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Hi there,
I started refeeding and resting as much as possible about a month ago. Unfortunately since I started I’ve noticed a decrease in my temps from about 36 degrees C (96.8 F) to about 35 degrees C (95 F) and I’m having trouble breastfeeding my 4 month old because my let-down reflex has slowed significantly.
I’ve been sticking with it because I have noticed some improvements. Mainly more moist skin, not having to pee all the time, and the freedom to just eat. My food intolerances no longer seem to exist.
The only tweak I’ve made so far is that I found I still need to drink a fair bit of liquid, but drinks like Gatorade which really warms me up, a few gulps of lemonade here and there, or a glass of chocolate milk, always following my thirst.
Any advice would be appreciated. I really want to keep breastfeeding but I’m concerned that my hormones are out of whack or something, and I’m concerned about the lower temps – what could that mean?
Yes, you definitely need a lot of liquid while breastfeeding. Don’t ignore your thirst!
When did you start refeeding and how long had you been breastfeeding? What was your diet and exercise like before and did you have any problems w/ BFing?
Post-partum thyroid problems are realllly common, and low temps can be a sign of low thyroid function. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about re-feeding and all of the nuances about it.
Thanks for your reply Hannah. I started refeeding about a month ago after breastfeeding for 3 months with no problems. My diet was quite (self) restricted and driving me (and everyone else) a bit crazy, so when I started refeeding I threw all my rules out the window and enjoyed a lot of ice-cream (and lots of other things)!
My excerise has been gradually increasing since giving birth, from gentle walking to resuming most of the housework and a postnatal exercise class. I only do what I feel I can. I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on following body cues for exercise and fluids, but have been pretty messed up food wise for a long time.
It has been awesome just eating freely and I’ve continued to see improvements, particularly in mood and bowel function. I went 11 hours without getting up to pee last night, even with frequent waking for baby’s feeds. But I still have low temperatures, as low as 34.5C or 94F this morning and am still losing a lot of hair.
I’m still managing with the breastfeeding. I think that now that bub is 4 months he is easily distracted and fussy at the breast anyway. Slow let down can still be a problem, but I’ve been managing it by taking him away from the breast when he gets distressed and cuddling/playing/napping with him until we’re both more relaxed.
Hopefully I’ll see improvements in temps, hair loss and let down reflex as time goes by. The other improvements have been encouraging and it’s so nice not to have to worry about food so much anymore!
Re thyroid problems, I developed goiter years ago, low iodine levels, felt like I was going to die, and still had normal thyroid blood test results. Resolved quickly after avoiding fluoridated water and felt better than ever, but then my health slid again after moving to another country and I wasn’t at my best when I fell pregnant. Just been trying to manage since then.
I would get your thyroid checked, especially since you have had thyroid issues in the past. Ideally go to a naturopath since a lot of the thyroid bloodwork they do conventionally is useless. A good book to know what to look for is living well with hypothyroidism by mary shomon.
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