Breastfeeding and PND

[smk84]

I breastfed my DS for 3 weeks then had to stop due to PND (was on meds that were not compatible). I really feel that stopping was a big factor in how bad it got, and when I tried to re-lactate later and it didn't work the depression returned with a vengeance. We are now thinking about trying for another baby and I am wondering if anyone has managed to successfully breastfeed a second baby after suffering PND with their first? I really want to do it and am really loooking for some encouragement. Thanks.

I'm currently medicated during this pregnancy, on Amytriptyline. I've been told that it will be fine to breastfeed whilst still on this. If I need to change back to my usual meds, I'll have to stop.
Get your doc to look at his NICe guides, but my perinatal nurse said it's all ok for that one. It does make me sleep well at night, so maybe will help baby to sleep as a nice added extra.
Hope this helps.

this makes for interesting reading-one of the findings is that successful BF can help PND

I had pnd after having my DS, I had a shitty birth, not being able to bf my DS was one of the things that made me depressed, I felt useless and a failure as a mother, I moved to another country away from any family support and felt like I couldn't cope everyday until my DH dragged me to the med centre and I was on anti depressants for about a year, I have now got a beautiful dd who is 5 months and I'm successfully bf her and I have not had any pnd, I have my down days but who doesn't. Best of luck.

i had pnd and chose counselling instead of meds cos i was beastfeeding and had anxiety about taking meds. i have to say i found counselling very helpful, and it worked even though my doc was urging me to take meds as my pnd was so severe

1st baby PND and failed to BF.

2nd baby, AND in pregnancy, on ADs from 37 weeks, and BF until 10 months when unexpectedlt pregnant with No3

3rd baby; took ADs from 3months pregnant and still taking them, and have just given up BFing at 17 months.

I'm so sorry you had to give up BFing due to the drugs you were on, but hopefully things will be differenty for you this time. Many ADs are perfectly compatible with BFing, so it should be possible to get one that works for you and allowws you to continue. Can you ask for a referral to a psych with expereince of Bfing women? I was referred to the local perinatal MH team who were brilliant, but the hospital were less then enthusiastic about me BFing on ADs inspoite of the notes in my file from my psych regarding the drugs i was on (sertraline, which is one of the best ones according to my psych team)

There is some good information on the Breastfeeding Network website (apols if it's already been linked) and as logrrl already mentioned, the hormones produced during BFing have been shown to help with PND.

Good Luck; lots of women BFing and on ADs on hjere and lots of positive stories and support

Good

Thank you everyone.