After I had my twins I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. When the boys were about a month old I started having pain in my knees, feet and hands and I could not bend my fingers in the morning. Had no idea what was going on as I never had any problems before. I did a lot of research on the topic and found that sometimes it is associated with breast feeding (which I did). After about three months the worst of the pain went away and after another few months I really did not feel anything at all. Then, when my boys were about 9 months old I got pregnant again. My daughter is 2 months old now and for the past few weeks I have been feeling some pain and stiffness in my hands and feet, but nothing like before. I am very healthy and have never had any medical problems. I refuse to let this slow me down and honestly I'm still a little confused over the diagnosis of RA, but I guess they found it through blood tests. I suggest that you check with your Dr like you said!

Thanks Mia. I have researched a lot and it seems that many women have joint pains and problems while breast feeding, possibly due the the relaxin hormone still being present in their bodies. I am not breastfeeding, so I don't know what is going on. Hopefully it will get better and not worse and turn out to be something temporary.

Well, I have an autoimmune disorder as well, so I'm not sure what's normal. And I don't feel like I have time to go to the doctor for me, anyway. But every joint aches. This week, my wrist especially hurts so bad that I finally had to get a brace, perhaps it's from all the lifting. And my back is killer, I can hardly sleep at night, tossing and turning. And my neck. Also, I've considered either making a tiny kitchenette upstairs or moving us both into the living room because going up and down the stairs all day has really taken it's toll on my legs. At the end of the day, everything is just really stiff.

I suppose a lot of this could be normal, though, but to a lesser degree. I think once Advil stops treating it, then it's time to see the doctor about other alternatives.

I've also considered doing yoga, since it's supposed to be really good for minor aches and pains, but who has time for that?!

Oh, I never knew that about breastfeeding! That explains a lot, probably. We're in the process of weaning right now, so maybe I will stop hurting one of these days....

Ever since I had my daughter, I have lower back pain. Sometimes I can't bend over without getting a sharp pain. I was a stomach sleeper before, and now I can't sleep on my stomach. I think it is just weak stomach muscles and working out would help. Well, with a baby, working full time and now I am preggo again, it's so hard to get it in!