Breastfeeding and anti depressants

[Lemonnhoney]

I'm 9 months post partum and feeling incredibly low and depressed. I've tried excersise, mindfulness, eating well. Been on the waiting list for therapy for 4 months.

Rang doctors today to discuss medication... I didn't want to but I just wanna feel bloody semi normal again. Was told that you can't go on antidepressants if I'm breastfeeding... So need to wait until baby is a bit older then think about it.

Is this normal? Aibu to need antidepressants when suffering with PND.

I feel like I can't go on and this is just another sign that it will never get better for me and I'm not worthy of a happy life.

It's not true at all. Sertraline is safe when breastfeeding and I'm pretty sure Prozac is too. I'm sorry you're feeling so low, I'd definitely see if you can speak to a different GP

I've been on sertraline since DS1 was 9 months old. I was still breastfeeding. I took sertraline throughout my pregnancy with DS2 and I breastfed him until he was 20 months. He's 4 now. Your dr is wrong

Prescribed citalopram while breastfeeding here. Ask to speak to a different GP or maybe HV to support your request (sure they have seen plenty of mums on antidepressants!) Or even call midwife for advice.

Link to breastfeeding network info

Nonsense, sounds like they are trying to fob you off. I took Amitryptaline throughout pregnancy and 6 weeks of breastfeeding. I would persist with another doctor

Definitely not true.

I was on Sertraline throughout my pregnancy with my DS and taking it again now whilst breastfeeding x

YANBU - I was offered antidepressants whilst breastfeeding by 3 different GPs and a psychiatrist. It does have to be a certain level of symptoms for antidepressants to be appropriate but breastfeeding isn’t a reason to make you suffer if you would otherwise benefit from medication.

Oh bless you, you are worthy and you have a chemical imbalance that needs adjustment, I took citalopram whilst BF with no ill effects

I’ve been on sertraline since baby was 2 weeks old. She’s 10 months now. Still breastfeeding. Go back to them and request an appointment with a different doctor. Best wishes, OP.

I took Sertraline whilst breastfeeding. From 10 months to 22 months. The doctor told me that the amount found in breastmilk was minimal.

My baby is 14 now. He's a lovely boy, and there have been no concerns. I would absolutely do the same again. In fact, I would start them earlier.

Try another doctor, or speak to your health visitor. Well done for trying to manage, and for asking for support.

Completely untrue.

sertraline is the first choice medication for nursing women. There are other options if that doesn’t work for you. This isn’t new. Women have been taking sertraline and breastfeeding for quite some time.

whoever told you that was not properly trained. If you weren’t struggling with depression, it would be worth following up with that person’s supervisor.

For the moment, I would just focus on finding someone who actually knows what they are doing to provide you with medical care.

Op they’ve misinformed you. It’s wrong and very poor that they have given you such outdated advice. ADs are fine while breastfeeding, PND is very common and lots of women take them. You can even take sertraline while pregnant. Your baby is also not a tiny newborn any more, it’s absolutely fine. Sorry you’re having such a hard time. Maybe go back and ask to speak to a different GP? I’m sorry you’re going through this. Well done seeking support, you will get better.

Have you looked at the Breastfeeding Network website? Lots of advice on there

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-ad-perinatal-mental-health/

"Many mums tell us they have been told to stop breastfeeding in order to take anti-depressant medication, but the evidence shows this is unnecessary in many cases, and there should be careful consideration of the impact that stopping breastfeeding before the mum is ready might have on the mum’s mental health."

The "Drugs in Breast milk" service, part of the breastfeeding network has factsheets on different drugs that are safe to take if BF, or you can email them and they'll be able to tell you, but you'll then have to go back to your GP and ask again.

[email protected]

thats complete bollox!!!! Honestly the crap some GP’s get away with. 😡😡 Currently bfing my baby- on setraline!

Really really crap advice- YANBU

I was prescribed paroxetine but/and would recommend contacting: self-referring to your local talking therapy service as well . There may be a bit of a wait but people with young babies are prioritised

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/antidepressants/

Thank you everyone. It's given me the confidence to go back to them and ask for some more advice about it..

I thought it was the case I could take them.. just feels like a long drawn out process which is getting nowhere considering I asked for help over 5 months ago... I'll keep trying

Sertraline all.the way through pregnancies and bf

Misinformation around breastfeeding from medical professionals is extremely common. I see you've already been given the link to the drugs in breast milk service.
I've used them numerous times and they are fabulous. You can email for 1-2-1 support too:
[email protected]