Patty,

We need to teach mothers to be more proactive than reactive, and not to feel
they must defend their wishes to breastfeed.  She should ask the support
group to show HER documentation that states that a mother with CFIDS should
not breastfeed.  With all I have learned about the syndrome, there is nothing
to suggest to me that a mother could not breastfeed.  Perhaps the mom may be
somewhat more fatigued after a feeding session, but I'm not even sure that
would be the case.

The syndrome seems closely linked to an immune system that is on overload.
 The latest term for the syndrome is, in fact, Chronic Fatigue and Immune
Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS).  And, as you mentioned, there is also some
question about chronically low blood pressure being connected to CFIDS.
 Neither of these suggest a contraindication to breastfeeding.  We need to
help mothers avoid the knee jerk response of others who hold breastfeeding
suspect with no substantiating evidence.  I am always open to a logical
argument based on research.  If there is any info out there, please let me
know!

Judi Lauwers
CFIDS for 4 years and counting ....