A to Z of MS
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A to Z of MS Breastfeeding
Research has shown that breastfeeding is the preferred method for the health of the newborn baby. One study followed babies born to breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers who have MS. When followed for a year, breastfed babies were less prone to health problems such as ear infections than the bottle-fed babies.
There is no evidence that breastfeeding makes any difference to a woman's MS. One small study has suggested that breastfeeding might reduce the risk of relapses following the birth. A further study found that breastfeeding was associated with a later return of menstruation and this was correlated with reduced risk of relapse, raising questions about the benefits of foregoing breastfeeding in order to start MS therapies. Larger trials have not found evidence to suggest that breastfeeding has an effect on the risk of relapses.
MS is not contagious and cannot be passed through breast milk. Some medications are passed through breast milk and mothers may be advised to suspend treatment or to find other ways of feeding.
Many women with MS have understandable concerns about how their symptoms, such as fatigue or upper arm weakness, might affect the practical aspects of breastfeeding. Midwives, MS nurses, and occupational therapists all have a part to play in providing help, advice and sometimes equipment if required.
References
Gulick EE, Johnson S.
Infant health of mothers with multiple sclerosis.
Western Journal of Nursing Research 2004;26(6):632-649.
abstract
Confavreux C, et al.
Rate of pregnancy related relapses in multiple sclerosis.
New England Journal of Medicine 1998;339(5):285-291.
abstract
Langer-Gould A, et al.
Exclusive breastfeeding and the risk of postpartum relapses in women with multiple sclerosis.
Archives Of Neurology 2009;66(8):958-963.
abstract
Portaccio E, Et al.
Breastfeeding is not related to postpartum relapses in multiple sclerosis.
Neurology 2011 Jul 6 [epub ahead of pring].
abstract