To want to change my GP

[Reallytired]

I think I have got postnatal depression. My daughter is five weeks old and exclusively breastfed. My GP will not prescribe any medication unless I give up breastfeeding.

Seven years ago I had postnatal depression and a different GP prescribed sertaline. I was breastfeeding at the time and there is no evidence that taking sertaline hurt my son in any way.

Infact I think he benefitted from having a healthier mummy. He is a bright and healthy seven year old.

I found sertaline extremely effective and I was off all medication after 18 months. I did try councelling, but I found it a waste of time. For bio chemical depression anti depressant are effective. I have no deep seated issues in my life, it is just that my hormones are playing hell.

I accept that taking anti depressants and breastfeeding is not ideal. However formula milk is not 100% safe either. It is also bad for a baby to have a mummy with untreated depression.

Yanbu at all.
I also used sertraline whilst pg and bf as the risks were miniscule and far less than the risks from formula (which I did end up using, but for other reasons).
Thousands of women use SSRIs while bfing.
Ask for an appointment with another GP. You do no tneed to suffer and nor does your baby need to stop bfing, as you know yourself.

Makes me
Hope you get some decent help and feel better soon.

YANBU Can you change to a different DR in the practice?
If not change practice ASAP.

You sound like a great mummy, you know something is wrong and your doing everything you can to make yourself better so don't feel sorry for your baby feel proud of yourself.

Absolutly YANBU !

You should be able to see whichever dr at the practice you want though, it doesn't have to be your own Dr (who sounds shit!)

Sorry your having a tough time.

For me to change GP, I would have to change practice which would also mean changing health visitor. Its not quite as simple.

Normal our practice is quite strict about seeing your designated GP and will not let you change. I am planning to ask to see a female GP and pretend I have a gynological problem to the receptionist.

Well call and explain you have issues with your own GP and you feel you have a case for changing GP and if not you would like to make a formal complaint.
Then change ASAP, yes it will be a hassle but your mental health and your relationship with your baby is far more important.

YANBU at all - In fact your GP sounds just like my old one, he refused me ad's while I breastfed and the repucussions were very bad indeed.
Sertraline was what I was on with the last baby - she was fine, I am fine.
See the lady dr, even if it means telling a fib or speaking to the prac. manager to say you NEED a second opinion.