ADD, breastfeeding and medication
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Anonymous
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Has anyone had any experience taking medication for ADD/ADHD (stimulants or non-stimulants) while still breastfeeding? My daughter is 6-months old; I'm EBF and also working full-time. I've been off my meds for over a year now, but my work is really starting to suffer (as are other areas of my life) and I'm considering supplementing with formula during the day and still nursing at night so I can start back on meds (with the idea that I'd be on a IR drug with a short half life), OR just stopping BFing completely. I really don't want to stop breastfeeding entirely (and I'd feel like shit if I stopped just to get back on meds), but I know I'm putting LO at risk if I nurse while taking medication. I'm aware that most stimulants are considered L3s. Just looking for feedback- NOT JUDGEMENT- about what others nursing Moms with severe ADD have done in this situation.
Thanks! |
sybersus
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Have you talked to a psychiatrist about this, to find out, e.g., what the half life of the meds are? Then you will be better able to know whether you can nurse at night. I was surprised to find out that I could take Xanax for panic attacks and still nurse just a couple of hours later because the half life is so short.
FWIW, I totally support your need to take care of your mental health, and I EBF. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| I have talked with my psychiatrist about this and he said he won't prescrible any medication for ADD as long as I'm still EBF (he's very old school too, so I didn't ask any additional questions). I was going to talk about it with my daughter's pediatrician at her next appointment, to see if she has any information on the half life of certain stimulants. I was taking Adderall before I got pregnant. |
sybersus
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| You could also see if the Breastfeeding Center has any info on this. Pat should be able to look up the half life of Adderall. I agree that talking to your child's ped makes sense. |
Anonymous
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Thanks PP, that's a good idea. I've never actually called the Breastfeeding Center. Do you know if I can just call them to ask questions without making an appointment or anything?
Thanks again 
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sybersus
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No problem. I asked Pat at one of my first appointments after I had my daughter -- she had a bad latch and I met with her three times to get through the first very tough weeks. One thought is that you could go to the "breastfeeding the older baby" class -- free and meetings once a month on Thursdays. The instructor, Margaret, is very willing to answer questions privately before or after the class, or of course you could just ask her in the class if you are okay with it. They have a book where they can easily look up that info down in the BF center itself.
Good luck! |