This news must have been overwhelming and I can appreciate your concern.
Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition that affects infants from birth and results from a partial or complete loss of thyroid function. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck. It produces iodine-containing hormones that play an vital role in regulating growth, brain development, and metabolism.
This condition occurs when the thyroid gland fails to develop or function properly. In 80 to 85 percent of cases, the thyroid gland is absent, abnormally located, or severely reduced in size.
If untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disability and abnormal growth. If treatment begins in the first month after birth, infants usually develop normally.
A synthetic form of thyroxine, which is one of the iodine-containing hormones produced by the thyroid gland, is prescribed and administered as treatment. Blood tests are regularly done to make sure thyroid levels are in a normal range.
There are no side effects as long as thyroid levels do not become too high. The benefits of treatment are normal intellectual and growth development.
Yes, it is a life time treatment. There is no alternative treatment. Choosing soy over dairy based formula, or visa versa, has no impact on treatment.
I think you should follow the recommendations for every breastfeeding mother. Eat a well-balanced diet, choose good fats, drink plenty of water, limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, keep taking your vitamins and take extra steps to avoid contaminants, such as undercooked poultry.
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Hello W. Latespring,
This news must have been overwhelming and I can appreciate your concern.
Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition that affects infants from birth and results from a partial or complete loss of thyroid function. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck. It produces iodine-containing hormones that play an vital role in regulating growth, brain development, and metabolism.
This condition occurs when the thyroid gland fails to develop or function properly. In 80 to 85 percent of cases, the thyroid gland is absent, abnormally located, or severely reduced in size.
If untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disability and abnormal growth. If treatment begins in the first month after birth, infants usually develop normally.
A synthetic form of thyroxine, which is one of the iodine-containing hormones produced by the thyroid gland, is prescribed and administered as treatment. Blood tests are regularly done to make sure thyroid levels are in a normal range.
There are no side effects as long as thyroid levels do not become too high. The benefits of treatment are normal intellectual and growth development.
Yes, it is a life time treatment. There is no alternative treatment. Choosing soy over dairy based formula, or visa versa, has no impact on treatment.
I think you should follow the recommendations for every breastfeeding mother. Eat a well-balanced diet, choose good fats, drink plenty of water, limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, keep taking your vitamins and take extra steps to avoid contaminants, such as undercooked poultry.
I hope that I have answered your questions.
Maryann
March 26, 2013 - 5:01pmThis Comment
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