Breastfeeding and Anti-Depression Meds - Is It Safe?

hi G., i was just recommended this book for postpartum health, hope it helps.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583331387

It is absolutely safe. Go to kellymom.com to read about which ones are recommended: Zoloft and Paxil are the top two favored. Stay away from Wellbutrin--it decreases supply.

I was unable to breastfeed, just didnt work. But I was on Celexa, an anti depressant almost the entire time I was pregnant with my 3rd child. He's fine.

some drs say its safe and some do not. Recently I was helping a doula client of mine figure out the best options for her as her dr told her that it was NOT SAFE.
There are lots of things you can do herbaly and sometimes there are other factors weighing in like anemia- anemic moms often develop ppd, thyroid and sleep deprivation. Here is some info that might be helpful for you =-)
Everything listed below is BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY!

many breastfeeding moms expierence insomnia because of a protein deficiency atthe end of the day- sipped down a protein shake before bed and you should be good to go!

Bathing - Swimming
Sunbathing- vitamin d thepy- hehe
Massage
Quiet time

herbally
Motherwort- Alleviates Mother Anxiety
Apply St. John's Wort oil to the body before bed.

Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy- this is great for anxiety/anxious feelings/panic/panic attacks

Essential Oils
Bergamot
Lavender
Cedarwood

homeopathic blend: coffea crudum (you buy this at the health food store in a premade tablet form- its kinda sweet tasting and you let it dissolve under your tounge =-)

These are the things listed in the book for depression from least harsh to more:
1.figs, sprouts, royal jelly, bee pollen, gensing, Hops, and Sarsparilla help the body process and balance hormones.
2. Breastfeeding is probably the best cure for ppd.
3. Lemon Balm Leaves
4. Blessed thistle leaves
5. Postpartum depression Brew
1/2 ounce dried, shredded Licorice root
1 ounce dried, crumbled Raspberry leaf
1 ounce dried, finely cut Rosemary leaves
1 ounce dried, cut Skullcap

Mix the dried herbs thoroughly together. Use two teaspoons per cup of boiling water to prepare this strongly scented and interesting tasting tea. The usual dose is two or more cups daily for several weeks to two months

Hi G.,

I would do everything possible to avoid taking the medication and contiue to breastfeed. I don't know if this is you first experience with depression or if it is something that you have been dealing with for a long time. In either case, I would suggest that you find a therapist who is sensitive to your desire to avoid medication and continue to safely breastfeed your baby. The therapist will be able to provide alternatives that will help. You may have to see several different therapist before you find a good match. I know, one MORE thing to do! But I really believe that the medical community underestimates the adverse effects that drugs have on adults and (as you stated) they don't even research the effects on babies.

I took anti-anxiety drugs for several years. But I found a therapist who helped me to get off of them before I even got pregnant. The postpartum months were difficult but the techniques that I learned helped me to get through them without medication. Good luck!!!

It is a Category C usually -- depending on which one you're on. Which basically means, if you can go off it, do. The research shows that (at way higher than normal dosing) some is secreted in the milk or passes through the placenta. So, if you are able to not take the meds, you'd be safer not taking them.

That said, for some people, NOT taking their meds is not an option. For those people, you weigh risk vs. benefit. (I have a friend on antidepressants who has had two pregnancies and nursed both babies while on an antidepressant. Both of her children are fine.)

I don't really know that formula is better than mommy-who's-on-meds milk. I'd defer to the pediatrician and obstetrician. Do your own reading too. CDC and Medline Plus websites are good resources.

There is a website where you can go to check and see it the medication you are taking is safe while breastfreeding. The website is WEBMD.com. Type in the anti-depression medication you are taking and then click on drug infomation and then the name of the drug. Sometimes the drug may have a different or extra name, but it will give you the infomation you are looking for.
I know that some medications are not good to take because they can get into the breastmilk and you can pass it on to your baby. WEBMD.com is a good website to check for any infomation on any drug..
Good Luck.

I was taking zoloft while breastfeeding and pregnant and it was fine.

Hi, G.!

I am so glad to hear that you are considering taking meds while breastfeeding! I have a two-year-old son. I took meds while I was prego with him and breastfeeding him, and he is a healthy, happy kid. I also have an 18-week-old daughter. I took meds throughout my pregnancy with her, and I am taking it through our breastfeeding. She is doing GREAT! It is SO important to take care of yourself! If you can't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of your kids. Stay healthy and happy and your kids will be, too!

