Helen, a common pattern for moms with MS is that they have a *decrease* in
relapses, or exacerbations, during pregnancy.  Then after the baby is born,
there is often an increase in flare-ups.  This is thought to be related to
the immunology of MS, NOT the stress or lack of sleep of the postpartum
period.  A recent study on stress's effect on people with MS did *not*
support the long-held belief that stress triggers MS exacerbations.  [stress
or fatigue can make a person with MS feel 'less well' - motor or sensory
deficits may be more pronounced when one is tired.  that's not the same as a
relapse, though]

Breastfeeding is accidently correlated with an increase in relapses for the
simple reason that breastfeeding occurs during the early postpartum period
when there are more frequent exacerbations.  *but it's not the
breastfeeding*

New moms with MS *should* try to decrease stress, and get lots of rest, for
the same reasons as other new moms -- they'll feel better and enjoy their
babies more.

Mary Riley Renard, RN, BSN, IBCLC
PWMS [person with MS] since 1991

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