Hi,
>"This is something no one, not even La Lech League tells you. The week
>after I had my 5 month old, I went to see the doctor because I had some
>burning
> upon urination and I thought it might be a bladder infection. My doctor
>said there was no infection; I was just experiencing early lactational
>atrophy due to
> lower levels of estrogen. Not only does this atrophy account for decreased
>lubrication, it also makes the tissue of the vulva more irritable, and, my
>clitoris
> has almost disappeared.

I am not a medic, but this sounds suspiciously like a vaginal prolapse
to me. That would explain the urinary problems, the sensitive vulva (due
to internal tissues being exposed slightly) and the difference in
morphology of her external genitalia. It would also explain it's
occurence shortly after childbirth (ie the injury was probably caused by
childbirth). Mild prolapses often resolve after a few months, if the
mother is doing regular Kegels (according to my obstetric
physiotherapist, who is an expert on such matters). I also suspect
relaxin hormone (present in pregnancy) has an effect - as it wears off,
the tissues become stiffer again, thus "pulling" the vagina back into
position.

She could also have bruised her urethra during childbirth (especially if
she'd had a catheter in). Call me suspicious, but if even *I* can think
of explanations not involving breastfeeding, I am pretty sure an
obstetrician could!

PS. She'd have plenty of oestrogen at 1 week post partum, ofcourse.
--
Anna H. Breastfeeding advocate and writer.
http://www.ratbag.demon.co.uk/anna/

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