From Anne Andis, CBE

I am a certified breastfeeding educator in the Housotn area who is
currently retired from all but volunteer assistance.  I am writing on
behalf of a local mom, to ask if anyone has heard of a connection
between prolactin and migraine/complex migraine/stroke risk.  She is 31,
fourth baby, suffered migraine at end of pregnancy (42 weeks
gestation).  She has had persistent numbness and tingling with recurring
headaches since that time.  Baby is almost six months old.

After visits to neurologist and series of tests including MRI, full
bloods, carotid artery scan, the neurologist's diagnosis was "prolactin
induced migraine" and advised her to discontinue nursing immediately.
He told her that she had a 1 in 200 risk of a severe stroke, as well as
a 1 in 5 risk of persistent migraine, with permanent disability
resulting.  He said her numbness in right side was most likely permanent
but might lessen upon cessation of lactation.

She is hesitant to discontinue nursing but is understandably concerned.
We are also wondering about future pregnancy/lactation risk.

If you have ever heard of such a thing and can offer advice, please
write.

Also, is a baby's refusal to nurse on both sides condsidered a nursing
strike?  Any suggestions for resolving this situation?  Baby is
frustrated and restless during a feed, pulls off continuously and
especially at let-down, will not fully feed and refuses other side
completely.  Baby is five months old, nursed well up until month four.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Anne Andis