In a message dated 99-09-21 10:14:57 EDT, you write:

<< On this discussion of breastfeeding and PPD. The beautician I saw today
told
 me that 14 years ago when her daughter was born she was told that
 breastfeeding her baby was causing her PPD.  >>

It has been conjectured that there may be an increased incidence of PPD among
breastfeeding women related to lowered estrogen levels during early
lactation. Although there is a teensy bit of data to support looking into
this further, none of it was significant and other research findings
conflicted (found no correlation). On the other hand, there is no data to
support less PPD among breastfeeding women--unless such data is hot off the
presses. There's a wealth of info to be found via a search on Medline. Anyone
interested could start by searching Cheryl Tatano Beck (PhD, RN, CNM) or the
Edinburgh PPD Scale.

Re: Americans and PPD/depression: A lot depends on diagnostic criteria. Newer
data indicates depression is more widespread in other cultures than
previously thought so probably incidence is close. BTW, Hippocrates is the
first to document PPD and the moms he diagnosed it in were mothers of twins
(who appear to have PPD at a 15-25% incidence vs. 10-15% for moms of
singletons).

<< I have a 36 week pregnant mother (expecting her first baby) who has
suffered with brucellosis for some years. Can anyone confirm whether or not
breastfeeding is OK under these circumstances ? >>

It may be the meds vs. the disease that is an issue. Hale has some info re:
meds used for this disease as does the 5th ed. of Lawrence & Lawrence. Here
is something online. Good luck!
Reference: National Center for Infectious Diseases/Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (NCID/CDC) (1997). Brucellosis: An overview. Emerging
Infectious Disease [On-line], 3(2). Available:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol3no2/corbel.htm

Re: << Oh wow, I think what we need is an epidemiology report for last 40-50
years
to see trends.  CDC???? >>

The CDC or the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) might be able to
help. All are easy to find via the internet and have email access for those
wishing to get additional info.

Karen

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