Before we head off onto another round of doctor bashing, calling all orthopods boneheads, I wanted to clarify a few things. According to my orthopedic surgeon ( a woman who is trained both in orthopedics and sports medicine), the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Dequeravains Syndrome associated with pregnancy is thought to be related to inflammation and edema of median nerve. There are inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins) involved in pregnancy. In no way is breastfeeding per se involved except where the positioning may be not the most ergonomic. I am still under treatment for my CTS and Dequeravains. My ortho and also a former lactnet member who is a PT and Lamaze instructor worked with me to change my positioning so I did not aggravate my hands (using a sling to carry my guy, breastfeeding lying down, physical therapy to strengthen other parts of my body, use of electrical stimulation- tens unit amoung other things). My ortho supported and encouraged my continuing to breastfeed and altered her treatment plan so that I could CONTINUE breastfeeding. It's so easy to jump to conclusions and assume that anyone not directly involved in working with lactating moms and breastfeeding babies will be unsupportive or contraproductive. Sometimes it is ignorance on those who are not "lactation-literate" that gets in the way. I just hope those of us who are "lactation-literate" can create bridges rather than walls with our less informed colleagues. Just my 2 cents, Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP Modesto CA