Helen Woodman ([log in to unmask]) is having trouble with her computer and has asked me to post this query - for urgent replies, please: A first-time mother is successfully breastfeeding her 8-week-old baby. No problems with the baby (who feeds well by day and once at night), but MUM has dislocating hips (both sides) which are causing her a lot of pain. (We don't know if this was also a problem during, or before, the pregnancy.) She has been seen by an orthopaediac specialist who says that the breastfeeding is causing continuing high levels of the hormone RELAXIN in her system, hence the joint weakness. He is urging her to give up breastfeeding as the only way to cure things. Is this right? Are there any other options? It seems that if this IS the only option then she will indeed have to give up as the pain is so great.