Breastfeeding and Antidepressent Medications

Many moms experience postpartum depression. They delay taking medications because they are breastfeeding and feel it is harmful to their baby. However, moms can take certain medications while breastfeeding for depression. You need to work with your doctor to find which medication is right for you while breastfeeding. Very few drugs are contraindicated, unsafe for mothers while breastfeeding. However, your doctor and you can figure out which one is the best drug for you to use while breastfeeding. Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition. A woman may feel sad, down and depressed after she has a baby. This can happen during the first three months after delivery. It may make it hard for the mom to breastfeed. Therefore, support counseling with mental health providers as well as getting on the proper medication, may help the mom recover and feel better in time. Additionally, your doctor can speak to you about the risks and complications of the drug that you will both choose that is right for you while breastfeeding. Breastmilk is the best food for your baby.Therefore, the doctor will take all this into consideration when prescribing you a drug and give you the least amount possible while breastfeeding. Together, you both will make it through this dark journey and slower begin to feel better. The most commonly used group of drugs in the antidepressant category come from the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some additional drugs used include: Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine). Because many of these drugs have side effects, each mom should weigh her options carefully while taking these drugs and breastfeeding. Lithium, the drug that is used to treat manic depression should be used carefully while breastfeeding.If you need to be on this drug while breastfeeding, both you and the baby need to be monitored every few weeks. Your doctor will know what tests are needed.If a mom needs the drug, Lamotrigine while breastfeeding, again the mom and baby need to be closely monitored, checking different levels and organ functions for both mom and baby. I have been asked many times by my moms who suffer from different types of depression what drug they can take while breastfeeding. I recommend they hear what their doctor has to say. Additionally, Dr. Thomas Hale puts out a great website where you can look up the drug you are on.You can also call me, a Lactation Consultant and I will tell you if it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Furthermore, because a mom is an antidepressant drug, it may delay secretory activation of breast milk therefore, the breast milk may initially come in at a slower pace. Antidepressant drugs may also affect a mom's mood, sleep pattern which may also affect breast milk volume. In conclusion, antidepressant drugs are very helpful for moms who need them, therefore you should take them and be closely monitored by your doctor. Doctors will know what tests to run to make sure both mom and baby are healthy and well while breastfeeding and taking antidepressant drugs. I wish all you moms best of luck.I know this may seem like a hard time in your life but, remember to take it one day at a time and your journey will be bearable. Dr. Thomas Hale Ph.D. Professor of Pediatric Websitewww.breastfeedingonline.com/meds.shtml