I would like to post this unusual case for comments by Lactnetters. The
mother has given her permission.

The mother is a 40 year old woman,who is exclusively breastfeeding a 6 month
old with no introduction of solids as yet. He feeds about 8 times in a 24
hour period. The mother was investigated for Coeliac Disease about 3 years
ago and after many investigations, she was referred to an endocrinologist
who performed a laporoscopy and a bone density scan. Coeliac Disease was
excluded, but premature loss of bone density was found. The mother had a
history of bone splintering in her ankles.

She has had three scans. One about two years ago which showed she was in the
osteoporotic range of bone density. She had another scan just prior to her
pregnancy showing she had improved her density by one half of a percent. She
was told she should not breastfeed. The mother wanted a second opinion so
consulted a Professor of Endocrinology whose wife is a long time La Leche
League Leader . He was willing to monitor her while she was breastfeeding.
Her most recent bone scan on the 20th of February showed that her bone
density had dropped by 12% in her spine but her hips had stayed at the
previous level of her last scan. The professor was very concerned about
possible spinal fractures and has advised the mother to wean immediately.
After some discussion and advising the mother of the risks he has said it
was up to her if she tried to wean gradually until a lower amount of sucking
triggered her menses to return. The mother thought that she would try to
wean over the next six weeks but would rather not wean at all or at least be
able to keep 2 feeds a day till baby is about 1 year or age. The Bone scan
will be repeated in six weeks time.

She has the task of weighing up the benefits of feeding her son against the
health disadvantages for herself and the long term effects of the
osteoporosis and possible spinal fractures that may make her disabled and
less able to care for her son.

I look forward to any suggestions that you can give me.
Many thanks
Barbara Fletcher
ACPL La Leche League, RGON, IBCLC


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