I may have an overactive thyroid; can I still breastfeed my baby?

An overactive thyroid gland, also referred to as hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease, is an important health concern. Thyroid disease is serious as the thyroid controls the body's metabolic processes. According to the LLLI BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK (BAB), any breastfeeding mother with thyroid disease should be under the care of a doctor who is supportive of her desire to breastfeed.

Diagnosis of an overactive thyroid can usually be based on the mother's symptoms as well as a simple blood test. On occasion, radioactive testing is used to diagnose thyroid problems. If radioactive testing is recommended, the mother can ask her physician if the test could be postponed or another, non-radioactive test, be substituted.

If the radioactive test is used, temporary weaning is recommended. "The length of time the mother needs to suspend breastfeeding will depend on the type and dosage of radioactive materials used for the test" (BAB). Radioactivity of breastmilk declines over time, and frequent milk expression will help the mother eliminate the radioactivity from her body more quickly. This milk must be discarded and not fed to the baby. (Frequent milk expression will not hasten the elimination of other drugs from breastmilk.) For pumping information see LLLI FAQs about pumping.

Contact a La Leche League Leader for the most up-do-date information about the time period needed to sufficiently clear radioactivity from breastmilk.

Some medications for overactive thyroid are not concentrated in human milk and result in minimal doses to the breastfed baby If a mother is taking thyroid suppressants, she will need to tell her baby's doctor so the baby can be monitored for thyroid levels. Weaning is usually not necessary. If a doctor insists on weaning, the mother is encouraged to seek a second opinion before weaning. When temporary weaning is recommended, it is important to be sure the risks and benefits have been fully evaluated. If you have questions about the medications you are taking, contact a La Leche League Leader.

If radioactive compounds are used to treat an overactive thyroid, temporary weaning is necessary. The mother will need to pump and discard the milk during this time. Before a mother resumes breastfeeding, her milk must be checked for radioactivity. Your local LLL Leader will be able to share more information and offer support.

Contacting an LLL Leader in your area or attending a meeting will help you cope with this. To find a Group near you, call 1-800-LALECHE or look at our LLL Web Page Index. If you are unable to find a local Group, you may consider attending one of our online LLL meetings

Resources for Additional Information

LLLI FAQ on breastfeeding while taking medications

The following items, plus many others, are available from theLLLI Online Store or through your local Leader:

THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING La Leche League International’s keynote title includes important references and resources for the breastfeeding mother. Its vast depth of factual information makes this book a necessary source for breastfeeding mothers, and its warm, friendly tone makes it a classic worth reading again. THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING is the definitive guide, bringing the importance of parenting through breastfeeding into the 21st century. Softcover, 465 pages.

La Leche League International's BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK by Nancy Mohrbacher and Julie Stock is the definitive resource for those who are dedicated to helping mothers breastfeed. This guidebook can be used by LLL Leaders, lactation consultants, doctors, and other health care professionals with confidence to help mothers establish and enjoy a satisfying breastfeeding relationship with their babies. Hardcover, spiral bound book, 680 pages.

Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Revised by Jan Riordan, EdD, RN, IBCLC and Kathleen G. Auerbach, PhD, IBCLC: This classic textbook, written by two La Leche League Leaders and internationally recognized lactation specialists, is a skillful blend of clinical experience, research documentation, and technical know-how. Hardcover, 874 pages.

Breastfeeding Conditions and Diseases, by Anne Merewood, MA IBCLC, and Barbara L. Phillip, MD, IBLCE: A comprehensive reference guide that addresses issues surrounding breastfeeding in medically complicated situations, this book explores a wide variety of information from the common cold to Sheehan's syndrome. Breastfeeding Conditions and Diseases also includes suggestions on how to help breastfeeding mothers in difficult situations, fully referenced data, up-to-date research on human milk and breastfeeding, and background information on medical conditions. Softcover, 267 pages.

Last updated Tuesday, August 29, 2006 2:28 PM by sjs.

Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:29:17 UTC 2007.