PND, medication and BF

[cautious...]

Hi ladies.

I have been feeling extremely anxious and low this week and think I'm going to be diagnosed with PND, I can see now that it's been creeping up on me for a while. I have a history of depression and really thought I'd escaped it but it's hit me like a ton of bricks this week. I feel like I'm having a constant panic attack.

I'm going to see my Doctor on Monday. I've taken antidepressants in the past and am very keen to avoid medication because I'm EBF. I'm so proud to be bf my son, after a long struggle and know it will make me feel so much worse if I have to give up. I also hope my supply is not being affected by all the worry. Does anyone have any experience of postnatal depression or anxiety whilst breastfeeding and treatment options?

Thanks for listening

 

[summer rain]

There are several anti depressants that are regarded as completely safe while BF, if these aren't suitable there are others that the manufacturers advise against taking while BF but when looked into this is either based on lack of safety evidence or there being a couple of anecdotal cases of potential harm but no solid proof of this. For example with my second eldest I was put on citalopram none of the other SSRIs are suitable for me. The manufacturers at the time had started saying not to take while BF but when looked into I found this was based on two cases of newborns becoming lethargic when their mother was taking the meds and it was never proven for sure that the meds had caused it, and as my son wasn't a newborn and not relying on me as a sole source of nutrition anymore I felt that potential risk did not apply to us anyway. My GP at the time agreed. I was on the meds for a few months and my son was completely fine, I would definitely take it again if I needed to xx

 

[cautious...]

Thank you for replying. I have taken Citalopram in the past and did find it quite helpful. I can't feel too much worse at the moment.

I just hope they take it seriously and don't just shove me on some waiting list for counselling....

Xx

 

[confused87com]

i had pnd ptsd after my son, i battled for ages before getting a dignosis and help. The medication i could take was sertraline, it had no effects on my son apart from him having a mum who could 'cope' better.

 

[cautious...]

Thank you ladies. This makes me feel more hopeful about my options. I'd hate to have to make the decision between breastfeeding and taking all the treatment i need xx

 

[teal]

I had PND and breastfed my son. I did have to take an antidepressant and was prescribed lofepramine, which is apparently and older antidepressant but was safe for breastfeeding.

Sending you hugs xx

 

[Noelle610]

Yes! I took Zoloft while breastfeeding. There really haven't been many studies on the effects on a breastfed baby when mom takes the medication, but most medical professionals feels it's safe. No adverse affects and it nearly saved my life.

 

[cautious...]

Thank you again for all your replies, it's reassuring to hear from people that have all been here and come out the other side! Xx

 

[Noelle610]

Glad you are taking care of yourself!