There's something in The Breastfeeding Answer Book on page 560:

"Evidence suggests that in a woman susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis
pregnancy and breastfeeding may trigger its onset and aggravate its
symptoms."

It goes on to offer a theory that prolactin may be a factor as high levels
"have a "pro-inflammatory effect in the body (Brennan 1996)."

Anecdotally, my joints did ache during pregnancy and breastfeeding, I have
not been diagnosed with RA but have commonly related autoimmune symptoms,
and I've worked with other moms who reported the same experience.

Freyja May, LLLL, CO, USA


On 2/27/07, Nina Berry <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Has anyone heard that the low oestrogen levels associated with
> breastfeeding
> can cause arthritic symptoms?
>
> (I haven't ever heard of this and I strongly suspect it is a case of if in
> doubt blame BF ... But I am asking just in case.)
>
> Nina Berry BA/Bed(Hons) Dip Arts(Phil)
> Breastfeeding Counsellor
> PhD Candidate - "Ethical Issues in the marketing of 'Toddler Milks'"
>
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