Breast-feeding and postpartum relapse in women with rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis

Objective, To test the hypothesis that breastfeeding increases the risk of postpartum flare in inflammatory polyarthritis. Methods. We compared disease activity during pregnancy and at 6 months post partum among 49 non-breast-feeders, 38 first-time breast-feeders, and 50 re peat breast-feeders. Results, After we adjusted for possible confounders, including treatment, f irst-time breast-feeders had increased disease activity 6 months postpartum , based on self-reported symptoms, joint counts, and C-reactive protein lev els. Conclusion, Postpartum flare may be induced by breast-feeding.