Not Ready to stop bedsharing

gusabbey

I have recently been diagnosed with a thyroid condition which caused gallbladder disease.  I had my gallbladder removed 2 weeks ago and continued to bedshare throughout my recovery.  Baby and I both love the bond that this allows for us.  However, with my thyroid condition, I am getting more and more worn down as the days go by.  My doctor told me that I wasn't getting good quality sleep because of the bedsharing, and that I needed to transition baby to his crib asap.

 

I don't know what to do.  We aren't (at least I'M not ready) for the transition.  Suggestions?

Emerald27

I would absolutely ignore that doctor. I'm sure he has great info on thyroid issues, but most doctors know very little about breastfeeding and bedsharing. Even pediatricians usually only get 4 hours of one course on breastfeeding...a lot of change and education is needed in the medical field. It's awful, but I digress...

Studies have shown that bedsharing mothers who are breastfeeding get MORE sleep than those whose babies are in cribs. I'll see if I can find the studies to show you so that you can share them with your doctor if you like...but if it were me, I'd smile and nod to the doctor and let him think you've changed your sleeping arrangements, but continue bedsharing.

I have a thyroid condition (no thyroid, actually...had it removed via total thyroidectomy last October), and I bedshare with my DS. He nurses some throughout the night, but I sleep shirtless and barely have to wake up if at all to nurse him. He sort of helps himself.

Can you nap with your baby during the day? Get an hour or so of down time in the evening while DH gets some bonding time? Also, you'll want to make sure you're drinking enough water and eating lots of good foods to keep your nutrition optimal and your energy levels up. Maybe add a multivitamin too.

It's tough when you're hypo...I know! I'm still not perfectly regulated and just drag some days. We keep upping my Synthroid dose, and it's getting old. I've napped with DS on many occasions just to keep my sanity, and I often go to bed with him in the evenings. I'm pooped!

In reality, your doctor should be able to prescribe thyroid medication that regulates you such that you become essentially symptom free. If you're feeling run down, experiencing constipation, dry skin, shedding lots of hair in the shower or when you brush, or any other hypo symptoms, you might need more Synthroid or an added T3 medication. I would bet that bedsharing is not the culprit, but I could be wrong.

Do you feel that your baby is waking excessively or keeping you up more than a normal baby would?

Feel free to PM me if you want to chat about thyroid issues and breastfeeding or cosleeping or whatever. Sometimes having someone else to lean on who knows what you're going through can be a big help!

Mrs.AmyDylan

I'm going to agree with Emerald. I sleep more now that I bed share. I sleep in a sleep bra with a boob out (I still leak some). I'm unaware of how often J eats. I will feel her latch, but I typically fall right back to sleep. I usually climb over her to switch sides about midway through the night. No advice on the thyroid, but I'm sorry you are feeling worn down and being pressured to change your sleeping situation.

KateLouise

I have a thyroid condition. I was pretty wiped out for most of last year (put it down to having a new baby) then when I got diagnosed, and onto medication I felt like a brand new person.

My endocrinologist asked if I was still BF, just as part of gathering an overall picture of my physical condition, and it meant he couldn't consider certain treatment options. He never once asked where baby slept, or anything of that nature.

But then he has 5 children of his own and was pleased I was still BF, so maybe he has a good handle on what goes on with a BF relationship.

What kind of treatment are you on now? Does the doctor think it will help normalise your thyroid levels? Because as my have gotten normal, it's made a huge difference to how I've felt.

gusabbey

I actually have HYPERthyroidism, which would lead one to believe that I would need lest rest...which is simply not the case.  I've just recently been diagnosed and am currently waiting to get in with an endocrinologist.  So right now, I'm not on any meds.  I honestly feel like cuddle time at night is the only time I feel cool, calm, collected etc.

I also basically sleep shirtless.  But DS2 usually goes from about 9-3 without waking.  And with DS1, he woke up hourly and I didnt feel as horrible then as I do now.  I really think its all thyroid related, and doctors just like to jump on the anti-bedsharing bandwagon.  

Thank you all for the information!

Emerald27

I was hyper too! I learned about my hyperthyroidism when I went to the doctor after weeks of experiencing a racing heartbeat. My resting heart rate was 114bpm...and that was after laying down.

When you're hyper, that doesn't necessarily mean you have lots more energy. In my case at least, I would have random bursts of restlessness/nervous energy, and then I'd crash and just feel exhausted. I was also often tired from my heart beating so fast. "Hyper" in some ways seems misleading.

Honestly, with all the crazy health stuff I've been through in the past 1+ years, the benefits of bedsharing helped me keep my sanity. I really relaxed when DS was in my arms.

KateLouise

Yep I'm hyper too. Diagnosed with Graves disease. Medication made a huge difference to my life.

Hope you're able to find a good solution with treatment. Hang in there.

gusabbey

did you find that once you stopped bfing, your symptoms improved? i cant help but to think that bfing is making my problems more intense. ds is mspi, and i really wanted to bf until 18 mos. i think the endo will put my mind at ease!

but its settled. cuddle time continues thanks for the support!

Emerald27

I'm still nursing DS on demand, but I wouldn't think that weaning would affect your thyroid symptoms. That's definitely a good question for a LLL group leader. Glad you're going to keep on snuggling that baby!