Sertraline and breastfeeding - has anyone had negative effects?

[Yuckyyuckyuckity]

I've been struggling with my mental health, probably on and off for a few years now if I'm honest, but since my DC2 was born 6 months ago it's worsened a lot. I'm EBF although just started weaning onto solids. DC2 doesn't really take a bottle, and I'd prefer to carry on BF if possible.

It's getting to the point where it's affecting my relationship with my husband and my DC1 and I know I need to get it sorted. I do all the usual things like get outside for walks, exercise, meet people etc. Diet isn't bad although could be better (a lot of chocolate is being consumed). I did therapy for a bit over a year ago, it helped at the time but I knew it wouldn't last. Nothing works long term, I genuinely can't stop crying some days and I just feel like I'm in a black hole.

I've been prescribed sertraline which I know is one of the safest antidepressants to take while BF. I've read extensively about it's safety as well anecdotal threads on here, but something is holding me back from starting.

I'm the kind of person where if I take it during BF and then later on down the line DC2 was to develop something like autism or adhd or literally anything, I'd always blame myself and wonder if it was the sertraline that caused it. Which will probably make my MH spiral even more.

Has anyone taken sertraline while BF and seen any negative impacts on their baby? I know it's anecdotal but I'd still like to know. Or any other advice is much appreciated.

Hopeful bump

I’m breastfeeding and have been on setraline for the last 4/5 weeks, started at 25mg and have been increased to 50mg about 5 days ago. I haven’t noticed any difference in my daughter. My mental health has been awful since having her, I hate taking tablets especially while breastfeeding but I felt like I was on the verge of a mental breakdown and my kids need me to be ok.

this may be useful @Yuckyyuckyuckity

https://www.acacia.org.uk/files/cms/232_Sertraline%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

I took setraline since my eldest was 6 months, was on 200 mg throughout pregnancy with my second and dropped to 150 when he was about a year. Eldest now 4 and a bit (bf until 14 months) and youngest is 19 months (still bf) and haven't noticed anything with either of them.

Thank you, I'd already read this but for some reason it still doesn't quite reassure me.

If anyone else was in my position I'd be like 'don't be silly, take them!' but I just feel so anxious to do so. All the what ifs going around in my head.

I've taken sertraline since about 30 weeks pregnant, and my daughter is coming up for 3 years old now, and still breastfeeding as much as she can get away with. She's as healthy as a horse, no worries with this one (her big brother couldn't breastfeed and is much less healthy).

I took Sertraline whilst breastfeeding (he was 2 and a half). I had to stop breastfeeding because my son got all of the symptoms I was getting. Jittery, insomnia and he was gripping his teeth and grinding them.
It was distressing, so I decided he needed to stop feeding.

Thanks for sharing- did his symptoms go as soon as you stopped taking it?

Hope this helps

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/dibm/2019-09/Antidepressants%20and%20Breastfeeding.pdf

I’m no expert but I’d prioritise treating my mental health a million times over breastfeeding. And considering the excellent alternative to breastfeeding there’s no way I’d keep feeding while taking them. You’ve fed him for 6 months, it’s excellent. Personally I wouldn’t be happy to take antidepressants and breastfeed, because there is simply no need. But the drs say it’s ok so you can take their word for it of course.

@Yuckyyuckyuckity yes after a day or two they were gone and he was back to himself although quite upset at not being able to latch on when he wanted. He got over that very quickly so stopping was overdue.
The sertraline saved my sanity, it is the best antidepressant I've tried.