Lithium and breast feeding

[TheClaaaaaaaaw]

I managed to come off it after having a huge bi polar induced psychotic break. It was a life saver and the only thing that worked for me. I found out I was pregnant and came off it very gradually. Weirdly during pregnancy I felt absolutely fantastic, the most stable I've ever been, however I had my baby 5 days ago and I feel dreadful.

I felt like I was going into a mania episode again I felt euphoric after the birth and I realised I hadn't slept in 3 days but I didn't feel sleepy I just feel invincible. I've got help from every source I can, I have a psychiatrist and he's put me straight onto lithium again with an additional drug called valproate. I have to check in with him or my mental health nurse every day and I have weekly visits 3 x a week to check me and DD are okay. DH is being amazing and his and my family are being so supportive plus I have input from psychiatric post natal team

I know this is the best thing for me but I just feel like I've let everyone down getting so sick again, but the worst thing I can't breast feed anymore.

I've done it since she was born and I feel so good ive been doing it. She latched perfectly and feeds really well but there is absolutely no way I can continue feeding her now im back on these medications, she'd need monthly blood tests to check kidney and liver function and I just couldn't do that to her.

I just feel a bit sad. I think I'll buy a perfect prep machine to make nights a bit easier.

You have not let anyone down. How is it possible to let people down by being ill? If the shoe was on the other foot and it was me posting what you have just written, I bet you'd be the first one to tell me I was being daft, wouldn't you?

As for the BF, don't feel bad. As we already know, fed is best. Your DD needs a stable and healthy mummy much more than she needs breast milk.

@RobertaFirmino I absolutely would because ima midwife and I know this deep down. It's just hard.

Do you think I could ask for some medication to dry my boobs up or will it go away on its own? God it's painful!

OP you are doing so well. You have not let anyone down at all, quite the opposite. It sounds like you recognised early that you needed help and have done all the right things reaching out for help.

I’m so sorry you can’t continue to breastfeed. That really sucks given how well it is going. But every feed counts.

Definitely get what you can to make this as easy as possible for yourself.

I’m sending love to you both and hope
To start to feel better really soon.

@Rainbows89 thank you, I didn't fight it when my DH suggested I speak to my dr (we have to pay for private appointments as the wait was too long when I had my psychotic break so luckily he's literally on the phone immediately) I'm pleased I recognised the symptoms as well before it got too bad and that's one of DHs stipulations that I comply with my medication and get help when required immediately because he said there isn't a lot I can do to help myself but what I can do I must. I think my breakdown was hard for him.

Thank you for being so nice and reading my rants!

Good for you for recognizing that while breast feeding is good, bottle feeding is also a valid option and having a mentally healthy mother is much more important to your LO than being breast fed. Congratulations on the new baby :)