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Breastfeeding may not stop MS flare-ups: study
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Some studies have suggested that breastfeeding might offer women with multiple sclerosis a way to prevent symptom flare-ups after childbirth. But new findings refute that idea, researchers reported Wednesday.In a study of nearly 300 pregnant women with MS, Italian researchers found no evidence that breastfeeding lowered a woman's odds of having worsening symptoms in the months after giving birth.The study, experts say, means that women with MS should not make breastfeeding decisions based on the hope it will prevent symptom flare-ups -- also known as relapses.In fact, breastfeeding could increase the risk of worsening symptoms, since breastfeeding mothers are advised against taking the so-called disease-modifying drugs used to control MS.Researchers suggest that nursing mothers avoid these drugs -- which include brand-names like Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif - because it's possible they're passed to the baby through breast milk.In general, breast milk is considered the best nutrition for infants, and experts recommend that mothers try to breastfeed exclusively for their baby's first six months.LaRocca said that, like any new mother, women with MS have to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against any potential downsides -- but with the added question of how their disease might be affected.Unfortunately, there is no way to predict which women will have a relapse after giving birth. Even if a woman has been symptom-free before and during pregnancy, that's no guarantee against a post-pregnancy flare-up.Portaccio agreed. "The final decision on 'breastfeeding dilemma' is up to the patient," he said. "In my opinion, it is of crucial importance that the decision is made after receiving and understanding all information on possible drawbacks."
Portaccio and his co-researchers on the study have received research funding or have other financial connections to several manufacturers of MS drugs.
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Posted on : Jul 7, 2011
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