Thyroid TSH levels and breastfeeding

[lisa133]

Hello. I am due with my 3rd boy in about 2 weeks. I did not have any thyroid issues in the past but last year I had my thyroid removed due to a rare form of thyroid cancer.
My thyroid levels have varied throughout the preg, high in the second trimester, but more recently, I have been on 200mcg of synthroid which brought my levels to .125. This was 2 weeks ago so they could likely be even lower. I've been instructed by my high risk ob and endo to stay on the 200 and then go down to 150 after I give birth.
I am very concerned about my levels affecting my ability to bf.
The drs don't seem to understand how impt bfing is for me and just keep reminding me that this is best for me and the baby.
Has anyone had experiences with thyroid issues and bfing and it's effect on your milk supply?
Anyone know what the optimal TSH should be for successful bfing? I know it could take weeks for my body to adjust to the new low and I am worried about my supply in those critical first few days.
Thank you.

[gemasita]

I'm sorry that I can't remember the optimal levels for nursing off the top of my head but you may want to insist on getting your thyroid levels checked shortly after birth.  Maybe 2 weeks out (or sooner if you seem to be struggling with supply in any way) and then again at maybe 6 weeks or 2 months?  Try also to remember to take your thyroid medication daily after the birth.  We really struggled postpartum and I forgot a few doses and then when I was going to get my thyroid levels checked, everyone was telling me they may be off because I skipped my medication.  Maybe you can have someone remind you.  Taking my medication was the last thing on my mind the first few days.

[Alexandria]

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis with both hyper and hypo periods. I'm not sure if there is an optimal TSH for breastfeeding, but I can tell you that I have breastfed through both high (11+) and low (.004) without having my supply affected (at least not to a point that I or baby noticed). In the months after having my first baby my TSH went low, my dose was reduced, and then it went high, my dose was increased, and then low again... etc etc... it was a wild ride and 3 weeks into my second postpartum period I am already getting symptoms and TSH just came back at .06. Hoping things even out faster this time around for the sake of the horrible symptoms. But nursing is fine (although I have overactive letdown, which I don't think is related to thyroid). Everything just seems to be overactive... letdown, my thyroid, my toddler, ;-)

[TIFF4NY]

Bumping this to see what happened in the end. I am 20w and plan to breastfeed #2. I'm currently on 200mcg of synthroid.