite the input of all of you wonderful women...

The Open Journal of Pediatrics has just published an interesting report entitled, "Elevated airborne beta levels in Pacific/West Coast US States and trends in hypothyroidism among newborns after the Fukushima nuclear meltdown" (http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=28599)

The situation can also be caused by excessive maternal iodine supplementation. I wonder if this too has increased since the Fukushima incidents? (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120726094508.htm)

I didn't see any discussion in the report of whether or not the condition was transient or permanent (it can be either), but I'm guessing permanent because of the baby's in utero development.

Fortunately, the heel stick screening tests of newborns alert caretakers to the situation in United States, Canada, Europe, Israel, Japan, Australia and New Zealand (with more countries working on it).

What is relevant to me is the list of signs and symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism. While most affected newborns do not exhibit any signs or symptoms because of the presence of some maternal thyroid hormone, or becauset they have some residual thyroid function of their own,  s&s can include:

•Increased birth weight 
•Increased head circumference 
•Lethargy (lack of energy, sleeps most of the time, appears tired even when awake) 
•Slow movement 
•A hoarse cry 
•Feeding problems 
•Persistent constipation, bloated or full to the touch 
•An enlarged tongue 
•Dry skin 
•Low body temperature 
•Prolonged jaundice 
•A goiter (enlarged thyroid) 
•Abnormally low muscle tone 
•Puffy face 
•Cold extremities 
•Thick coarse hair that goes low on the forehead 
•A large fontanel (soft spot) 
•A herniated bellybutton 
•Little to no growth, failure to thrive 
(Ref UpToDate's article, "Clinical features and detection of congenital hypothyroidism" (
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-detection-of-congenital-hypothyroidism) for additional info.)

These dyads will surely need additional support with breastfeeding. 

An old (1979) paper in the journal Pediatrics concluded that "breast-feeding does not protect against the deleterious effects of congenital hypothyroidism." (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/65/4/703.abstract) I don't know if that is the current understanding. Nevertheless, while bfing *may* not specifically help with congenital hypothyroidism, it will help the little one thrive. 

I'd love to hear your opinions,
Fay

Fay Bosman, IBCLC, RLC
Vancouver, WA, USA
www.nwmothernurture.com 

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