Breastfeeding may reduce MS relapse risk

February 20, 2009 Women with MS tend to have fewer relapses during pregnancy and an unusually high risk of relapse in the first 3 to 4 months postpartum.

Researchers at Stanford University found that after pregnancy those women may substantially reduce their risk of relapses if they breastfeed their infants, without adding supplemental formula feedings, for at least 2 months.

The researchers also found that women who resumed multiple sclerosis medications within 2 months after birth actually had a higher rate of relapse than other women, regardless of whether they breastfed or not.