Sertraline hand hold please

[Sparrow234]

i,

First post so please be kind. I won’t bore you all too much with the backstory. My son is 6 months old and is EBF.

A mixture of stress and anxiety during pregnancy, a traumatic birth and a very poorly baby have lead to PND and anxiety.

I’ve been in contact with GP basically since birth and she prescribed sertraline a long time ago but long story short - I didn’t take it.
Things are such now that I feel I have no other option. My partner is supportive and has stuck by me through these hard times, he’s not about to run off or anything but our relationship is in tatters. I’m an anxious irritable angry mess and my boy is picking up on it and I want to be better for him.

I can’t stop breastfeeding - son has complex allergies and refuses formula. We both love breastfeeding and it’s got me through my darkest moments knowing that he needs me for food and comfort. Neither or us want to stop.
I’m bedsharing at the moment (yes following guidelines safely) and the GP has reassured me this morning that it’s safe to continue and take sertraline.

I just feel incredibly guilty that some of this drug will go into my baby. I want to get better but I can’t bring myself to take it. I know I need to take some action to keep our family together and make sure my baby keeps the mum he deserves.
What are people’s experiences? Are you breastfeeding on sertraline without any issues? Is your baby ok? Is the improvement worth the sacrifice of allowing it into your milk? Did it make anything any better?

I’m on the waiting list for talking therapy.

Take a deep breath. You will be fine, there is nothing wrong with taking sertraline. It'll be better for you. Trust me, I know. I've been in your position. My son was about 6 months when I finally went on it and it helped so much. I didn't realise just how bad things had actually been for me beforehand.

If it wasn't safe they wouldn't recommend it. But yes, I breastfed fine, I had no issues, milk supply was all good, son had no effects from it. Seriously made a good impact on me. It takes a while to have a proper effect, so stick with it even if it feels like it's not working.

I was in the exactly your position, prescribed Sertaline when my baby was 1. After a year of feeling so low. I didn’t take it straight away. I carried on for 2 more months. Part of my reluctance was the shame of it. Just thought I would never be someone who would take AD’s. Anyway, I’v been on them for 6 months and it took a while to get the dose right and you do get side effects for the first couple of weeks, namely feeling sick and in my case actually experiencing an even lower mood for the first couple of weeks. You actually think, when are they going to work? Then all of a sudden you feel that bit better without even noticing it. I would speak to your health visitor about your concerns regarding bf. Though I thought it was safe to do so. It’s really important you get well so don’t beat yourself up about taking them. Good luck xxx

Thanks everyone

Sparrow your depression is making you feel as if you don't deserve the treatment or to get better. It is colouring your perception of yourself . Sertraline has been taken safely by thousand upon thousand of breast feeding mothers. It has good effect and you and your lovely child should benefit.Depression is bad for you ; poor sleep, erratic eating, inability to concentrate or enjoy yourself . These symptoms are harmful and not good for either of you. You have clearly been doing your absolute best but this hormonal illness is still there. Think about what you would advise a friend or relation in your situation.i'm not saying it is wrong not to start treatment but your current situation sounds miserable for your family and taking advice from your doctor might make things better. Best of luck

So I did actually start taking the medication this morning .... although absolutely terrified myself with the list of side effects. They look horrific!
What are people’s experiences of side effects? I feel a bit woolly headed this morning but nothing else yet. Please be honest even if it’s unpleasant. I’m aware I’m at home with a small baby alone for long periods while DH works shifts. Not like I can call on family Or friends atm.

I think the first two to three weeks were when I experienced side effects. I had headaches, felt a bit sick and felt quite down tbh. Initially I thought oh my god, these are making me worse! But all of a sudden I started feeling a bit more balanced if you like. It was very gradual. I just felt calmer and not about to burst into tears all the same. Stick with it! Xxx

Maybe more tired than usual and a bit weepy but after 2 or 3 weeks I had no side effects except feeling productive finally