I am a student of breastfeeding and a recent Lactnet subscriber, but
I am posting for another Lactnet subscriber who is not able to use her
computer right now.  Judy Gutowski has questions about breastfeeding and
osteoporosis.  She hopes Drs. Hale and Newman, among others, will be able
to help.  The mother in question is 41.  She has five living children, all
breastfed for extended periods, but has had eight pregnancies.  She is
currently nursing her fifth child, who is five months old.  The mother
suffered a fractured vertebrae about seven weeks ago.  It has not healed
and she is in great pain.  She was diagnosed with osteoporosis today and
told to wean immediately.  Her doctor is recommending calcitonin injections
and says they will dry up her milk.  The doctor says is is her large number
of children and extended breastfeeding (ten and a half years total) that
has caused her condition.  He further stated that lactation prevents the
absorption of calcium and that she can't improve her bone mass while
breastfeeding.  The mother has had no other fractures or problems.  Testing
has shown a 50% bone mass loss in her spine, 47% loss in her hip and 28%
loss in her wrist.  The doctor says this is the worst result he has ever
seen in a woman of any age.  The mother wonders how much worse she will get
if she continues to breastfeed.  She wonders how quickly her bone mass will
be restored if/when she weans.  She wonders if there is a possiblity of
treatment while breastfeeding continues.  She does not want to wean, but is
in pain and frightened.  She is unable to lift her baby or even switch
sides while nursing.
      I have checked the archives and it seems that this particular
situation has not been fully covered before.  Judy requests that people
respond to her privately at <[log in to unmask]> as well as to the list.
      Thank  you.
        Linn Hodder, IBCLC

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