How do you counsel breastfeeding women on their limitations post radioactive iodine ablation for thyroid cancer treatment?

I agree that stopping breastfeeding for 3 months before RAI RX is optimal, but nipple secretion may continue for > 6 months. I would consider:

1. If the RAI therapy is adjvant (i.e., no current evidence of persistent disease), there is no rush for RAI, I would allow breastfeeding for about 6 months an...

I have women cease breast feeding for 3 months prior to RAI as the breast milk production needs to be fully complete. This will decrease RAI uptake into the breast tissue and reduce radiation exposure. This is in line with the 2015 ATA guidelines as well.