Anti-anxiety meds?

[SayitaintSnow]

Anyone here taking/taken anti-anxiety meds while BFing? I'm thinking I need to look into going on something, but I don't know what's out there that's okay while BFing. I've got a 3.5 month old and he has a number of health issues so I'm a little extra hesitant to go on anything that will impact him significantly (and anything that will hit his kidneys is off limits since they're already stressed). I have an appt with someone from my OB team this week, but I want to go in with at least a general idea ahead of time of what I'm asking for.

Thanks in advance for any advice

[gingy]

Yep! I'm on Celexa (technically SSRI, but taken for anxiety). I was given the choice between that (since it worked prior to pregnancy) or Zoloft as safe BF options. I took a half dose for a while out of caution but realized I needed the whole thing. My LC was also very helpful for finding meds that would be safe (for anxiety and otherwise).

[vvvvvfee]

just wanted to mention InfantRisk if you hadn't heard of it- it's the premier BFing/medication research center in the u.s. you can either call them or post in their forums to get the most up-to-date info. you can search for specific medications in the forum and see what they've said: www.infantrisk.com/forum/forum/medications-and-breastfeeding-mothers

or call them: 1 [phone] Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm CT

[Speedy]

I also took citalopram (celexa). I was on it through my pregnancy and just finished weaning myself off of it since my life circumstances and anxiety are better. Kiddo is 7 months old.

[jessila]

I'm on Zoloft and breastfeeding. I went on when DD was 3 mo for PPA and am still on and she's almost 9 mo. I'll stay on until after she weans because that's about how long my PPA lasted with my DS.

I had PPA with my DS but only realized it in hindsight after my hormones regulated post breastfeeding. It got bad around the 3mo with both kids but with my son it was the same time I went back to work. This time things got bad at 3mo and I was able to recognize what was happening but it still took a couple weeks.

All that being said-being medicated for my PPA is a life changer. I feel like myself and not like a hot mess. I love it.


ETA-shortly after going on meds I found out my maternity leave was being cut short by 5 weeks, my DS got an ASD dx, we moved, and I was the MOH in my bff's wedding. It was an intense 3 month period that I could not have handled without medication. It also helps me be more grounded when dealing with all autism related things for my son; not a miracle worker but definitely helps me a ton.