Hi, Jaye:  Please have this mom start talking with her OB or midwife, if
she is not already doing so.  She needs to have thyroid bloodwork done -
her thyroid hormones and function can be tested by simple blood tests.  If
she is hypothyroid, she may have problems getting pregnant.  There are lots
of issues surrounding an "elderly" pregnancy (don't you just love that
term?) that her HCP will know what to look for/screen for.  If she carries
a healthy pregnancy to term and is in good general health, as well as good
breast health, there is no reason why she cannot fully nurse a baby.  I did
it not once, but twice (18 months and 2 years respectively), and know many
other "elderly" mothers who did as well.
Remember, too, that the thyroid controls many of the body's functions.  Let
us know what happens with this mother.

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL   USA

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