Does the mom experience the same thing with pumping? Or with orgasm? Has her baby decrased feeding episodes, were her breasts more full?  Perhaps it has to do with large milk volume, too long between feedings and large release of milk with pressure in the breast, stimulation of nerve pathways, etc? 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Karen Gromada
Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 10:48 PM
Subject: Lactation migraines

Hi all ~

Need help from a mom who gives permission to post info here...

This mom gave birth to her 2nd child 4-5 weeks ago via c-section. She has a history of seizure disorder, which first manifested around the age of puberty. Meds had the disorder "controlled" until after her 1st baby was a few months old. (He's now 6 y.o. and in the 1st grade.)  She started breastfeeding her 1st but began having breastfeeding-related migraines between 5-6 weeks. One such headache resulted in a hemiplegic event, after which she experienced left-sided paralysis and speech difficulty for several days - an experience that led to weaning for her. From several months postpartum she had numerous seizures - saw numerous specialists, tried numerous regimens. The seizures had become "controlled" again for about
12-18 months prior to becoming pregnant a 2nd time.

During her 2nd pregnancy she developed gestational diabetes between 10-12 weeks (early) and experienced some severe headaches through the 2nd to early 3rd trimester. Despite the c/section, she got off to a good breastfeeding start within the 1st hour, her milk came in well, and baby has been breastfeeding really well. Then this week she began experiencing breastfeeding-related headaches at the exact week postpartum as with her 1st. (She had to go to the Emergency Room for a migraine over last weekend.) When she puts baby to breast, a severe headache and/or nausea occurs. The headache does not diminish within minutes of MER but continues.

This mother is really scared - she does not want to discontinue breastfeeding nor does she want to experience another hemiplegic event as per her 1st baby or have a resumption of increased seizure activity...

Would appreciate input from any with personal or client experience and from those able to share evidence-based info.

I and this wonderful mother of two thank you in advance for any help you may be able to offer!

--
Karen Gromada
www.karengromada.com/

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