Since none of us are doctors here (and you’ve already experienced the fact that even doctors can disagree….), I think the best thing that you can try to do is to nail down the basis for your doctor’s opinion, whatever it is. A list of questions might help:
Replacement hormone is chemically identical to our body’s own T4. If my dose is appropriate, why would there be any different impact on the baby than naturally-occurring T4?
What research study results are you relying on for your opinion?
If you are not talking about the replacement hormone, what IS your concern? Antithyroid antibodies? Again, what are the studies? The RAI itself? Ditto.
Only by getting the doctor to address specific issues, in concrete terms do you have any hope of figuring out what the issues are and whether they are based on real information or “gut instinct”. It helps you to be more truly informed about your choices.
And if it should happen that you decide not to breastfeed, based on your conversations with the doctors, I know you will be disappointed, but keep in mind that there are tens of thousands of babies that have thrived without being breast-fed. I could only nurse one of my three babies — for a variety of reasons, pre-Graves. Yes, it mattered, but not enough to take away the joy of having this wonderful new person in our lives.
Wishing you joy with this new life,
Bobbi — NGDF Asst. Online Facilitator
