I had CFS for 10 years (and I don't intend to ever get it again!). I was
severely ill for 2 years, and then gradually was able to "enter the world
again," slowly, over the next 8 years. I had a relapse at about year 9 of
recovery -- because I trying to prove I was superwoman -- and then I became
pregnant with my first child.
    I didn't find breastfeeding to be an extra drain on my resources, despite
the fact that I was quite anemic after the birth. I would have been *much*
more tired if I'd had to use formula -- sterilizing bottles, measuring
amounts, and worrying about the third-rate nutrition I was giving my new
baby. When you nurse, you get to lie (or sit) down, and the only preparation
you need beforehand is getting a glass of water! Resting is the number one
need for someone with CFS.
    I slept when the baby slept, and I slept with her so I could nurse
her whenever she was hungry. (I, too, am a big believer in the family bed --
why are people so uptight about this?!)
    Psychologically, I think breastfeeding was very healing for me, too. It
gave me new faith in my body's strength, which I had come to totally
distrust. And the bonding with my baby was incredibly rewarding, as all us
lactnetters know! It made me so happy!
    My heart goes out to this mum. CFS is incredibly frustrating, especially
since you don't know if you'll ever get better. I had CFS before it was even
a known syndrome, which was hard because the docs told me there was "nothing
wrong with me" -- I was just depressed, stressed, etc. They sent me to a
psychiatrist, which was reasonable, but she sent me back to them! It's like
having your arm cut off, and everyone's telling you that your arm is fine.
    By the way, I now have 3 kids, a half-time job, and I jog/do aerobics/
lift weights (staying in shape really helps). I don't usually get just
tired -- I get exhausted. So I still have to watch it and get enough rest,
but I'm proof that you can get better from CFS.
    The "cure"? Really boring: rest, rest, rest. And gradually push
your physical limits a little farther, so that you build up stamina, but
don't push yourself back to total exhaustion again. I wish this woman, and
everyone with CFS, good health!

 -- Andrea C., science writer/ editor; Victoria, Canada