Anyone Breastfed on Zoloft Before?

M., PPD is horrid...and I know your worries first hand. For me the medication was/is Celexa. I had to go on celexa at a small dose during my second trimester. I was able to quit after I had my baby...until at month 5 PPD hit me and hit me hard. I went back on the Celexa with trepidation about my dd. She's two and a half now and you would never know any difference between her and a baby who didn't get trace of celexa or and anti-depressant in their breastmilk. I look back now and know that my depressed mind was always looking for a negative I couldn't see positives so I worried about things that with a clear mind I can see now where not really issues. I have a sister who has had 3 children 2 were "zoloft" babies. Both are above average in school. I have a friend with 3 "zoloft" babies and all 3 of her kids are fine too. I'm a research freak and I can't remember the exact percentage but it was .003 % or some other small number like that of the meds that actually make it into the breastmilk. Your baby gets more caffiene from a coffe or a coke than they do of the meds. There is still such a stigma in our society about the medications but for those of us who have had to take it to be alive, there really is no debate. My daughter has a mom because I took my medications. I was in that bad of a place. Your baby needs you. And the breast milk is a healthy beginning for her life. My ppd was so bad I wanted an excuse NOT to breastfeed her, I was hoping the medication would give me that excuse. It did not. I tried to wean her anyway at 6 months because I hated breastfeeding, and she refused the formula. I ended up breastfeeding her through her first year. I don't know if it is the PPD or my personality but I never enjoyed breastfeeding but I am glad that I was able to give my daughter those antibodies. In my case she made the decision for me not to do formula. and now I am glad. You really aren't alone. as mom's we always worry about what is best for our kids, but when that worry is coming from a place of anxiety and PPD it is so much harder to feel at peace with our decisions. I couldn't trust my feelings on things. I had to rely on my midwife who I loved and trusted implicitly and my sweet husband to help me to make decisions that were right for me and my baby until the chemicals in my body were functioning the way they needed to be with the medication. Hugs. You are a good mom. I hope you feel validated in your worries. The decision to breastfeed is already a tough one without the extra stuff involved. The good news? formula fed babies are healthy and happy as the breastfed ones. So even if you decide you can't do the breastfeeding your baby will be fine. I just don't think that taking the meds should be what decides for you if you are going to breastfeed or not, that is just my opinion based on my own experience. Hang in there...as you can see by your responses, you really aren't alone.

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Hi there M.,

First of all....don't apologize for feeling extra obsessed about taking any meds while bfing. You are a super mom who is watching out for her baby's needs. It is ok.

I only took zoloft once in the past and was not with any kids. It was a medication that did not work for me. That is me.

I had my dear daughter 2yr ago in August. I suffered from really bad PPD too. I did not go on anything until 2 mos later. I was put on Effexor XR. Like yourself....I worried about what it would do to my daughter. Everyone reassured me...the pediatrician, my pcp dr., everyone. So, I kept on the meds for a year. I went off them....bf her until 15mos old...got pregnant again (still preggo). I have two more weeks and am worrying once again about getting PPD. My plans are to get right on the Effexor while I am in the hospital.

So, all I can say is from my experience with my own meds....things were fine with me and my baby. No needs for worry. Most of the meds out there are similar too. Sounds like you did a lot of research too and found nothing out of the ordinary. Be gentle on yourself and take care of yourself by taking the meds.

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My sister takes zoloft and has been on it while breastfeeding 4 of her 5 kids, including currently with her 18 month old twins. She had many of the same concerns you do and did all the research as well. Ultimately, she decided the benefits of breastfeeding far outweighed any slight chance of risk and also, her babies need her to be able to be a healthy and functioning mommy for them. Good luck--you made the right decision to get help. Also, to help increase your supply, I have found that Mother's Milk Tea and lots of Fenugreek helps.

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I also made the decision to breastfeed on zoloft. I was taking a low dosage, 25mg. It was a very difficult decision, but I was at the 'end' of breastfeeding my DD. I had breastfed her for 6 months before taking the medication and was down to two feedings a day, with formula supplementing the other feedings. Please trust your instincts and know that you need to be healthy before you can take care of your family. I can tell you are a loving mom, so trust that your son will be healthy and loved no matter what you decide to do to get through your ppd.

