Debbie, I had been on 40 mg of prednisone daily for the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, due to asthma complications. In the process, I became adrenal insuffient, (a different problem, I know, but with similar consequences as this mom is facing). I also received the 'stress doses' of IV steroids, both during labor, and for two days postpartum, then I went back to my regular prednisone schedule. After talking to many, many doctors (who all agreed it was best for me to breastfeed), I was happy to breastfeed my baby, and felt comfortable with the medication regimine that I had to follow. Because of all of the prednisone I had received before delivery, Gabriel weighed a whopping 8lb 10 0z, at birth, 37 wks gestation. Other than the big birth weight, he has had no ill effects from the steriods that I took for over 1 1/2 years during pregnancy and lactation, or from the 'stress doses' that I received in thee hospital. After working out many other issues not directly related to the steroid use, we had a wonderful 3 year breastfeeding relationship. The one thing that I can caution you on, is to advise this mother that because of the large bursts of steriods, that she may initially be more susceptible to yeast. Going back onto the pill, or estrogen replacement may affect her milk supply, if the estrogen levels are too high. Does mom produce any estrogen naturally? I believe that there are other medications that she can safely take to help her with the pp depression. She needs to talk to her doctors about other options. The breastshields do work!!! You can also have mom use a breast pump, just for a minute before she nurses, to help 'pull out' her nipples. A small electric hand pump will do the trick. I hope that this gives you some insight! Terri Wolber Fairport, Ny (Who has experienced many more oddities during breastfeeding relationships than any one mother should ever have to!) *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html