It depends on the antidepressant. Three years ago when I had my son, only Zoloft and Prozac were approved to take during pregnancy (according to my psychiatrist and obgyn) and nursing. I took 200 mg of Zoloft throughout my entire pregnancy and during the entire TWO years that I nursed my son and he is a beautiful, happy, sometimes crazy little three year old! Breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your child for as long as you can do it, so if you can, go for it! I wish you luck!

Hope this finds you feeling a little better. I had a rough first few weeks and I didn't really want to go on medication -- I had some PPD but didn't have any anxiety/depression issues before the birth of our daughter. I finally realized the benefits outweighed the risks.

My OB said Zoloft was one of the safest meds to take, and I was on a fairly low dose (50 maybe?). I stayed on it about 6 months and after feeling back to normal for a while I started taking it every other day, then every 3rd day, etc., to make sure I was really going to be okay without it. By the time my little girl was 8 months or so, I was back off the meds with no side effects.

Hang in there. Even though it can be hard, let family and friends help out in any way they can. I am pretty independent and stubborn, so that was the hardest thing for me to do -- admitting I needed help and accepting help!

i have been taking zoloft since just before getting pg with #2. the difference b/w severe depression and being happy is amazing. i also take 3 g of fish oil for omega 3 fatty acids, which also makes my milk healthier for baby. it increases the effectiveness of the meds so i can take a low dose.

benefits vs risks, i always say. talk to your doc, if he says no meds, then he needs to give you some other option. depression is not an option for me. it was awful.

G.,

I took Lexapro after my 2nd daughter was born and was breastfeeding too. I used it for a short period of time, but my ob said it was safe and a friend of mine took the same medicine too after her 2nd child was born.

Hang in there. I, along with lots of other Moms, have been through what you are going through. I am glad that you recognize that you need help with it and are not ignoring it. Just remember, you are going through a season, and this too shall pass. Enjoy your baby girl, and if you need help taking care of her during this time, ask for it. I am sure there are others in your area that can offer some support and relief so that you can relax without your baby around. It is okay to ask for others to help you during this time. In the long run, you will enjoy your precious girl so much better and she will appreciate the time with you. If you need someone to talk to during this time, please don't hesitate to contact me. ____@____.com Blessings to you and your family. J.

G.,
I started taking Wellbutrin XL before I got pregnant and continued to take it throughout my pregnancy. I continued to take it while breastfeeding. I have a very happy and healthy baby girl, who will turn one this week. I am still breastfeeding and I am still taking the medication.
Many physicians feel that the effects of a mother not on medication can be far more severe than the effects of the medication itself. Better to have a happy, healthy mother caring for a baby than an unhappy one.
I hope that my story will help you in your decision making!

I also took Zoloft while pregnant and breastfeeding. My little one has turned out fine and she is about to be 21 months. My advise would be to start out slow/low on the dosage. Also remember that there has to be a balance of how much you care for your baby and care for yourself. If you dont take care of your self then you cant take the best care for your baby. Yes breast feeding is wonderful for both of you but of you are feeling so bad that you can take care of you both then its more harm than good.

I hope you and your doc find a med that works well for you and your baby.

I have taken medication with nursing both of my children. It is so wonderful to be able to enjoy the times with my children.

I was on Prozac during most of my pregnancy because of severe depression due to a side effect of nausea medication (Reglan). Even after I quit taking the Reglan My OB kept me on the Prozac after delivery and started weaning it off afterwards. I breastfed my daughter with no problems. She is 2 1/2 years old now and extremely healthy and very bright. If your OB says it's safe I would trust him/her. It's their job to know and breastfeeding is SO much healthier if you are able to do it.

there are types that you can take while breast feeding and it's not in the milk...many medications according to my doctor at the time don't always go into the breast milk and it has to do with the type of medication it is and how the body breaks it down.
I took paxil and it was fine I trusted my doctor fully and felt she was telling the truth....it was with my first child and I could never produce enough milk to satisfy him I ended up using formula. You can ask your pharmacy and they will tell you how the body breaks it down and if it's the type that can be in breast milk. I battled depression off and on and it was at a tough time after having my first baby and being alone in a new state and my parents had passed about 4 or 5 yrs earlier. I am doing way better now and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Blessings to you, you are going to do just fine and so is your little one...will send warm thoughts your way.

I battled with the decision as well. My OB said it would be fine, but the pharmacist said it was excreted into the breastmilk. It was a level 3 which is on a scale from 1-5, so kinda of right there in the middle. I decided not to take it and breastfeed for at least a year. Some days I battle anxiety more than others but try to stay positive. I did not feel like it would be right for me or her to take. It is only a short time that I would have to go without. On the other hand, I also know another mom who does take it and I have seen no problems with her or baby, so I guess it is just personal preference and what you feel you can handle. I hope this helps!!