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I only wanted you to know your baby is so lucky to have such a careful, astute mom who is willing to check out all options and make well thought-out decisions for his benefit. You will be reaping the benfits of your conscientious mothering for the rest of your life--and your son will be, too. I am so impressed. Hang in there!

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Congrats on the new baby! I have a new born as well, she is now 3 months old. I am taking Zoloft and am loving the feeling of being chilled out and happy opposed the the angry and sad feelings I experienced before I started the meds. I took zoloft for about four months following two previous pregnancies and breast fed both those kids until they turned one. They are now 4 and 2 and are happy and healthy. I am a huge advocate of using meds as a last resort and like to try and prefer natural methods....but knowing how I felt emotionally....I think the zoloft is a necessity and I know it's not forever. You should feel good about doing what you need to do to be happy and really enjoy that new baby of yours. Us moms have enough to feel guilty about...just do this for you....guilt free....a happy mom makes a happy home!!!!!!

R.

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With my third child, I experienced ppd...and it was bad. I had no problem taking care of life and needs of others since it was such a habit...but I felt so down it's like I wanted to just die and couldn't figure out why for the life of me. It's a rough place to be. So I sought help...went to therapy for a little while and took Zoloft. I was so worried...terribly. Even before I took it, I did everything in my power to use natural alternatives...like extreme health in diet and excercise plus therapy...didn't work which was that much more frustrating and painful. With everyone around me in mind and worrying about them and how I was effecting them, especially my two oldest children, I finally gave in to the meds never feeling secure even with all the research and such that you are talking about. The Zoloft didn't really work that well for me, anyway...everyone is different. So I found myself feeling depressed and guilty on top of that for taking even the smallest chance with my baby. I finally just stopped breastfeeding and got on meds that worked...meds that I couldn't breastfeed with. My family became happier. As much as everyone agrees that the breast is best, we all require not only physical health but mental/spiritual as well. There has to be a balance...if one is perfect and the other pays for that perfection, it's pretty pointless...the health really isn't there at all. So I made the choice and it all turned out for the best. My sister-in-law experienced the same thing before this ever happened. Everyone pressured her to continue breastfeeding to the point that one day she called me just crying and crying with dispair...my reaction was very clean and clear, "You're baby needs a happy mom much more than a boob!" She felt release, started taking care of herself which called for formula feeding and all is well in the world. Good luck to you...this is not easy stuff.

M., I was put on zoloft during my last pregnancy and breast fed my son for 13 months thereafter (still on zoloft). I have four children and he is the most wonderful child and sometimes I think he is the easiest of them all. I know it is a difficult decision but when you need the help you need to look after yourself. Zoloft has made a world of differnce to me as a MOther and I know my children have a better Mother because of it.

So, go for it. I hope your milk supply comes back so you can continue and enjoy that special feeling breast feeding a child can give you. They really do grow up so fast. My youngest has just turned four.

Have fun.
S.
Mother of four including a five year old son with special needs.

I have been taking Zoloft while nursing since my little girl was a few months old. She is now 15 months, and still nurses occassionally, and is healthy, happy and fabulous. I have to say that I feel 200% better myself. I never got on meds before, and I know I really should have after my 2nd was born, and notice such a difference with how I was after he was born, and the months following, and how I've been since being on meds with my 3rd. You can't take care of others unless you are taking care of yourself first, you've done the right thing!!

I used it and as long as ALL the drs said it was ok i trusted them im very proud of u for getting on it it is a very hatd thing to do my son is now to and i nursed him till he was 1 he never had formula he is the best so i hope this helps a lil good luck and give the lil one a squeeze for me

Hi. I have carried and breastfed all of my babies on either prozac or zoloft. My nine year old is the one I was on zoloft with and she didn't have any problems with it. I think you are pretty safe. But I do know how hard it is to know whether you are doing the right thing. I wish you much luck with your little one.

