Antidepressants and Breastfeeding

You may be looking for information on the safety of antidepressants while breastfeeding because you think you may need to take them and you are worried about your baby. This is a valid concern since you know antidepressants effect how your mind functions.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It is very common, especially in the post partum period when your hormones can cause you to feel down. It is not a personal or a moral failing on your part. You are not somehow weaker or less capable than mothers who do not suffer from depression. You are not alone on this journey. Many other women need and do take antidepressants while breastfeeding.

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of taking medications for depression while breastfeeding so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

Pros:

1. You will be a better mother, wife, friend, co-worker, etc. You will be able to enjoy these precious days with your baby. You can’t ever get these days back again. Depression is a dark, dark place to be. A few of the warning signs of depression from 4Women.gov:

• Feeling restless or irritable

• Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed

• Crying a lot

• Having no energy or motivation

• Eating too little or too much

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions

• Feeling worthless and guilty

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart beating fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)

• being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself and not having any interest in the baby.

All of these symptoms are likely to cause your family to feel alienated from you and frustrated because they don’t know how to help you. If you are suffering from depression, you can’t give your family the care they need and you can’t take good care of yourself.

2. For many antidepressants, there is very little risk to your baby. For a more complete discussion of drugs by brand name, click here for an article on antidepressants and breastfeeding from KellyMom.com: 3. Many women only need the extra help for a short time. 4. You will be setting a good example for your children that you deserve to take good care of yourself.

5. In addition to feeling better overall, many women also notice that they feel much more organized and are able to accomplish more. This is especially beneficial since having children requires you to multitask and keep the whole family organized.

Cons:

1. There is no way to predict how your baby will respond to exposure to any particular drug through your milk. The only way to find out is to watch your baby closely while taking the drug.

2. You may feel guilty. You shouldn’t feel guilty because you will be a better mom and your baby will most likely be just fine. Unfortunately, being a mom is guilt producing. No matter how valid the argument for taking antidepressants, you may still feel guilty.

3. It takes time to reach the maximum benefit from these drugs. You most likely won’t feel better for a few weeks after starting a new medication.

4. Not all drugs work for everyone. You may start taking something only to discover that it doesn’t work very well for you. You may have to try more than one drug before finding the one that is right for you.

5. You may have to explain to family members and friends why you are taking these drugs while breastfeeding. Some people are under the impression that any drugs while breastfeeding are dangerous for the baby. This is inaccurate information, but as you know, people like to share their opinions.

Taking a drug while breastfeeding can be very scary. Don't let fear rule you. Your doctor will help you find the safest medication to help you without hurting your baby. Take good care of yourself and feel better.