yes, thank you, I know GP's aren't gods there are some fantastic ones and some shockingly bad ones.
this doctor on Netdoctor seemed to think Citalopram and BF is not a good idea:
I am sorry to hear of your post-natal depression and thank you for e-mailing on the problem of anti-depressants and breastfeeding.
Clearly, if you can find a medication that suits you and is considered acceptable when breastfeeding to you and your doctor, this would be best for you and your baby.
You are correct in your assessment that I am unable to advise you to continue breastfeeding while on Citalopram. The same advice stands for fluvoxamine and fluoxetine, both anti-depressants in the same group.
Sertraline however, is not known to be harmful in short-term use, although there is 'insufficient data on long-term use'.
How one would define short-term use would require further clarification.
With paroxetine, an anti-depressant in the same group, the manufacturer advises 'avoid unless potential benefit outweighs possible risk'. This judgement of course is a matter for your doctor to decide having assessed your condition.
The majority of anti-depressant therapy is known to be excreted in the breast milk.
The older, tricyclic antidepressants are said to be found in the breast milk in amounts 'too small to be harmful', but most manufacturers advise doctors to avoid prescribing if the woman wishes to continue breastfeeding, because of potential risks to the baby's breathing.
One's reaction to anti-depressant therapy is often very variable according to the treatment.
If you have found a preparation that suits you, your doctor may feel it best that you keep on it and discontinue breastfeeding.
A compromise could possibly be reached with one of the preparations mentioned above, and breastfeeding may be able to continue, but this is for you to discuss with your own doctor.
I sincerely hope that your family life soon becomes easier and happier.