There is also an article, which I sent to my rheumatologist, suggesting
that breastfed babies are less likely to develop juvenile arthritis. Since
the propensity for developing auto-immune diseases is inherited, I would think
that the mother would continue to breastfeed in order to offer her baby some
protection.
I never found any article linking breastfeeding to developing arthritis.
As I was nursing a baby when first diagnosed, I researched the topic
extensively.
-Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC