Laura, I'm not sure if this information will be helpful, other than perhaps it will do this mother good to know that she is not alone with her mysterious breastfeeding pain. There have been numerous cases of postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome which did not abate until weaning. One study of 27 women who had developed postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome included 3 women who "bottle fed" (according to Lawrence, where I found some of this info--I'm assuming she means "formula fed", though I don't have the original research to be sure). These three had less severe symptoms that cleared in less than 1 month. For the breastfeeders, "resolution began after 2 weeks of beginning to wean." I'm wondering if "after beginning to wean" might mean that symptoms could ease to a more acceptable level once solids were introduced, or if mother chose to give some bottles of formula each day. While that second idea is not ideal, it would still be better than mother just completely weaning due to pain she can't tolerate. You can read more about this carpal tunnel information in: Lawrence, Ruth A. and Robert M. Lawrence. BREASTFEEDING: A GUIDE FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, 5th ed., c. 1999, pg 532-533. Mohrbacher, Nancy and Julie Stock. THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, 3d ed., c. 2003, pg. 534. Dee Dee Kassing, BS, MLS, IBCLC Collinsville, Illinois, in central USA *********************************************** 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(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html