Breastfeeding does not protect against MS relapses - study

[MSUK]

New research finds breastfeeding doesn't appear to protect against multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, despite previous studies suggesting there may be a protective role. The research is published in the July 6, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN).

"Breastfeeding should not be encouraged by doctors to protect against MS relapses, especially among women with MS who have high disease activity and high risk of postpartum relapses," said study author Emilio Portaccio, MD, of the University of Florence in Italy. "Since it is not considered safe for women to take MS drugs while breastfeeding, breastfeeding may not be feasible for these women who may need to resume treatment to avoid relapses soon after giving birth." ... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1936

[Wonderfulworld]

The other thing to consider is that breastfeeding can be very tiring compared to bottle. Babies can take a lot longer to feed, can feed a lot more frequently that bottlefed babies - so you get even less sleep.

I did bf my son for 2 weeks to get some of the immunity to him, but switched to bottle mainly to get back on Copaxone asap.

[KateCW]

If at all possible, take your baby into bed and sleep with them. You barely have to stir to feed them It is so much less tiring, and really just so comforting for both mom and babe.

There are a lot of guidelines on the internet for safe co-sleeping tips.