I am counseling a 33 year old mother with a total cholesterol reading of
213. Triglycerides tested 267! Before this pregnancy (her second) her
cholesterol was in the normal range.

Her child, a 28 month old girl, weaned approx 3 months ago. The mother is a
strict vegan. I am thinking that the levels are a result of recent
breastfeeding and she is wondering how long she should wait before becoming
concerned. As her diet is not one which might elevate cholesterol her
doctor is talking about starting a statin drug. She may want more children
and does not want to take the statins. She also is low income, has no
insurance and statin drugs would likely exceed any disposable income at
this point.

I am sure the levels are inflated due to the recent breastfeeding. My
question is how long until she should be retested and considered for
treatment?

She has said her doctor was "Unaware" that breastfeeding elevated
cholesterol counts. An other opinion is not an option as this doctor is
willing to see and respect a low income woman and let her pay over time, at
a sliding scale. Most other doctors in her area won't even see her. There
is literally no one else for her to see.

TIA!

Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, AAPL, LLLL, Post partum doula
Villa Park IL

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