Sertraline and breastfeeding

[sarah00001]

Hi, I think I may be suffering from post natal depression and in addition my ex partner is making my life a misery. I have been prescribed sertraline. My child is a month old and I'm breast feeding. Is this drug safe to take whilst breastfeeding?

Thanks, Sarah

Please don't ask for this advice on an Internet forum, speak to your doctor. Didn't you mention breastfeeding when the drug was prescribed?

Hi sertraline is what I'm normally prescribed during pregnancy my midwives in the past has always reassured me it's one of the safest to use during pregnancy and was the one to use if I was planning to breastfeed.

There is some good research that Sertraline is the best choice for BF mothers.

Hi Sarah Who prescribed it for you and what's the dose? 50mg? Sertraline is an antidepressant I have experience of in MH use for pregnant or breastfeeding mums. I imagine if GP has prescribed you must have significant symptoms of depression. Sertraline is found in almost undetectable levels in breast milk and whoever prescribed should have had risk/benefits conversation with you.
If you are struggling then don't be scared to take medication. The most important thing is that you feel well. Your baby will be fine. Take it in the morning as it can keep you awake at night.
are you looking after yourself ok otherwise? It's tough with a new baby even when our partners are nice!

Hi Sarah, have you heard of the Breastfeeding network? Here's their webpage address:www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/detailed-information/drugs-in-breastmilk/
There's a bunch of information there about drugs in breast milk. You can email TTY hdm or phone them to get help from a lovely lady, who is a qualified pharmacist and specialises in breastfeeding. She's fab, please do contact her. She has helped me on more than one occasion, and dges usysll v quick to reply. I'm so sorry to gear you're having such a difficult time right now. Best of luck x