Zoloft while breastfeeding, fears and balance
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Anonymous
| I'm finally in a place where I think I can't take it anymore. I've been angry and irritable for some time now ... frankly I'm an angry irritable person. But lately I've been so depressed that everything is a struggle. I'm thinking I may need some medication, and because I'm breastfeeding, I assume it will be zoloft. But of course I have all kinds of fears and concerns about it. Will it affect my kid? Will it affect my ability to think at my job (litigation and lots of pressure)? Will it be hard to come off of it? I want to be happy and well for my family, but I'm so scared of medicating myself. I guess I'm just looking to hear stories from people who started zoloft while breastfeeding (second kid, 8 months old) and how that went for you - pros and cons. |
Anonymous
| I took paxil while breastfeeding each of my kids. Oldest is 4 and I haven't seen any side effects that may or may not be related to it. I didn't take it while I was pregnant but started back on it with doctor's support the week after I delivered. I have had anxiety/depression for years and needed it, esp during the time when I was breastfeeding. Breastfeeding took a lot out of me so I felt I was more exhausted, irritable during that time and it was better nor only for me, but for my husband and the general mood of the house and those who had to deal with me. So, there were not any cons for me. |
Anonymous
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I gestated and nursed my baby while on a low dose of Celexa. I worried a little, but really, depression would have been much worse--I was able to enjoy my baby, take delight in her, and hold it together much better than if I had not been taking medication.
I think that you should discuss these concerns with a psychiatrist, preferably one who specializes in maternal mental health issues. Not being on an anti-depressant is not a risk-free choice--maternal depression can be toxic for mom, baby, and family. At 8 months, your baby will be reducing his milk intake relatively soon anyway, so you're talking about short-term exposure, if that helps your fears at all. |
Anonymous
| OP here. Thanks. I will obviously work with a professional, but it's often good to hear from personal stories in addition. I appreciate the feedback. |
Anonymous
| Breastfeed my DS while on Lexapro with no ill effects. The later you start, the less of the drug LO will get in his system, assuming he is also eating solids at this point. Honestly, I wouldn't worry one bit in your shoes. I plan to start back on Lexapro as soon as #2 is born. It helped me enjoy my baby so much more. PS - for me, the side effects were minimal. No "brain fog" or anything like that. I was just able to cope without lashing out or sobbing over miniscule issues. |
Anonymous
| I was on wellbutrin while pregnant and now breastfeeding. The possible risk of the drug is totally worth it to me compared to the certainty that my parenting would be affected by depression. |
Anonymous
| Quit breastfeeding. Give formula. The time freed from breastfeeding use for yoga, or some other stress relieving activities (try accupuncture, reflexology massage). The truth is your baby needs a happy mother more than your breastmilk and quitting that would surprise you in terms of relief. Get your second half give the bottle, use that time selfishly for a long bath or just stroll. You will be amazed that you will be in a much better place on a couple of weeks. |
Anonymous
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I had my baby in late August and started Zoloft when she was ~3 weeks old. I've been breastfeeding the whole time. My understanding is that Zoloft is compatible with breastfeeding because so little of it is excreted into your breastmilk, so your baby's exposure is minimal. I haven't noticed any issues with the baby and her pediatrician is really happy I'm taking it. I think she sees a lot of mothers try to tough it out and it's not good for mom or baby.
Zoloft has made a huge difference for me - I'm not consumed with guilt, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. I'm also an attorney (not working currently). Of course, Zoloft may not be right for you, but if you are suffering I would absolutely give it a try. |
Anonymous
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I had antepartum depressiona and took zoloft for it. I now have a 5 month old and almost EBF her. I can't tell you about the long term effects but I can say that she has met all her physical and developmental milestones early. She bables, has good motor coordination for her age, is curious, I dare say she's perfect. She is in the 90th percentiles for height and weight.
As for the impact on your work, you might feel a little tired at first when the medication is taking effect. I also have a high intensity job and found the zoloft really helped me get a grip when I needed it. I was so much less sensitive about things, I didn't dwell on bad things. The medication really helped me get over a big hump and I really attribute the fac that I didn't suffer from post partum depression to the fact that I got this medication during my pregnancy. One poster said you should stop breast feeding but there is evidence that breast feeding can actually help boost your mood. Also I have heard that stopping breast feeding can really have a negative impact on your mood so be careful with that advice. One of my colleagues remarked at how I seemed to be doing so well with my transition back to work and that I seemed really happy with my new life. I know that there is a lot that is making me happy but I also know the medication has really helped take the edge off everything. I don't plan on taking this forever but I do plan on taking it through DD's first year. |
Anonymous
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I'm a biglaw litigator and struggled with the decision about whether to take something for what I didn't want to admit was PPD. I had returned to work pretty early, so was trying to work, take care of colicky baby, and breastfeed. I was a wreck. So I started the Zoloft and it helped me 200%, and I don't see any side effects in my now 18 month old DS.
Because I'm obsessive, I read all the medical journals and such on the impact of Zoloft on breastfeeding baby. What I came to appreciate was that my baby (and, possibly to a greater extent, my whole family) needed a happy and healthy mom. I made the decision that any potential side effects (given that they possibility was so rare) would be far outweighed by me being able to be happy again. Looking back, I don't regret my decision one bit. Another PP though suggested the route I'd suggested to you if you were my friend -- stop breastfeeding. You've made it 8 months, give yourself a break. Take an SSRI if you need it, take some time to yourself, let those post-partum hormones leave your body, and take all that extra time for yourself. You will feel great, you won't have to worry about side effects on your baby, and your baby will continue to thrive with a happy mom to help him/her along. |
Anonymous
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I am on Zoloft and while I am not nursing now, I wouldn't recommend nursing while taking it. I do not think experts are very clear now on what exactly the effects are on passing the medication into the mother's breastmilk and why take the chance? I say it's best to err on the side of caution.
If you really feel you need to take it, it may be wise to just stop nursing and go on the medication. Do not feel guilty at all. As a mother, you need to take care of yourself and you need to take care of your mental needs just as much as your physical ones. I wish you the best. |
Anonymous
| OP, if you need help, get it. It's what's best for you and your family. I wouldn't recommend continuing with breastfeeding while you're taking medication, but your baby will be fine with the bottle. |
Anonymous
And you are who exactly to make this recommendation? OP, talk to a psychiatrist who specializes in women's mental health. |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
| I would not take medication and breastfeed. Formula is a wonderful thing. Child is old enough to have had the benefits. |