Re: OT: Breastmilk and graves antibodies

[Guest guest]

Hi -

I don't think this is off-topic at all. Antibodies do pass into breastmilk

which is why breastmilk is protective against so many illnesses. However, I

wouldn't think the amount of autoantibodies passed through breastmilk would

be enough to cause disease (i.e. Graves', lupus, scleroderma, etc...). And

you did have experience on this topic with Scarlett when you were actively

hyperthyroid. She didn't get sick.

Anyhow, don't overdo it!!!!!! You have Merrick to think of (plus Scarlett

and Stryker). I had to start my twins on solids a month ahead of time

because I tried to breastfeed them exclusively and it sent me into a

tailspin. I think it's very noble to try to help someone else as you are

but you have quite a bit on your plate as it is.

Take care,

dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

> All,

>

> Sort of off topic, I guess. . . . and maybe a truly overly-cautious

question but here goes:

>

> A friend is adopting a baby and I offered to store breast milk for

him/her. The baby's coming from Nepal in about nine months, we think -- I

know breastmilk stores for six months in a deep freezer, so I'll start

pumping soon. My expectation is that I can offer the baby at least a solid

6 - 8 weeks of breastmilk (or hopefully more). Not to worry -- I don't

plan on exhausting myself or creating so much milk that I'm miserable, but

trying just to see if I can't get a bottle a day for a few months, to store.

This baby will need all the nutritional help she/he can get!

>

> Okay, that's the story. My overly cautious question is about antibodies

and breastmilk. I know I " m paranoid, but I feel like I should fully

disclose things about my health and milk quality to my friend. My

assumption is that breast milk could in no way pass o Graves antibodies --

at least not that we know of.

>

> Am I right on this?

>

> Thanks to anyone who might know . . . .

>

> B

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I do not have an exact answer for you. I know that you do pass

antibodies to your babies if you have the flu or something, but those are good

antibodies to prevent your child from getting sick. I am not sure about graves

antibodies, but do know that experts do encourage u to breastfeed either way.

The benifets outway any concern. But please make sure you get an exact opinion

from somewhere about that. I would totally disclose all of your health

information to your friend. I'm sure she would like to know since anything u

might have could possibly pass thru to her baby. Also, if you haven't had a

full health check up, w/ labs recently I would do this. Your not being overly

cautious, but very thoughtful to the babies health. It is always best to be on

top of things. I'm sure u can find information about grave's antibodies on the

internet. I am going to look that up right now since I am expecting & planning

on breast feeding. Another thing to think of, has your friend thought about

trying to breast feed? I have heard many times that adoptive mothers could

possibly breast feed. Their milk supply might not be as plenty full as one who

has given birth, but could be enough to help them get the neccessary nutrition

from breastmilk. Anyways, let us know how things turn out w/ her new arrival &

how things go w/ the breast milk idea. ~Amber~

OT: Breastmilk and graves antibodies

All,

Sort of off topic, I guess. . . . and maybe a truly overly-cautious question

but here goes:

A friend is adopting a baby and I offered to store breast milk for him/her.

The baby's coming from Nepal in about nine months, we think -- I know breastmilk

stores for six months in a deep freezer, so I'll start pumping soon. My

expectation is that I can offer the baby at least a solid 6 - 8 weeks of

breastmilk (or hopefully more). Not to worry -- I don't plan on exhausting

myself or creating so much milk that I'm miserable, but trying just to see if I

can't get a bottle a day for a few months, to store. This baby will need all

the nutritional help she/he can get!

Okay, that's the story. My overly cautious question is about antibodies and

breastmilk. I know I " m paranoid, but I feel like I should fully disclose things

about my health and milk quality to my friend. My assumption is that breast

milk could in no way pass o Graves antibodies -- at least not that we know of.

Am I right on this?

Thanks to anyone who might know . . . .

B

[Guest guest]

Hi , don't know about the antibodies... but did run into a woman a few

days ago who is waiting for her second adopted child to be born. She's been

taking herbs and pumping for a couple of weeks now so that she will be able

to breastfeed the baby when she gets her. Did not know this was possible but

thought it was very cool (she's never been able to get pregnant, btw,

nevermind breastfeed before).

Maybe your friend could look into that if she's interested...

Pam B.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I haven't seen any reports of TSH receptor antibodies being present in breast

milk although I'm not sure if anyone has studied this. IgG antibodies are

generally present in the blood serum. They're able to pass through the placental

membrane where they can cause transient symptoms. This is the usual cause of

neonatal hyperthyroidism. I think your breast milk should be fine. Take care,

Elaine

[Guest guest]

> to breastfeed the baby when she gets her. Did not know this was

> possible but

> thought it was very cool (she's never been able to get pregnant,

> btw,

> nevermind breastfeed before).

La Leche League could help with this. Though in all fairness, if this

woman's had multiple miscarriages it's possible breastfeeding will bring

on the kind of cramping that many women find increases with each

pregnancy, which besides being painful will also be a painful reminder of

previous losses.

Take care, Fay

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[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for the antibody answers!!! Lots of good info from which to

begin and many things to consider, particularly the cramping/reminder stuff. My

friend went through ten arduous years trying to have a baby and I " m not sure

she's up for more physical trials. Although who knows, motherhood makes you do

strange things

My last little Graves baby is doing great, now six months old and wildly

content, if those words work together. I'm grateful every day for him! Hope

all the new and expecting moms are doing well

Nice list lately, by the way. Very supportive, caring and smart. Hats off to

us --

B

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I was worried about breastfeeding Gaven since I have rather high antibody

levels. My endo reassured me that although the antibodies may pass through the

breastmilk, any symptoms in the baby would be transient and the benefits of

breastfeeding far outweigh the risks.

BTW, if your friend needs additional help, there are milk banks to help in

these situations. Also, since there are so few milk banks, local breastfeeding

advocacy groups sometimes organize breastmilk donations.

Take care,

Tori

In a message dated 8/18/2003 8:01:32 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

petri017@... writes:

All,

Sort of off topic, I guess. . . . and maybe a truly overly-cautious question

but here goes:

A friend is adopting a baby and I offered to store breast milk for him/her.

The baby's coming from Nepal in about nine months, we think -- I know

breastmilk stores for six months in a deep freezer, so I'll start pumping soon.

My

expectation is that I can offer the baby at least a solid 6 - 8 weeks of

breastmilk (or hopefully more). Not to worry -- I don't plan on exhausting

myself

or creating so much milk that I'm miserable, but trying just to see if I can't

get a bottle a day for a few months, to store. This baby will need all the

nutritional help she/he can get!

Okay, that's the story. My overly cautious question is about antibodies and

breastmilk. I know I " m paranoid, but I feel like I should fully disclose

things about my health and milk quality to my friend. My assumption is that

breast milk could in no way pass o Graves antibodies -- at least not that we

know

of.

Am I right on this?

Thanks to anyone who might know . . . .

B