I think I need to give up breastfeeding any advise

**tinkerbell87** · 22-10-2010 10:12

The last 2 months my legs have been aching worse and my finger joints and I'm in agony and the doctor thinks it's from breast feeding. It has only started since I began breast feeding but getting worse my leg is hurting so bad right now. Help he's only 4 months and I wanted to till 6 or more any one experienced this or has advise. Thanx

**JabberJaw** · 22-10-2010 10:14

From Breastfeeding

Sounds like arthritis or something. Which can be treated while breastfeeding.

Why does the doctor think its from Breast Feeding? Sounds odd to me.

Have you had any blood tests done? That is what i would do first if it were me.

**Piffle** · 22-10-2010 10:29

I really doubt it's due to breastfeeding!!

Is this a rheumatologist that you're seeing or a GP?

Some women who are prone to arthritis in the first place can actually get a big flare up when they stop being pregnant, but it's got nothing to do with breastfeeding. What happens is the body suppresses the disease during pregnancy and then when the baby is delivered it flares up again.

Don't give up breastfeeding unless you get specialist advice!! I really don't think it'll help!!

**headoverfeet** · 22-10-2010 10:51

What they said

please speak to a specialist about what you are experiencing, a LC can help you as well and I dare say you'll be able to find treatment that wont effect your breastfeeding.

**albear** · 22-10-2010 11:21

Hey

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and I can completely feel your pain! I reckon you're feeling so achey from the hormone drop after giving birth, moreso than the breastfeeding, it happened to me too.

If you're able to [no tummy problems, kidney problems, BP problems, asthma etc] I'd try taking Nurofen regularly to see if that helps with the pain. It's not excreted into breastmilk so you can take it while BF. Also for me heat helps, warm bath, heat pack etc.

It's completely your decision if you stop breastfeeding, but I can tell you that I did stop breastfeeding so I could take my old RA medication, and just stopping the breastfeeding alone didn't make me feel any better, I didn't start to feel better until the medication kicked in. And even though I now physically feel better, I have a lot of regret and mummy guilt about stopping breastfeeding.

That's just me though, you need to do what is best for you and bubs, and you're the only one who knows what that is! Hope you're feeling better soon