I have encountered several women with autoimmune complaints during
breastfeeding.  I personally had joint pain, fatigue, and an elevated
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (a non-specific sign of
auto-immune/inflammatory processes going on) about 7 months after each
child.  Resolved spontaneously in a few months.  Suspect it was related
to hormonal shifts, as resuming menstruation occured about the time that
symptoms resolved.  Presently have a mom with connective tissue disorder
in my practice, she had horrible joint pain from 6-11 months postpartum.
Another area where research is needed!
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]