I have a query about a mother with a 20 yr history of ankylosing
spondylosis (degenerative joint fusion).  She has been unable to
breastfeed either of her babies despite a copius milk supply
maintained by pumping for months on end. They have been fully
breastmilk fed, but her nipples disintegrate almost as soon as a
baby looks at them.  She has had much LC help with attachment, suck
training, cup feeding, etc,  etc.  She has also had two episodes of
thrombosis in her leg - one after the first delivery and the other
(minor) during the second pregnancy.

My question is intellectual curiosity about whether there is any
possible link between her nipple (skin breakdown) problems and her
medical condition, or her past history of years of medication use for
pain and ? anti-inflammatory (she is more fused so in less pain
nowadays, and not on medication).  Or is it just a coincidence? Has
anyone else worked with mothers with this problem? She is a wonderful
mother who delayed pregnancy for many years because of her condition,
very stoic, but sad about not being able to feed at the breast more
than occasionally. Her two children have thrived.  The youngest, at 6
months, is a rotund advertisement for breastmilk.

Ros Escott
Tasmania, Australia
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