Many women experience milk supply problems when breastfeeding and postpartum thyroiditis may be to blame. This condition is often overlooked by healthcare providers because it typically resolves itself within a year of onset. I struggled with postpartum thyroiditis after all three of my pregnancies. What is postpartum thyroiditis and how can it affect breastfeeding? Postpartum Thyroiditis Basics Postpartum thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid within the first year after giving birth. It is characterized by the production of thyroid antibodies plus swings between hyperactive and underactive thyroid. It is very similar to Hashimoto's … [Read more...]

Breastfeeding Question: Since I started on antibiotics for a sinus infection my twins have been fussy and having runny stools.  Any suggestions on how to soothe their tummies? Breastfeeding Answer: I would suggest mama taking high quality probiotics herself. Antibiotics kill off all bacteria - good and bad. Our bodies need good bacteria in our gut to stay "regulated." A small amount of antibiotics can pass through breast milk (often not enough to cause worry). This could cause some of the good bacteria to die off in babies and cause runny stools. Also, the change in mom's chemistry from the antibiotics can cause those changes. If mom gets … [Read more...]

Can breastfeeding and thyroid disease work together? At the age of 10, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism from Grave's Disease. I've been poked, prodded, radiated, and tested for over 25 years to keep my thyroid levels where they need to be. With all this time invested, I was never told how my thyroid condition might affect my breastfeeding relationship with my children. I was never told anything about how thyroid function affects anything other than heart rate and metabolism. I'd like to share with you what I have learned about thyroid disease after having three children in four years and how it can affect breastfeeding. I'll focus on … [Read more...]

Breastfeeding Question: Help! I have a terrible cold. I'm congested, my throat hurts, and I'm miserable. I don't want to take cold medicines while breastfeeding. Is there anything I can safely take while breastfeeding to help me feel better? Answers: Anjanette says... A soothing way to begin your day when you have a cold is to drink warm water with lemon & honey. The honey will coat your throat and the vitamin c will give you an immune boost. It's common in many cultures to drink lemon water in the morning to aid digestion, as well. For congestion, use a humidifier, take a hot shower, or inhale some steam from a pot of boiling … [Read more...]