Hi. Yes, I am on Zoloft again. I was on it from 11/06 when my little guy was 3 weeks old (total 3 months) and again with my now 7 week old. I will be on it again for about 3 months. I nursed my older one, and am nursing again. Everything is great with both boys, no effects from the med. I understand how you feel about your little one, you just want the best for them. I recommend taking the med--it has made such a difference to us! Good luck!

I breast fed my now 5 1/2 year old daughter on Zoloft and she is happy & healthy - I haven't seen any side effects! I also was on Brewer's Yeast and Fenugreek to help with my milk supply. You are an amazing mom who loves her son!!

I don't know anything about zoloft but I am on Wellbutrin and was during my entire pg. When I was in the hospital during delivery, I couldn't get a unanimous answer whether I could bf - 2 nurses/dr said it was safe while 3 others said it was a class c - probably safe but not enough research. I opted to formula feed but I ff my first 2 (for other reasons) so I knew my little guy would be fine & healthy with it. During my pg I got the same response as you are with respect to your desire to bf - the benefits outweigh the risk (no one wants to see a person who is depressed not on meds, pregant or not). I just wanted you to know you are not alone as far as ppd goes.

Do what you are comfortable with. If you have any doubts about bf then don't do it or you will drive yourself nuts with worry. Your LO did have 8 weeks of it and that's great but there is nothing wrong with formula if that's the way you want to go. It's your baby so you have to do what is best for you and your baby.

Congratulations and good luck!!

i didn't take zoloft with my last baby, but did take another antidepressant while nursing and didn't see any adverse effects on the baby. i have taken zoloft before having kids and it gave me diarrhea. it took me 2 months of being sick to realize the zoloft was causing it. even my doctors didn't pick up on it. so just be cautious about unusual things that happen with your body and be sure to check the list of side effects from the zoloft to see if it could be causing it. my mom took it, however, with no bad reactions. i agree that it is worth it to take an antidepressant and breastfeed. you could go without the breastfeeding if necessary, but i wouldn't go without the antidepressant right now.

My docs switched me from Prozac to Zoloft after my 2nd baby was born in 2006. Said it was safer for breastfeeding babies. It turned out horrible for me. Zoloft didn't work for me. Doctors said prozac was fine and safe after my first baby was born in 2004. I believe switching your meds after a baby is born is a mistake unless it's absolutely necessary. I was taking Prozac during every pregnancy. My last baby was born in April, and we are breastfeeding and still on Prozac. The baby is fine and I am happy and enjoying him because I AM on the meds. Certain antidepressants are safe for baby. My doctors also told me Zoloft was one of them! The most important thing that affects your baby is how YOU feel and if it's working for you.

My best friend breast fed on Zoloft and I'm pleased to report both boys are happy and super healthy. Hope this helps.

Hi M.
I breast fed on Zoloft and my now 15 mo old son never showed any signs what so ever of being affected by it!
I have been to the doctor since then to treat bi-polar disorder and told him I have been recently taking a natural supplement 5-HTP (found at most grocerie stores in the health food section) I take 2 pills 3 times a day and he told me I could cut my Zoloft dose in half!
If you want a good book on natural alternatives I suggest "Mood Cures" thats where I learned about 5-HTP.
Good Luck!

T. B.
Team Leader
Bubble Goddess Bath Co
"Natural Bath Products For Your Inner Goddess"
###-###-####
____@____.com

M.,

I'm sorry to hear about the ppd, I can relate to your fears and concerns about doing the best thing for the baby and yourself. I used zoloft while I was breastfeeding my youngest. I think she was about 6 weeks old when I started it. I had dealt with ppd with my oldest and so I recognized it right away and knew I needed medication to be the best mom I could be. Zoloft worked great for me and didn't seem to affect my baby either way. Maybe she like me was a little more sleepy at first, but it didn't last long or affect our daily/nightly schedual. When I weaned her she did great and didn't seem to have any negative effects. Feel free to write and ask questions if you have them. I hope it goes well for you and that you have peace about your decision.

hi--I breastfed on Zoloft (started it because of horrible insomnia) from the time that my baby was 5 weeks old until 8 months. There were no side effects on the baby and he still latched on and drank very well. I experienced dry mouth and fatigue for the first few weeks but then I started to feel much better. For me, it wasn't a "happy pill"; it just made me more even-keeled and helped me sleep. I gradually lowered the dosage and then went off it completely. It was the best decision I have ever made. Good luck!

