High Cholesterol and Breastfeeding?

When I was nursing my last child, my cholesterol was elevated. Not a lot, but enough to cause me grief from my doctor. I was tested twice and both times my total cholesterol was around 220. Not a big deal I thought, so I didn't follow the advise from my doctor to go on medication as soon as I was done nursing. I decided to do my own research and what I came up with made me wonder why my doctor was not familiar with the fact that nursing can cause elevated cholesterol levels.

During pregnancy, cholesterol levels fall during the first trimester and then rise in the second and third. This is not related to lifestyle one bit. This is actually because the liver produces more cholesterol in response to the hormones of pregnancy. It is one of those things that just happens to benefit the mother as well as the baby. During lactation, cholesterol levels remain elevated.

Cholesterol levels can become very high for some pregnant and lactating women. A normal cholesterol level is between 120 and 190 mg/dl. Typically, during pregnancy and lactation, the levels can be between 200 and 325 mg/dl. Lactating women also experience higher HDL and lipoprotein levels as well. This is a normal thing and many doctors are unaware of this.

An article that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1989 recommended against lipid testing during lactation because of the elevated levels. The article goes on to stress the importance of the lipids during lactation. After weaning is when a retest should be done if there is any concern. This is a good time because all pregnancy and lactation hormones go back to a normal state.

Breastfed babies have an increased level of total cholesterol and LDL level during infancy. As an adult, their levels are lower. Breastfeeding has many benefits and taking care of cholesterol and blood sugar levels are just two of them. These benefits affect both mother and child. No one should stop breastfeeding if their cholesterol is high unless it is sky high and it is recommended by a physician. I would even suggest a second opinion on this one.

People with risks for heart disease should have their cholesterol tested every year. If pregnancy and lactation get in the way of testing, testing should be done after the pregnancy is completed or after lactation has subsided. The higher risk for heart disease strikes people that smoke, are obese, have a family history of heart disease, have diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Everyone should have their cholesterol checked even without any of these risks.

Between my pregnancies, my cholesterol was always good. I had it checked during lactation, not aware of the fact that it would be elevated and my doctor was not happy with my results. I kept saying that I would retest after I was done nursing. She suggested sooner than that though. I nursed my final baby for 18 months. I had my test redone just after he turned a year old and it was the same result as the previous time. She seemed worried but I did my research and put the worry out of my head. Now that I am not nursing, I retested and my levels are within a normal range. My doctor told me after the first test was done that I should eat healthy and exercise daily. I do that and more. The doctor just couldn't understand why my level was high if I was telling the truth and had no family history.

This is a good example of what a little research can do for you. Had I not found the information I needed, I would be on medication right now for something that I was able to just ride out and it returned to normal on its own. Being proactive in your life and especially your health is so important. Some doctors are not up to date with all the new research out there. Take a stand and take care of yourself. You are your own best judge of what is right for your body.