Breastfeeding and Thyroid Disease

by Mary Shomon

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 evalution. In addition to low milk supply, if you are having 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. Could you have a thyroid problem? Find out now.

If you had a thyroid condition before pregnancy, or your thyroid condition has been diagnosed during or after pregnancy, see the detailed Frequently Asked Questions list for answers to some common questions about thyroid problems and issues regarding lactation and breastfeeding for nursing mothers with thyroid disease.

Can I breastfeed if I'm hypothyroid?

Should I continue taking my thyroid hormone drugs (i.e., Synthroid, Levoxyl, Armour, Thyrolar) when I'm breastfeeding?

Does hypothyroidism cause any breastfeeding problems?

If my baby is found to be hypothyroid, can I take the thyroid hormone myself, and have it pass through into the breastmilk?

Can I get a thyroid scan when I'm breastfeeding?

Can I get Radioactive Iodine Treatment / RAI while I'm breastfeeding?

Can I breastfeed while taking antithyroid drugs like Methimazole, Tapazole, or PTU, as a treatment for hyperthyroidism / Graves' Disease?

More articles on breastfeeding are available in the World Breastfeeding Week Special.