Breastfeeding with Osteoporosis?

litltopaz
0 Recommendations

I've finally made the tearful choice to start weening my baby since I read about pregnancy/lactation induced osteoporosis online - has anyone else made the same choice? Did it even work? If so, how long did it take for you to recover?

The doctors haven't told me I should stop nursing but they haven't found any other reason to explain my osteoporosis and I'm desperate for some sort of recovery or improvement.

I've been feeling a little misled and abandoned by all the pro-breastfeeding material out there that still makes me feel so guilty (and to think I thought I was doing something to PREVENT osteoporosis!). It's taken me months to listen to everyone in my family who has urged me from day one do what's best for my health rather than my baby since in reality she needs a healthy mom more than she needs breast milk - guess I was either in denial or hoping I'd get some other alternative from my doctors.

3 replies

sport

How old are you and what, if any, medical conditions do you have? Are you on any meds?

litltopaz

I'm 26 years old - not on any current medication (taking prenatal vitamins plus extra calcium citrate) and no medical conditions other than osteoporosis and related fractures discovered in my spine about 3 months after my c-section (had pain during pregnancy but more significantly a few weeks after birth - took awhile before any doctor would consider it being more than muscular weakness and poor posture). All recent blood tests have been normal - they've ruled out bone cancer, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies (and possible other things - still learning what all the test are for). I'm going to the doctor for the results of more tests but they've already been faxed to me and are showing negative for anything abnormal except that my bone breakdown is high (test included urinary calcium excretion, hepatitus screen, pth and pth rp?, 1250 vitamin d?). Last doctor's visit was end of July, last test was taken 8/20, and the doctor won't see me or give me any feedback until 10/11.

yarngoddess

I'm 27 and have very severe osteoporosis in my L hip. I have 4 kids and have/am breastfeeding. I have made the decision to continue to nurse my kiddo's. While I don't have any advice I just wanted to send you love and strength for making a decision that's right for your faimily. If you feel that this is the right decision to make for YOU, then I send you love. It's hard to decide one way or another... I hope you find someone to talk to about your feelings regarding this issue.

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