Marilee,
Breastfeeding does elevate HDL, which elevates cholesterol, but is protective
rather than harmful.  What was the differential in this mom
(HDL,LDL,triglycerides)?
        Smoking elevates LDL, the "bad" cholesterol.  The differential will
set the blame.
        Constant bleeding is called dysfunctional bleeding.  The usual cause
is hormonal.  Stress causes catecholamine release, which can affect all other
systems.  Usually breastfeeding suppresses ovarian function, breastfeeding
would probably be more likely to supress periods rather than to cause long
ones.  If the bleeding is particularly heavy, the mom may have a condition
called adenomyosis, which happens when the muscular layer of the uterus is no
longer capable of cutting off bleeding because it has been infiltrated by
glandular/endometrial tissue.  This is most common in moms with a lot of
children.  Tumors can also cause lots of bleeding.  I'm sure there are other
things, ask the docs here.  I would encourage her to seek a second opinion if
possible.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC  [log in to unmask]