any breast feeding moms with no thyroids here?

Question

Any breastfeeding mamas? I just had my second baby this past Sunday. I wasn't able to breastfeed my first one because I had just been diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, and I had to have a total thyroidectomy 2 weeks after birth and had treatment after that.

My question is, when I met with a lactation specialist at the hospital and as soon as she heard I had no thyroid she basically acted like I wouldn't be able to breastfeed full time. No one has said anything at all about this until now. I've had no problems with my daughter so far, she's latching great and things are going smoothly so far and my milk is in. But I'm worried, have any of you ladies with no thyroids been able to successfully breastfeed full time???? TIA!!

Answer

A girl friend of mine successfully EBF 2 daughters without a thyroid.  She did it for a year each.  It's definitely possible.

Answer

I had a thyroidectomy 8 years ago and am currently breastfeeding my daughter. I see an endocrinologist and they had me do blood work the entire pregnancy and I have an appointment set up for 6 weeks postpartum. The lactation consultant I saw just told me to keep up with my synthroid and stay in touch with my endocrinologist...so far things are great!

Answer

I had total thyroidectomy with two lymph glands removed in Jan 2016 and had my baby Jan 5th this year. So far I've been able to EBF after my milk came in... which only took 3 or 4 days. My LC did put in a request for a hospital grade pump under my durable health care because of my thyroid issue and said it would help keep up supply but I haven't been able to use it that much and am still getting milk. My endocrinologist said my levels could affect production so we have to keep an eye on that so I guess it could be an issue. Luckily I didn't have a level imbalance to begin with so it hasn't been too hard to find the right dosage of levothyroxin.. otherwise the endo said it shouldn't cause any issues. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm able to continue ebf. Best of luck to you.

Answer

I had a full thyroidectomy last year. I'm not producing enough for my LO to have all breastmilk but I haven't noticed a drop in supply or anything like that. It seems pretty steady, just not the full 6oz she needs every 3 hours.

Answer

I had total thyroidectomy when my first daughter was 6 months old and i breastfed her for 22 months. Now 4 weeks PP with my son and EBF at the moment. Yes I was told the same too, that i cant breastfeed my daughter after the surgery and will have trouble breastfeeding my son. I was torn. So my goal was/is to breastfeed as long as i can..As long as your hormone levels are under control you should be able to breastfeed. If your supply is good may be you should consider building a stash for later? I did that with my first one and planning to do with my son too, if possible.

any breast feeding moms with no thyroids here?

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