How to keep up supply while pumping exclusively?

WBMom

I have to have a thyrogen stimulation thyroglobin test and a whole body scan which involved taking a very small dose of radioactive iodine.  Sounds worse than it is.  I checked with my Doctor, who consulted with another colleague, regarding breastfeeding.  My Doctors initial reaction was that I had to completely stop BF.  I was willing to do this for my health and the safety of my LO but I asked her to verify if I had to stop completely or if I could pump and dump.  After her consult she indicated that I can pump and dump for 7 days.  I need to start pumping on day 1 of the shot that I am given and pump for 5 days after taking the iodine, which has a very short half-life.  

 I pump 3 times a day at work now and do not make enough and have to supplement with formula.  Since I have to pump exclusively for 7 days - how do I keep up my supply?

WBMom

PP - Interesting information.  I will follow up with my endocrine doctor again and ask her about this information.

WBMom

AmyG:

Confirm exactly which radioactive isotope they are usingif it is Radioactive Iodine I would be concerned for sure. Make sure you kow if it is 131I, 125I or 123I their half lives are different.
nbsp;I would suggest anbsp;call to nbsp;Infant Risk for a discussion of the risksyes iodine does concentrate in breastmilk!nbsp; Length of time if you do decide to pump and dump and any other options and then discuss with your dr the need for the test and whether it can be put off for a while.nbsp;
Ifnbsp;they can use technetium99m pertechetate for a thyroid scan, it has a much shorter half life and is preferred in breastfeeding mothers, but I'm not sure exactly if it will work for this particular scan. Infant risk experts should be able to give you a lot more info.
Basically with radioactive iodine it isn't as simple as just pump and dump.nbsp; it may have long term effects.nbsp; For 131i cessation of breastfeeding for this child is required, so it's a biggie.
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Thank you for the information. The iodine is I123. Definately not I131 which I did take 8 years ago and had to cease breastfeeding at that time. My Dr is consulting with Nuclear Medicine again. I will also consult infant risk. The literature I consulted for my research supported my doctors recommendation of pump/dump. The papers described the half life and the radioactivity in the BM after certain intervals of time. Obviously I will make my final decision after consideration of all the information. Thank you again!

WBMom

kitchencolors:

My advice would be to pump at least as many times as the baby eats every day, possibly with one power pump each day 10 min pumping, 10 min off, repeat for an hour.

Thank you. I actually have never done a power pump. I should try it now to bump up my production.