Breastfeeding on Antidpressants

Dear A.,
I too had post partum depression with both my girls. While your doctor would be the best one to consult regarding the type of anti-depressant to take, I really encourage you to consider that option. I ended up not breastfeeding my second child because I was so depressed I could hardly function. For me it was the right choice, though a difficult one. I reasoned that to be a happy loving mom was better than breastfeeding her and feeling like I didn't want to get up in the morning.
Best Wishes,
D.

I strongly encourage you to start taking the Prozac RIGHT NOW. It really takes a while for the drug to get in your system, then to know if it's the correct dosage or drug for you.

I struggle with a depressive disorder, and was very concerned about drugs when it showed up again with the birth of my daughter. I spent an entire session with my psychiatrist discussing the research that has been done with antidepressants & breastfeeding. The ones with the most research done that have shown to have no negative effects are Prozac & Zoloft.

My psychiatrist assured me that the amount that does get into the milk is so minuscule that it does not effect the baby. It's not like caffeine from coffee or something. It works differently.

You should definitely discuss your concerns with your doctor, but I do encourage to take action immediately. Depression can be crippling....especially when coupled with lack of sleep. You need to take care of yourself. And by doing so is also the best way to take care of your son.

Good luck, and email me if you want. You're not alone. Remember that.

Hi A.,
I had the same experience. I waited because I wanted to breast feed also, so I just waited and went to workshops (didn't help).
It took about 2 months until I was back to normal. If I have another baby and the same thing happens, I think I would probably take the risk and take Zoloft (drug with least amount shown in breastmilk) and nurse exclusively. It gets better; HOWEVER, If you are having any violent thoughts, I would get treated ASAP!
Good luck,
Sunshine

Get in the car RIGHT NOW and go get your prescription filled! I went through this with my first child and suffered through with no meds. It was so horrible; I really did not enjoy the first 2 years of my daughter's life. Then I got pregnant with #2 and my doctor put me on Zoloft while I was pregnant. What a huge difference that made! I continued taking it until she was 2 years old. I breastfed her until she was 6 months old. There were absolutely no effects that I could discern. She is a bright child and has always been very cheerful.

My doctor told me that the effects of antidepressants on pregnant and nursing women have been studied extensively, and there is no evidence of any harm to the baby long term. You need to take care of your health so you can be there 100% for your baby!

Hang in there and good luck to you!

I suffer from depression and therefore I was on anti depressants before I became pregnant and decided to continue them (at a lower dose) throughout my pregnancy and through breastfeeding. There was no harm to my baby and having had a child before that I didn't take the meds, I can honestly say what a big difference it was between this baby and the one before! Even my husband has commented on how different I am with this baby since I stayed on my medication.

i took prozac in my last trimester and for the first year of my second childs life. i had no effects at all that i could see. if it helps your depression, it's worth it. that's why they gave it to you.. trust me on this. they would not give it to you.. your situation outweighs any risk at all.... take the medicine!