A. S.

Hi,
Im so glad that you talked with your OB about this. I just had our 2nd child in April and went to my OB last week about this as well. They say it is totally safe. I have had alot of "Blue Days" as well. I never felt like this with our first child. I have been beside myself lately. I am feeling so much better now. I hope you are too. Hang in there and try to focus on all of the positive things in your life like your new precious baby :) Just remember, it always helps to talk about how you are feeling instead of crying to yourself. Enjoy your new baby and hope you feel better!
C.

My third child just turned 15 months old, and although I did not need the meds after the first two, I definately needed them this time around. Either way he is still nursing and I have been on the meds for about a year now..I take Wellbutrin. I also had the same concerns as you do, but after talking to a couple Dr.s (Some of which are personal friends) And researching and reading alot of internet articles as well as talking to other mommies online, I decided it probably was the safest route for us. I am not opposed to bottle-feeding though, its just that my son would never take a bottle. The fact that you are able to accept there is a problem is a huge step in the right direction. Just keep doing what you know is right for you and your child and I wish you the best of luck. Being a mommy only gets better with time!!

I nursed my dd for her 1st year while taking anti-depressants. Both my psychiatrist and OB said that taking the meds was preferred over going off the meds. You have to have some stability. If the meds help, I would continue to take them. My dd is now 2 1/2yo and is healthy and happy. I've known others who did the same. I hope this helps.

Wow! I am going through the same situation. I just started my medication about 2 weeks ago and now it seems my daughter's eating habits are changing. I have spoken with her Pediatrician and we are trying to figure out if it is the meds that are causing this or a stomach bug. I look forward to see what people suggest. Good luck!

My daughter is 6 weeks old and I have been married 6 1/2 years.

HI,
I took Anti-Depression Meds while pregnant and nursing I nursed my son for 18 months. It is a very personel decision, I discussed it at great lenghts with my psyciatrist and made an educated decision for myself. I know one of the things she gave was an option of pumping and dumping which would have been very difficult it was very specific as to when you took the meds and when you could pump and when you could use the milk. My son seems to be doing fine and now I am more concerned about the effects of his imunizations. Good luck with your decision, either way have you thought about meeting with a therapist that can help too. Lisa

A public message board should not be where you get the information needed to make this choice however, that being said, all doctors and mid-wives will have differing opinions on this topic.

I was just prescribed Wellbutrin for PPD and it is the WRONG medication for someone who is breastfeeding. The head midwife was out of town and a younger, less experienced midwife went to the OB and asked which med would be safe. I knew, even as she gave me the prescription that she was way off base. And just heard from the head midwife that this is the wrong drug.
I believe Zoloft and Paxil are better but every drug, regardless of what it is, does go into your milk but may not go into the baby's plasma.

I am not giving my baby my milk until I find out what is true and decide what is going to work for me. I am still pumping however, I just don't want to give my child antidepressants after having read about Wellbutrin in the breast milk.

I am also taking antibiotics for mastitis and am dealing what that going into my milk as well.

We are supplementing and the baby is doing great!

Have you ever checked out kellymom.com? They usually have great info / links about breastfeeding. Here is one link: http://kellymom.com/health/meds/antidepressants-hale10-02...

Oh yes, as long as you take a relatively safe med, such as one in the class known as "SSRIs", or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These are most of the meds used these days, such as lexapro, celexa, zoloft.
I took meds and nursed for fourteen months. He is now a happy and thriving 3-year-old (and I am happy, too). You have to take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby!

G.,

There is a reference book out there called MEDICATION AND MOTHER'S MILK - I would not have been able to nurse my daughters had I not had that book. It will tell you if a drug is safe during breastfeeding (what the risk category is and side effects). It will tell you how long the drug lasts in your breastmilk, etc. I went on Amazon, they have a new version being released in July (I don't have mine anymore or I'd offer to send it, it was from 2000), so it looks like the older versions may be hard to find - but any lactation consultant or doctor with a good library should have this book. Sometimes, the library may even have it.

absolutely safe...especially zoloft. That drug is taken ALOT in breastfeeding moms. And your dr. is right the benefits of breastfeeding FAR outweigh the slight risk to taking the medication any lactation consultant would agree. If it were me I'd take Zoloft just because it is the most studied and taken upon bf moms.

Hi!
When my daughter was 4 months old, and I'd had enough of dealing with colic and depression, I decided to stop breastfeeding and start taking Wellbutrin. I felt like I was in a dark cloud 24/7 and very down and frustrated all the time. I think it was a combo. of hormones and frustration with her being colicky, which was one of the most difficult things I'd ever faced in my 35 years!

