Hello everyone
I have recently been contacted by a woman who has symptoms of
autoimmune disease - arthritis, lupus-like skin rash on face,
vasculitis. These symptoms have waxed and waned over many years, and
are not severe.
She is currently breastfeeding a 5 month old, who has a rash on its
face which mother describes as like a lupus rash (I haven't seen the
baby). Mother is concerned that lupus could be spread through
breastmilk - (I reassured her that it couldn't be), or that her child
might be getting something from her milk that could exacerbate
pre-existing autoimmune illness in the baby. I feel that this is most
unlikely - if anything, breastmilk would protect against this type of
problem. (as proven in the case of diabetes).
Does anyone have any other details regarding autoimmune disease in
children, and either protective effects of breastmilk, or
relationship between autoimmune disease in mothers and infants?. I
have looked through Lactnet archives and have found a few references
to immue system in general and one on diabetes, but would like to
find something in more detail.
TIA

Fiona Coombes MBBS IBCLC               [log in to unmask]
Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia Breastfeeding Counsellor
Lactation Consultant, Family Physician     Perth Western Australia