GP won't medicate (depression/breastfeeding)

[simplethings]

I have a long history of depression. I'm currently not well mentally at all. GP is not willing to prescribe anything while i continue to breastfeed. She offered counselling, however this has not helped in the past. I was planning on stopping breastfeeding soon anyway, however in my current state of mind feel unprepared to cope with the potential crying/upset for baby as he is very reliant on breastfeeding for comfort. Any advice?

I had antenatal depression while pregnant with dc2 and bf dc1. In the event i opted out of anti depressants (got signed of work and counselling). But, there were meds they could offer me. You need to see someone more specialist (a cpn can usually prescribe, or even a different gp in your surgery?). You are breastfeeding, there are some illnesses which would require you to stop, but depression isnt one of them. Does your area claim to be 'baby friendly'? Call them on it!

Hi - sorry you are feeling unwell at the moment.

I faced this decision on and off for about 2 years...

I was in fact prescribed setraline on the understanding that I would continue breast feeding on it. Is that an option for you? The data shows it doesn't transfer in any high quantity through the milk and that at the level it is at it isn't expected to have any effect.

As with all AD's there isn't any long term data on effects on breast fed babies.
The low risk estimate is made by knowing the concentrations needed for an effect and the amount in milk being lower than that.

If you don't mind saying, how old is your child? They react very differently to stopping feeding at different ages - you may be worrying about nothing.

On the other hand I found breast feeding to be a solace to me during hard times and actually wouldn't have willingly lost that.

I guess it all depends on your feeling about stopping outside the medication issue?

Hi, I was switched by GP to Sertraline during pregnancy and when breastfeeding (2010) without any adverse effect on DS. May be discuss with another GP in your practice?

can you get a referral to a paediatrician/psychiatrist? I am sure someone must be able to advise on safe medication while breast feeding.

I was also given sertraline while breastfeeding. This was by a specialist pdoc in a mother and baby unit.

I know people who have been prescribed citalopram when breastfeeding.

Sorry, should have said that it sounds like your GP doesn't know what they're doing and are therefore covering their own ass. Push for a second opinion if you believe that an AD will improve your quality of life.

The Breastfeeding Network have a drugs in breastmilk helpline run by a pharmacist. She may be able to give you some more information about to what extent the drugs you are considering pass into breastmilk. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/detailed-information/drugs-in-breastmilk/
Very best of luck...

Was going to recommend the BfN drugs in breastmilk helpline but searching beat me to it!

Apologies for the long delay in replying. My little one is almost a year old. Thank you for the advice/links. I have booked to see a different gp and I will definitely get in touch with the breastfeeding network before that appointment for more information. I know i'm not feeling right at all and haven't been for some time.

Well done for getting stuck back in there. It is annoying that we have to work to get the treatment we deserve, especially when suffering depression but good for you!

I hope you get a more informed response this time around.