hello all,
        I'm a La Leche League Leader and mother of two boys (33months and 9
months both still nursing) and new to the group. I've been lurking for a few
days now and am generally excited to be a part of the group. In fact all the
talk of research studies, etc. has cemented my desire to do a formal degree
in lactation and work toward IBCLC accreditation.
        I have so many comments on recent posts, but will stick to a brief
one  about being brain dead while nursing.  I am one who will defend women
who report feeling less than sharp while nursing. Many women I know and I,
myself, have had trouble remembering things, getting words out and generally
being as articulate  as we used to be.  This has been especially true while
tandem nursing for me.  Haven't there been studies recently about shrinkage
in brain size in pregnant women? And aren't there also studies about the
'relaxing' effects of prolactin? It's not that hard to extrapolate that for
some people the effects of prolactin may be more intense and lead to some
short term aquitity loss.  I, personally, have a noticable moment of zoning
out during let down and beyond -- especially when nursing both my children
at the same time.  Of course some of the bluntedness may be due to the sleep
deprivation many parents endure but "nursing mother brain" is a real
phenomenon for some of us -- to deny this is akin to denying post partum
depression or pms as 'real'.
        It can be helpful to realize this when giving detailed information
to new mothers -- sometimes it may help to realize she may not be as sharp
as she usually would be. She may not be able to articulate her question or
receive your answer as fully.
        Should nursing mothers be excluded from "driving or operating heavy
equipment" while under the influence of prolactin? Certainly not, but
neither should they be made to feel like "it's all in their head."

anne

Anne E. Robb