CERP: yes
Laboratory values during lactation can be a helpful assessment tool when working with issues such as insufficient milk
production, overproduction, delayed lactogenesis II, acute and chronic health conditions, non-binary lactation, adoptive
nursing, and puzzling infant symptomatology. Labs can be drawn for many hormones or nutrients such as prolactin, thyroid
hormones, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, iron, vitamin B12, zinc, A1C, and vitamin D. Values can also be studied in
human milk. While there are published normal ranges for the above, ranges during lactation differ and can be inconsistent
between laboratories and depending on which types of tests are used. One value outside the range of normal does not provide
a complete picture of what may be causing a problem. Lab values can also be influenced by nursing patterns, diet, medications,
health status, and metabolic status. This presentation will explore lab values related to lactation, what they could mean, and
potential suggested interventions.
