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Antenatal/postnatal depression

Our Antenatal and Postnatal Depression forum is a supportive space where you can share your postnatal depression experiences.

Sertraline and breastfeeding - has anyone had negative effects?

2 replies

Yuckyyuckyuckity · 09/10/2024 12:14

Posted this on mental health as well but not had any response yet.

I've been struggling with my mental health, probably on and off for a few years now if I'm honest, but since my DC2 was born 6 months ago it's worsened a lot. I'm EBF although just started weaning onto solids. DC2 doesn't really take a bottle, and I'd prefer to carry on BF if possible.

It's getting to the point where it's affecting my relationship with my husband and my DC1 and I know I need to get it sorted. I do all the usual things like get outside for walks, exercise, meet people etc. Diet isn't bad although could be better (a lot of chocolate is being consumed). I did therapy for a bit over a year ago, it helped at the time but I knew it wouldn't last. Nothing works long term, I genuinely can't stop crying some days and I just feel like I'm in a black hole.

I've been prescribed sertraline which I know is one of the safest antidepressants to take while BF. I've read extensively about it's safety as well anecdotal threads on here, but something is holding me back from starting.
I'm the kind of person where if I take it during BF and then later on down the line DC2 was to develop something like autism or adhd or literally anything, I'd always blame myself and wonder if it was the sertraline that caused it. Which will probably make my MH spiral even more.

Has anyone taken sertraline while BF and seen any negative impacts on their baby? I know it's anecdotal but I'd still like to know. Or any other advice is much appreciated.

OP posts:
Yuckyyuckyuckity · 09/10/2024 19:35

Hopeful bump

OP posts:
Enoughnow131 · 12/10/2024 10:13

Hi @Yuckyyuckyuckity, I don’t know if my experience will be helpful, because my DC is only 6 months old. I’ve been on Sertraline since I was 6 weeks pregnant. Baby is perfectly healthy so far. This is my third baby, and I was not on Sertraline with the other two but now I wish I would have been. I was also hesitant to start meds, but I’m so glad I did! It has made motherhood so much more enjoyable. I’m now a much happier, calmer, and more patient mother. My husband and I are getting along great and my relationship with DC1 and DC2 is better than ever! Being on the medication has also helped me to stop worrying so much about the effects it could have on my baby because, according to the research, it is very unlikely to cause any issues. My advice is to give it a try and start to enjoy your life again!

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