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Postpartum Depression
Did you feel guilty stopping BF to start anti-depressants?
After a rough few months, I have finally been diagnosed with PPD. I have a history of depression in the past and cannot take Paxil or Zoloft due to side effects that I had while taking them. I know that these two meds are the safest to take while BFing, but my OB thinks that the psychiatrist she is sending me to will be able to come up with another med I can take and continue to BF.
From the research that I have done, it seems like Paxil and Zoloft are the two go-to meds for BFing moms and it seems like there isn't a whole lot of research on the other meds. When I begin taking meds (I have my appt tomorrow) I have decided to stop BFing because the idea of taking a med that could possibly have an affect on my baby is just too unsettling.
I am feeling so guilty about stopping BFing, though. I know that I am doing this to make myself better so that I can be a better mother (and wife) but that doesn't make me feel any less guilty about doing it. I am just hoping that I am not the only one that feels this way or has felt this way in the past. Anyone else willing to share? Am I doing the right thing? I know there are people out there who BF and take anti-depressants,,,please share your story if you are able. Thank you so much!
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Re: Did you feel guilty stopping BF to start anti-depressants?
I BF DS for 8mos and was on Celexa 40mg. I waited 2wks to start them so I could research it and I called my LC and talked to a pharmacist besides my OB because I felt so guilty.
If it makes you feel better you could contact a LC and ask some questions. She really eased my fears and is the reason I decided to go ahead and go on the meds.
If you do decide to stop BFing, just remember you are doing your best and LO will be just fine on formula. (I actually did 50/50 with DS because of a low supply & DD was FF) Hang in there! I've been through PPD twice.
9/24/2011 Plymouth Firefighters 5k: 47:13
11/12/2011 Diva Dash 5k: 45:45
5/5/2012 STEM school 5k TBD Coming up in 2012:
6/10/2012 Walk to Remember SIDS foundation 5k
(in memory of a sweet baby boy)
11/10/2012 Diva Dash 5k
My daughers pediatrician is actually the one who diagnosed and began my treatment for PPD. She put me on Lexapro and strongly encouraged me to continue breastfeeding as the breastfeeding also helps with the PPD. I completely trusted her - she is a fantastic pedi who stays on top of the latest research. I am so very glad that I continued breastfeeding and that I went on the lexapro. It was an easy decision for me since she was the one who prescribed it. Good luck with whatever you decide. You are a good mom for doing your research and doing your best to make the best decision for you and your family.
My OB recommends Lexapro or Zoloft. I was on both but my insurance didn't accept Lexapro which is why I switched to Zoloft.
I would feel guilty too- heck everyone makes moms feel guilty for NOT BFing- with or without PPD!!!
If you do stop- you went almost 6 months. THAT IS AWESOME. That is more than many of my friends who don't have PPD. I have friends who just don't want to even try BFing. 6 months is great!
Maybe do some extra pumping for the next 2 weeks and try to at least build a supply up?
Never feel guilty for doing something that will ultimately benefit you and your baby and family.
With my DS I took Celexa while BF and there is a research organization in Canada called MotherRisk that studies drugs during PG and BF and they confirmed that it was safe.
New to this board- but wanted to say that with this baby and with my first, I use Celexa. Not the first choice, but safe. Biggest concern with celexa over others is it can cause somnolence in young babies. I had not problems. I am only on 20mg, and was on same dose before. I have PRN Ativan if needed for my anxiety, but rarely use it.
I did use xanax rarely with first DD- did not have problems. But, with xanax, it has a long half life, so that is why it isn't a good choice. Ativan clears in about 4-6 hours, and blood plasma levels are low, so BM levels are lower.