Laura,
       I'm not sure if this information will be helpful, other than perhaps
it will do this mother good to know that she is not alone with her mysterious
breastfeeding pain.  There have been numerous cases of postpartum carpal tunnel
syndrome which did not abate until weaning.  One study of 27 women who had
developed postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome included 3 women who "bottle fed"
(according to Lawrence, where I found some of this info--I'm assuming she means
"formula fed", though I don't have the original research to be sure).  These
three had less severe symptoms that cleared in less than 1 month.  For the
breastfeeders, "resolution began after 2 weeks of beginning to wean."  I'm
wondering if "after beginning to wean" might mean that symptoms could ease to a more
acceptable level once solids were introduced, or if mother chose to give some
bottles of formula each day.  While that second idea is not ideal, it would
still be better than mother just completely weaning due to pain she can't
tolerate.
       You can read more about this carpal tunnel information in:
       Lawrence, Ruth A. and Robert M. Lawrence.  BREASTFEEDING: A GUIDE FOR
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, 5th ed., c. 1999, pg 532-533.
       Mohrbacher, Nancy and Julie Stock.  THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, 3d
ed., c. 2003, pg. 534.
       Dee

Dee Kassing, BS, MLS, IBCLC
Collinsville, Illinois, in central USA

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