Postpartum and Breastfeeding

Postpartum and Breastfeeding

Some studies show that patients with MS have a higher risk of relapse during the first three months postpartum. However, having disease stability before pregnancy is the main way to lower this risk. Breastfeeding may also reduce the chance of MS relapse. Breastfeeding is safe for patients with MS and their babies.

If you have a relapse, your care team may prescribe corticosteroids. These medications are safe to take postpartum, but they pass into breast milk. This mean you will have to “pump and dump”. Certain DMTs and other MS medications are not recommended if you are breastfeeding because it is not known if they pass into breast milk. Your care team will let you know which medications are safe to take.

Depression is a common symptom of MS. Some research shows that postpartum depression is more common in patients with MS. Let your care team know if you have mood changes during pregnancy or after childbirth.