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For new mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS), exclusive breast feeding for several months after delivery appears to protect against relapses, a researcher reported here.

In a prospective cohort study of 72 women with MS, less than one in 10 who breast fed exclusively had a relapse in the first six months after delivery, according to Kerstin Hellwig, MD, of the University of Bochum in Bochum, Germany.

On the other hand, more than a third of those who did not breast feed exclusively suffered a relapse, Hellwig reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1936

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Having breastfed three kids, it takes a lot of time and energy to breastfeed. Women who choose not to breastfeed may not have the energy which may be because of their MS being worse and a relapse being near!

I remember wondering how anyone would have the energy *not* to breastfeed. All I did was lie in bed with my baby when it was time and read while she (then she, then he) nursed. When it was subsequent babies I read to the older sibling or she cuddled nearby. It was lovely and so easy and relaxing. Nothing to get ready or clean up, no waiting when the little one needed soothing, no equipment to bring anywhere.

Cece, I think your children are much closer together than mine, which may make a big difference.

My neuro is utterly convinced that the length of time I spent nursing my three saved me from worse disability. I believe I have had MS as long as I have had children, but right after I stopped nursing the last child all hell broke loose and I was diagnosed and had a severe course. I have talked to so many women who said they were diagnosed right after they weaned a baby!

I am curious about the hormonal interplay. I wonder how prolactin affects us.

I also think that most women don't realize it's ok to take dmds while breastfeeding -- they don't have to make a choice between a dmd and nursing.

But if I remember the research right, the women who did best were the ones who breastfed and did not take a dmd, not the ones who combined nursing and a dmd and not the ones who chose just a dmd or who did neither.

Cece i like your thinking that it may be the situation provoking the result, not the other way around. no matter what it's good food for thought. i think also about how best to protect the baby's myelin.

Thanks for the article.