I recently worked with a pregnant woman whose endocrinologist told her
there was new research contraindicating PTU with BF. After much thorough
research involving LLL PL dept. and follow up with mother, we determined
that the article the endo was referring to was in the NEJM and was
really off topic. It said that children born to pregnant women with
undiagnosed/untreated hypothyroidism were at risk for serious
learning/cognitive disorders. The endocrinologist of course interpreted
this as thyroid suppressants taken by a lactating mother can cause
mental retardation in the nursling.

This is not a new drug. Hale has much reassuring data, and many, many
women have successfully bf on PTU. A pediatrician in our Medical
Associates program was kind enough to consult with a pediatric
endocrinologist who concurred that PTU was safe to use. (Some doctors
believe the baby should be monitored just to be safe-- in the unlikely
event that the PTU was affecting the baby, compensatory thyroid
stimulants could be given).

I would ask the doctor to cite the "new research" and see exactly what
he is referring to.

Good luck.

Arlene in NJ

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