Breast feeding and post natal depression

[Mounty4]

Hi, new to Mumsnet (highly recommended by a friend) and wanting some support. Just had my fourth baby and although I've suffered PND 3 times b4 was not expecting it to start so soon and so severely. Giving up BF is not an option as I'm passionate about it, but already realising that I need external help. Has anyone sucessfully used antidepressants, and not just felt numbed even more???? Am seeing health visitor this week and Dr soon.

[tiktok]

Mounty, hope we can help. There are many experiences of PND and breastfeeding on mumsnet - if you click 'search for messages' you can search those terms and get lots of useful info. I think there is also a PND folder elsewhere on the boards...hope you find help.

[ConnorTraceptive]

Not too sure about the breastfeeding part as I had stopped Bfing by the time my PND crept up on me.

But I can say that AD's (citalopram) worked wonders for me and didn't numb me at all.

Am expecting my second in 2 weeks and am getting nervy about PND coming back, but I won't hesitate to go back on AD's if it does.

Hope you get things sorted x

[MrsJohnCusack]

you can take ADs and breastfeed
have to go right now but try searching the site - this question comes up a lot. lots of people have successfully taken Sertraline (brand name Lustral) whilst breastfeeding

[Mounty4]

Hi all, a big thanks to all of you who took the time to respond, it's much appreciated. Tried Sertraline unsuccesfully b4, but HV has said that there are a few new ones out there since my last baby 5 years ago, so hopefully will find one that suits. Message for ConnorTraceptive. It's good to be prepared for PND, and you know the symptoms so you're a step ahead, but having it once doesn't mean you'll get it again, so please remain positive. I've been unlucky to suffer 4 times, but have been very lucky with 4 beautiful healthy babies, so it's swings and roundabouts isn't it???? The upside of having it b4 is that you know it ends. However bad you feel, you know that one day the despair will go. You have hope if nothing else. Best of luck with the new baby (my 2nd labour and delivery was the easiest) Thanks again everyone. Will keep you posted xxxxxxx

[MyEye]

I tried sertraline for PND, but didn't get on with it (it did terrible things to my anxiety levels). Was advised to switch to dothiepin/dosulepin (I was breastfeeding also) and this really worked for me.
I found the sertraline very numbing but the dothiepin was massively helpful and not unpleasant at all.
Good luck

[Mounty4]

I had the same experience with Sertraline so thanks MyEye, I'll ask about that one.

[insywinsyspider]

I had PND with ds1 (20 mo now) and bf exclusively for 7 months - I took Lofepramine so I could carry on bfeeding, didn't numb me at all only lifted the darkness to help me get better again, I too felt passionate about bfeeding and that it was the only good thing I was doing, told gp I didn't want AD's if I could bf as it would be another hang up to have, he was great and prescribed the right one for me

ds2 is 8 wks now and ConnorTraceptive so far so good - I actually realise how bad depression was first time because its a complete suprise this time round how enjoyable it all can be which is and really at the same time

hope you get it sorted Mounty and good luck Connor x

[ConnorTraceptive]

Thanks Mounty and Insy - I'm hoping that being more aware of it will help me nip it in the bud before it becomes a huge problem. Ilet it go on far too long last time.

best of luck mounty x