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Meds while BFing and while TTC? WWYD?

jbranninjbrannin
in Postpartum Depression
I have been on Lexapro in the past for depression/anxiety but went off for about 3 months before TTC. We conceived first go round and I went the entire pregnancy without any meds--although I thought about going back on at times. I however, did speak with a counselor and work out regularly. Now my baby is 7 months old and I am still BF'ing. I would also like to expand our family with a second child and had plans to start trying now. I have been having a hard time with returning to work, baby duties, anxiety about EVERYTHING. I love being a mom and want to have 3-4 more kids,but I want to be smart about it also. I know that I have not been acting myself lately and feel I am on a slippery slope to full fledged breakdown. I really want to continue BFing *this is something special to me and would like to have another baby soon (I know it sounds crazy). I have read so many articles on meds and possible side effects, etc. I want to hear from moms who took Meds and continued to BF and/or took the entire time they were/are pregnant. What helped you make your decision? What meds were you on? How are your babies?
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Re: Meds while BFing and while TTC? WWYD?

  • srbmvpsrbmvp member

    I just wanted to say I could have written this post (and wrote a similar one above, didn't see yours yet). I am on Effexor, which is safe, but I also know there are safer options for BFing... what, not sure.

    If I were you, I would ask your doctor about starting meds. There are safe ones that can't hurt your LO, and it would be worth it to feel your best. That's what I'm going to do.

    My DS is 7 months old too, and we are talking about TTC too! But I'm done at 2, hahaha =)

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  • totallyshockedtotallyshocked member
    Def just talk to your doctor. Because of how severe my PPD was she is going to def start me on meds while pregnant next time around so you def have options. Good luck
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  • mrsbnlmelmrsbnlmel member

    I was not on meds while pregnant or TTC, but I did start almost immediately after delivery. I EP'd for awhile (preemie issues) and then EBF for 14 months. My son had no issues at all related to my medication.

    DS was really small when I started Lexapro, only about 4 1/2 lbs, so of course I had a lot of concerns. My OB and the pediatrician both fully supported my taking Lexapro. I think it was apparent to everyone else that I needed help. I still struggled with deciding to take it though. For me I was getting worse everyday. PPD was taking over my life. I wasn't able to be a Mom. I wasn't bonding with my baby. I was so, so sad. Really there was no decision to make. I had to go on meds.

    I can say now I think it was the best decision I made! DS has caught up size wise and is in normal percentiles for height and weight. He is meeting all of his milestones and is a super friendly, easy going kid. I am off the meds and really feeling back to the old me again. 

    I would talk to your doctor about your specific situation of course, but for me it was a great experience. Good luck!

    PCOS dx 2008 | BFP #1 2/26/2009 with Metformin
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    Born 5 weeks early by C/S | Severe Pre-Eclampsia
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  • jbranninjbrannin
    Thanks!! This makes me feel better. I just feel like I am damned if I do and damned if I dont. But something has to give!! Thanks for sharing your experiences. :)
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  • Sunrise6Sunrise6 member

    I EBF my DD until she self-weaned at 13 1/2 months and have been taking Sertraline, the generic for Zoloft since about 8 weeks PP.  I know that Zoloft is one of the safest meds while breastfeeding.  Kellymom.com has a TON of information for breastfeeding/pregnant mommies and what meds are safe and not.  I've referred to that site countless times for information on what meds are safe before and after asking my dr. and pharmacist since I was very paranoid about side effects.  Ultimately, I knew that I HAD to get on something so that I could be the best Mommy and so that I could function daily.  My DD has not shown any signs of side effects from me taking the Sertraline, and she has always been in the 10th% or less for her weight (for perspective since very little to none of the Zoloft passes into breastmilk).  She has always been super happy and nursed well up until she decided she was done.  

     

    It truly has made a world of difference for my family.  I am still taking it now since my hormones are still out of whack from her weaning (and it being the winter as well as moving out of state).  Ultimately I'd like to get off of it sometime, but I know that I have to do what's best for me.  My DH and I are planning on TTC again this Fall, and I'm going to ask my Dr. the next time I go to see what she recommends.  Also, keep in mind that PPD can occur anytime up until a year AFTER weaning, so it would be good to wait a few months after weaning to go off of it if you do decide to take anything.  HTH and feel free to PM me with any questions!  I've been in your shoes :)

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