I was happy to see Cathy Fetherston's post about the importance of essential
fatty acids in immune system health, and specifically with regard to
mastalgia.  One of the common pieces of advice to women with chronic breast
problems where I live is to reduce their fat intake and often their salt
intake. There are all sorts of fats, and I'm in favor of moderation in all
things, but breastfeeding women need protein and they need essential fatty
acids.  I generally talk about increasing good oils in the diet, like olive
oil, and eating some types of oily fish like salmon. I also like evening
primrose oil supplements.  I suggest that people salt to taste and eat
protein at every meal, esp. if they are craving sugar.  I think this is a
sign of protein starvation.  Women are struggling to get energy from the
carbs when they'd get a steadier source with less re-bound effect from
protein.  So many women are encouraged to abandon dairy -- which may or may
not be necessary.  This leaves many with a big hole in their diets that they
don't replace intelligently.  People may need dietary counseling about
simple ways to get essential nutrients.  I would love it if the dieticians
on this list would engage in some discussion about simple, inexpensive ways
to improve protein and essential fatty acids in the diets of postpartum
mothers.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com

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