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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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Is it possible for a mom to have side effects from nursing a 2-year-old extensively? My wife is under moderate to high stress in daily life, doesn't get much sleep and nurses my 2-year-old son quite often. She is having weak and dizzy spells with tingling and twitching in her body. We believe they may be related to nursing episodes. Is this possible? Thanks."
This is not a symptom of extensive breastfeeding that I have ever heard. I would certainly encourage your wife to see her health care provider. It would be easy to blame breastfeeding for a variety of symptoms, but there is no research to indicate that long-term breastfeeding causes any of these types of symptoms. In fact, long-term breastfeeding is the norm in most of the world.
She needs a complete physical and certainly more rest. Sleep deprivation can cause all kinds of problems. Is she eating adequately? She also needs to be sure to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of liquids. Encourage her to take a little time for herself, as well."
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