Up to 10% of women experience thyroid problems after giving birth. Postpartum thyroiditis causes fluctuating thyroid hormone levels, first with a period of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid with excess thyroid hormone) which might then resolve back to normal or dip into a period of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). Note that this is different from postpartum Graves’ Disease, which is autoimmune hyperthyroidism in which antibodies attack the thyroid and cause it to overproduce thyroid hormone. Read more

A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined weight gained during pregnancy and the elimination or retention of that weight postpartum. The authors concluded that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as recommended can help most women return to their pre-pregnancy weight by six months postpartum. The study also addressed one of the concerns from a previous review of similar studies in that it took into account the pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) of the women studied. Basically it concluded that women who were heavier before pregnancy were the most likely to continue to struggle with weight postpartum. The study also concluded that exclusive breastfeeding resulted in lower postpartum weight retention in all women. Women who gained a reasonable amount of weight during pregnancy and breastfed exclusively for the first six months were likely to return to prepregnancy weight by six months postpartum. According to WebMD, researchers estimated that women who breastfeed retain 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) less than women who don’t breastfeed at six months after giving birth.

Thanks to Mama Knows Breast for highlighting this study!

Photo of scale by peter_w.

From The Breastfeeding Answer Book:

Caused by postpartum hemorrhage so severe that the blood loss irreversibly damages the pituitary gland, Sheehan’s syndrome can cause breastfeeding failure. Other symptoms include loss of pubic and underarm hair, inability to tolerate cold, low blood pressure, and atrophy of vaginal tissue, as well as subsequent infertility.

p. 569. For more see:

~ Birthsource.com
~ “Infant Insufficient Milk Syndrome Associated with Maternal Postpartum Hemorrhage” (abstract) from the Journal of Human Lactation

Many women consider amenorrhea (absence of periods) as one of the great advantages of breastfeeding. Other women lament the fact that their fertility has not returned by the time they are ready to conceive another child. For those women who celebrate the absence of their periods (the ones who think the pronunciation of amenorrhea sounds suspiciously like “Amen, no horror period!”), is exclusive breastfeeding an effective method of birth control? Read more

While at first it appears that the breastfeeding mother and baby only need each other, there is a whole cast of people in supporting roles–people who help mother and baby have a positive nursing experience. When my daughter was a newborn, I joked that it took four people to nurse: me, my baby, my husband to help adjust pillows and latch the baby on, and my mother to bring me water and snacks. With that vital support, the nursing relationship quickly blossomed.

1. Husband/partner. If the breastfeeding mother is in a relationship, it’s important that her partner supports breastfeeding. A husband might want to give the baby a bottle–it’s such a pervasive image of how babies are fed in today’s society. A mother can reassure her husband that there will be plenty of opportunities for him to feed the baby bottles of expressed breast milk once the nursing relationship is well established. In the meantime, a mother can suggest that her husband help with burping, cuddling and diapering the baby. (If he insists on giving the baby a bottle, offer him the 3 a.m. feeding!) In my own situation, I can say that my husband quickly realized the benefits of nursing our daughter. He loved that nursing instantly satisfied her needs for thirst, hunger, comfort and pacifying.

2. Neighbor/friend. Friends and neighbors can support the nursing mother in two ways. First, they can set a good example with their own nursing relationships. Second, they can offer to bring a hot meal when the mother is recovering from birth or volunteer to babysit an older child while the mother naps with the baby.

3. Medical professionals. A mother’s obstetrician and the baby’s pediatrician can help get the nursing relationship off to a good start by encouraging the mother to breastfeed as soon as possible after the birth. They can continue to support breastfeeding by helping the mother to make medical decisions for herself and her baby that are compatible with continued nursing.

4. Doula/birth attendant/postpartum doula. Having an experienced person assist the mother during the birth can help her have a positive birth experience with minimal medical interventions, which in turn allows the mother to breastfeed shortly after the birth. A postpartum doula offers on-going support and guidance as the new family settles in at home. To learn more about doulas and how to hire one, go to Dona International.

5. Lactation consultant. A lactation consultant is specially trained to assist mothers in breastfeeding and can be particularly helpful if the new mother needs to be seen in the hospital or at home. Board certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) have passed an independent examination and demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude to support breastfeeding mothers. To find a board certified lactation consultant, click here. Many hospitals offer the services of a lactation consultant as part of a mother’s stay in the hospital and for a short time after she returns home. Some pediatricians also partner with lactation consultants in their medical offices.

6. Breastfeeding support group. Some hospitals and birthing centers offer support meetings and breastfeeding classes for mothers and their newborns. I took a class the day after my first daughter was born, and I found it particularly helpful to get that instruction when I had a baby in my arms for practicing the techniques.

7. La Leche League or other breastfeeding organization. La Leche League and other breastfeeding organizations around the world provide information, support and meetings for mothers, newborns and nursing toddlers. There’s a permanent link to LLL in the sidebar at the bottom right of this page.

8. Internet support. Several on-line communities exist for breastfeeding support. For information, one particularly helpful site is www.askdrsears.com (also linked on this page). Kellymom.com has message boards for information and support on a variety of topics.

9. Librarian. When we talked about recommended books on breastfeeding, I mentioned how a librarian can help mothers locate the latest versions of helpful books.

10. Pharmacist. When I thought I had thrush, my pharmacist assisted me by preparing the proper solution of gentian violet (read the link on thrush for a warning about the safety of that remedy and for information on other treatment options). Any time I have needed to take an over-the-counter or prescription medication, my pharmacist has answered questions and offered additional printed materials on the safety of the drug for breastfeeding mothers.

While the breastfeeding mother and baby form their own special pair, having the support of a whole cast of characters can enrich and extend the nursing relationship.