Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding and Thyroid Disease

The good news is that, in most cases, if you have thyroid problems, you can safely breastfeed, whether your thyroid condition developed before, during or after pregnancy. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor or your baby's doctor for the best recommendation for you and your own case.

Note, too, that low milk supply and breastfeeding difficulties can sometimes be caused by an undiagnosed thyroid condition, so it's particularly important that women who have breastfeeding problems have a thorough thyroid evaluation.

In addition to low milk supply, if you are having other post-partum symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, difficulty losing weight, or too-rapid weight loss, difficulty concentrating, and the blues, you may have a thyroid condition. Find out if you could have a thyroid problem and not know it.

If you had a thyroid condition before pregnancy, or your thyroid condition has been diagnosed during or after pregnancy, the following list of common questions about thyroid problems and issues regarding breastfeeding for nursing mothers with thyroid disease.

• Is it Safe for a New Mother With Hypothyroidism to Breastfeed?

• Is it Safe to Take Thyroid Hormone Replacement Medication for Hypothyroidism, While Breastfeeding?

• Is It Safe for a Breastfeeding Mother to Take Thyroid Medication for Her Hypothyroid Baby?

• Is It Safe to Breastfeed While Taking Antithyroid Drugs Like Tapazole and PTU for Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism

• Is It Safe to Receive Radioactive Iodine Treatment -- RAI -- While Breastfeeding

• Is it Safe For a Woman Who is Breastfeeding to Have a Thyroid Scan?

• Sources Used in This FAQ on Breastfeeding and Thyroid Disease