breast v. bottle on anti-depressants

[Anonymous]

I'm pregnant with #2, and this time around will need to be on anti-depressant medication postpartum (and for awhile, most likely). OB and shrink are mixed about whether it's safe to breast feed. I nursed #1 for two years and really want to nurse #2 as well, but not if it's not safe. Anyone with experience in this area? Do you think the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the potential risks of exposing baby to medication?

[Anonymous]

My sister was on anti depressants and did a ton of research on this subject. She finally decided that it was best to bottle feed. There isn't much research on the long term affects of anti depressants in breast milk (when those babies age). There is, however, millions and millions of healthy adults who were bottle fed. It is a very tough decision, I know. Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

There is a lot of literature out there on this--try going to medline (NIH) to find studies. I would guess it depends on the dosing or the particular medication. A very well-read and thoughtful mommy-friend felt comfortable nursing her daughter while on anti-depressants and anxiety meds. So far so good for baby and mom alike. Like the previous poster pointed out though, the longer term effects are probably important to consider when making your decision.

[Anonymous]

When I had some medication related questions for another health issue, the women at the Breastfeeding Center on K Street were invaluable to me in providing information. They have Hale's Medicine and Mother's Milk, the resource that is the most comprehensive on lactation and medication. They do phone consults if you want another point of reference in making your decision. And congrats!

[Anonymous]

I was going to mention the book that PP mentioned -- Hale's guide. "Medications and Mother's Milk" I think it's called. Most physicians are NOT trained in human lactation, nor have they done much research on the way medications interact with breastmilk. I would trust the IBCLC's at the Breastfeeding Center and Dr. Hale's book over any regular doctor (unless of course your doctor is referencing Hale's guide!)

[Anonymous]

I had to go off epilepsy drugs to TTC and during pregnancy (currently 7 months along), and a hugely helpful resource to me was an organization called OTIS--the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. Not a catchy name, but they run hotlines by state all over the country and offer information about the risks of medications in pregnancy and while breastfeeding--they have all available research at their fingertips. I spoke with someone there twice; once they quoted me research out of New Zealand, and once they contacted a doctor at a Boston hospital who specializes in this field and then got back to me with information from him. They are definitely not pushy about taking medication or not--just tell you what's known.

The website is www.otispregnancy.org. You can find hotline numbers there. They were a lifesaver to me.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone, for the support and the amazing resources!

[Anonymous]

I've been on 450mg of Wellbutrin XL for about 4 years now. I'm now pregnant with our second child and have taken it while pregant with our first child, nursed him until he was 16 months old and now through this pregnancy. None of my medical care professionals have expressed concern. Just my experience.

[Anonymous]

I also went through two pregnancies and nursed both my children for more than a year while on Zoloft, with the blessing of my shrink, OB, pediatrician and lactation consultant. I think this is actually very common.