Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Women Only Message Board Breastfeeding: no

New Mothers or mothers to be,
I thought I had to share.
I am a small frame, and I had a wonderful pregnancy and breasfed. It was what I thought was the best for my baby. Very hard, because I had to feed her every 2 hours, and work and pump, and she had colics...and my husband was out of town for 6 months.
I got osteoporosis out of it. I was getting so light. All the docs were brushing it off. I finally cornered my primary care physician. He condescently accepted to do a screening, that surely according to him would come back negative. It did come back positive. So then he ordered the comprehensive test. And without doubt osteoporosis- not osteopenia- but porosis.
So, yes I was taking extra calcium and D and K.
But it was not enough.
I also developped lactose intolerance while breastfeeding !!! Gave all the lactase to my milk apparently !
My flair-ups were numerous and stronger...I had heart-palpitations.
So be careful when you make that decision. There will be tremendous pressure for you to breasfeed. Take into account how you feel, that sleep deprivation is hard on anyone but especially AS women who ideally should get extra rest. Your family history is important as well. I kept on telling my Docs that my grand ma and aunt had it to no avail.
I stopped at 5 months.
If it were to do it again, I would not.
B.

B

Thanks for the info I already have osteopenia so I will be talking to my doctor about this tomorrow at my next ob/gyn appointment. I really didn't think about this and do want to breast feed so I will see what the best was is to handle it.

I lost my original post.....

I was able to breastfeed my children for extended periods of time without any obvious bad effects, but then I don't believe I've had any major bone loss either.

http://www.breastfeeding.com/

This is a place I am long familiar with although I don't know what it's like now. I weaned my last one almost four years ago, so it's been awhile. They did have a good lactation nurse answering questions at one time.

B,
It must have been scary and very upsetting for you trying to do what you thought was best for your baby and to be getting more ill in the process. You did a good thing and even better, you've taken care of yourself so you can be here for your child in the future. You are a good mom!!!

Stephanie,
I hope you had a good appointment. You do have options. You can nurse in the beginning to help establish an immune system in your baby, then go to formula and breastmilk until six months, then switch to formula or... It really depends on the decision you make based on the knowledge from your doctor and what you feel is best.

Good luck,
Elaine

Got to offer this too......some people are very intolerant of women who choose not to breastfeed. You have to ignore those people. Making the decision to stop can be difficult and even heart-breaking when you've given it your all and then more.

Just so you know where I stand.....what you do for your baby is best!!!!

Elaine