Thyroid and breast milk production

[SuzanneSC]

I had a baby 6 weeks ago.  I really feel strongly about breast feeding but I am having a great deal of trouble producing enough milk.  My TSH level is 0.01 and my OBGYN wants me to reduce my Synthroid from 1.75 to 1.25.  I feel great, no signs of "over medication".  I question reducing my dosage.  Is he right?  Will reducing my dosage help me produce more breast milk?  

[katekos]

Wow, I'm impressed at how much you were pumping in the hospital!  Sounds like you got your meds and levels worked out.  Congrats on your baby and the many growth spurts to come!

[SuzanneSC]

I was so wrong about being over medicated.  When I went from 175 to 150 (I had some left over) I saw a big change in muscle pain and the headaches I was having every day.  I did 150 for almost 2 weeks then went to 125.  No more headaches, almost no muscle pain and I am producing more breast milk.  I felt "low production" because when I had the baby, in  the hospital I pumped 2 ounces at a time.  That decreased over the next 2 to 3 weeks to 1 ounce then to almost nothing, and the baby was never satisfied.  Now, at 9 weeks postpartum, he is mush more satisfied and I feel better than ever.  

[katekos]

If memory serves me your TSH seems to be running a little too high.  Your levels will/can cause a low milk supply.  Perhaps though not jumping from 175 to 125 but go to 137.  Make sure your OB knows and understands that you are breastfeeding and that you want to take it a little slow b/c going the other direction will also have an affect on your milk.  If you don't mind my asking - what makes you feel like your supply is low?  Being 6 weeks your body is still figuring out it's whole supply/demand thing.