It was tough to stop breastfeeding, as I wanted only the best for my daughter, but at some point, you have to do what it takes to keep going and be 100% for your baby. You know the saying, "Happy mother, happy child" is very true. You have got to take care of you before you can fully be able to care for a baby. It's hard enough in those first few months that sometimes you just need a little help! I do know that the Wellbutrin helped me immensely. I have two other children (15 yrs. and 4 months--my daughter is now 2). I breastfed them all until I just couldn't take it anymore...I think my hormones just made me crazy! I breastfed my 15 yr. old son only for 6 wks., my daughter for 4 months and my new son for only 5 wks. I didn't have to go on meds this time around, as maybe only being exposed to the breastfeeding hormones for only 5 wks. or so didn't make it too bad. Plus, he's not colicky like my daughter was, or I probably would have to go back on the Wellbutrin.

Don't feel guilty about stopping the breastfeeding. Guilt is a normal feeling when you do stop, but you will get over it once you start feeling better. Then, you just have to find the right formula, which can be a challenge. My daughter could only do soy and my new son is on Nutramigen because he stayed so congested with regular formula and soy constipated him and gave him gas! But they were and are very healthy children...

Good luck with everything and hang in there! :) It will get better, I promise!

A.

Dear G. J,

I will tell you that it is really save to take Anti-Depression med when you are breastfeeding your child. My first child I did not take anything and I fell down post prdm Depression my husband did not know what to do then. Then I had my another child and then I ask my doctor that I was the blue state with my another child and she told me that it is Ok to take your meds when your are breastfeeding our child. Another thing that I will tell anybody talk to your friends< church members, or family if you are feeling blue...
I hope this will help you alot. If you want to talk with me my email is ____@____.com Good luck! M.

I took Celexa while pregnant and breastfeeding. I was in and out of the hospital / doctor's offices a lot with some unrelated pregnancy complications so I had the chance to ask a neonatologist, perinatologist, pediatrician, obstetrician, etc. what they thought about my taking the medicine. They all consulted their books and other sources and said it was fine. My son (now a year) is great. We never had any negative side effects for either of us. I tried to reduce my dosage while I was pregnant, but it didn't work well for me, so I went back to the original dosage. Your daughter will be better off with breastmilk and a happy mother, so I suggest you take the medicine.

Your pharmacist will be better able to advise you about this than your doctor. He knows best how medicines affect the body and the length of time they stay in the body and whether the medicine you are taking could be harmful or not to the baby via breast milk.

Whether it is safe depends on the specific medication. I took brand name prozac with both mine (now 7 and 3) for the entire pregnancies, and I then breast fed exclusively for about 6 mos, then continued to nurse well after one year. I did a lot of checking on this. Prozac is felt to be the safest because it has been widely used and widely studied. As a matter of fact the preeminent MDs who study it are at Emory in Atlanta. I treated with one of them and participated in his study during my 2nd pregnancy. This group has done MANY studies on different antidepressant meds and they feel without doubt that if it is a matter of having a healthy mom then there is no real downside to some of the antidepressants. They definitely felt like prozac was fine. If you want more info or an appt with one of the MDs to discuss more, I know you can google them -- Zachary Stowe is the head researcher but beware he does have a huge ego and a not very soothing bedside manner -- or call over to the Emory psychiatry dept. Another note is that I would stick to name brand meds (not generic) as they are the ones studied and the generics can vary from the name brand composition is ways (even tho some drug mfrs will claim the two are chemically identical). I wish you luck!

Kellymom.com is a great resource for breastfeeding information, and they have detailed information on various antidepressants. They even have a list of most preferred SSRIs. (Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, Prozac)

http://www.mamasource.com/respond/4968642525528064001?

But the main point is that breastfeeding should be continued, and not stopped because the mother needs medication. The benefits of breastmilk over formula far outweigh any risk from the infants exposure to mom's antidepressant.

And the risk of untreated depression in mothers is significant and hazardous, again outweighing any risk from the infant's exposure to the meds.

There are indeed a number of nursing mothers taking anti-depressants these days because people aren't afraid to talk about post-partum depression. PPD is now recognized to be significantly more dangerous than depression outside of preganancy and post-partum, and it is finally getting the attention it deserves. Years ago it was dismissed as "baby blues", or even worse "bad mothering", but now there is no longer a stigma associated with it. Even moms who don't experience depression frequently notice that the hormones that surge right after their babies are born really "rock their world" - some days it almost feels like your in someone else's body.