Before we head off onto another round of doctor bashing, calling all
orthopods boneheads, I wanted to clarify a few things.

According to my orthopedic surgeon  ( a woman who is trained both in
orthopedics and sports medicine), the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Dequeravains
Syndrome associated with pregnancy is thought to be related to inflammation
 and edema of median nerve.  There are inflammatory mediators
(prostaglandins) involved in pregnancy. In no way is breastfeeding per se
involved except where the positioning may be not the most ergonomic.

I am still under treatment for  my CTS and Dequeravains.  My ortho and also a
former lactnet member who is a PT and Lamaze instructor worked with me to
change my positioning so I did not aggravate my hands (using a sling to carry
my guy, breastfeeding lying down, physical therapy to strengthen other parts
of my body, use of electrical stimulation- tens unit amoung other things).
 My ortho supported and encouraged my continuing to breastfeed and altered
her treatment plan so that I could CONTINUE breastfeeding.

It's so easy to jump to conclusions and assume that anyone not directly
involved in working with lactating moms and breastfeeding babies will be
unsupportive or contraproductive.  Sometimes it is ignorance on those who are
not "lactation-literate" that gets in the way.  I just hope those of us who
are "lactation-literate" can create bridges rather than walls with our less
informed colleagues.

Just my 2 cents,

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
Modesto CA