I took Zoloft after I had baby #3... the third one just put me over the edge. I didn't have ppd, I was just overwhelmed and stressed with everything that goes along with having a new baby and 2 older kids. The 2 docs I spoke to at the time advised that Zoloft would be the best to help my situation. I took it for a few months and it did help for a while, but I stopped when I felt it wasn't making much difference any longer (don't go cold turkey like I did though - major headaches for 2 weeks! I stopped without consulting the doc which was a bad idea.) Anyway, I took these meds while nursing and my now 3.5 year old is just fine. Good luck with everything!

Hi, I took Zoloft and breasfed with my 5th son and he never showed signs of being bothered by it. He did just fine. Also, a suggestion for building your breastmilk could be to pump after each nursing. When my baby girl was in the hospital learning to eat again the nurses had me pump after each breastfeed and that really built my milk suppy. They said that is what every mom should do until the baby is at least 8 weeks anyways because it really boosts your supply. Pump each breast 10 minutes after you have gotten him to nurse as much as he wants even if HE only nurses about 5 minutes. I would pump while the nurses or my husband would give her a bottle or tube feeding for the rest that she needed. I have really noticed a difference with my milk because of pumping. I rented a hospital grade breastpump from a local home health care and my insurance covered the cost. They deliver and pick up when you are done. Goode luck!!

I did and my doctor assured me it was safe and showed me a book that lists medications and their risks and with Zoloft it was very low, I think it showed only 2 cases of "side effects: which were fussiness. I felt that it was actually safer and better for all of my children if I were on the medication, even with the breastfeeding, with how low I was feeling. Your baby needs a mommy, most of all! I dont know how exactly you are feeling, but before Zoloft I was always thinking of suicide or at least of hurting myself. I was in my room crying more often than taking care of my kids... after being on the med 2 weeks it was a complete turnaround. Also keep in mind you dont have to be on it forever. In my case I went off it after my baby was 2 months, the depression had a lot to do with raging hormones during pregnancy, and it is nice to know that it is always an option to go back on it if needed but that I don't have to take it forever. ** I had no side effects and neither did my baby.

Good luck to you!! It made a huge difference for me so my advice would be to try it :) you deserve to be happy!

Hey M.,

I suffered from PPD after my first baby and didn't get the help I needed because I didn't want to take medicine and breast feed. Well, needless to say, this was the worst decision I ever could have made. My whole family suffered miserably. So, when I got pregnant with #2 I told the Dr upfront that I wanted to go on medication right after birth and he agreed. He told me Zoloft was safe and the most studied so that is what I chose to do. My baby is now 7 months old and I nursed for the first 3. She did just fine. I know it is a hard decision to make, and there's a lot of people against it, but if you need to do it it is best for both you and your baby! I would just start on a low dose and raise it as needed. I ended up at 50mg. Good luck and I think it's great that you are trying to take such good care of both you and your baby!

I have not dealt with this situation before, but I wanted to write and tell you that you are a great mom for wanting so much to do the right thing for your baby. If the research says that Zoloft is safe for breast feeding, you can trust it, I think. BUT, if you are not comfortable, then bottle feed. So many babies are raised on formula and are perfectly healthy. My husband's mother used to feed him canned milk!!!...and he turned out fine--and that was 34 years ago. Formula is so much better now; it's very close to the composition of breastmilk. I have a friend who was unable to breastfeed either of her children, due to lack of supply, and she was devastated to have to formula feed, but in the end, after her guilt wore off, she enjoyed the convenience. Whatever you decide, please don't feel guilty or beat yourself up over it. Treating your PPD is crucial at this point, and you need to take care of YOU in order to take care of your baby...kind of like how they tell you on the airplane in case of emergency to put on your oxygen mask first, then your child's. Good luck with your decision; I know it's a tough one.

I started taking it about 2 months ago. My son is exclusively breastfed and is almost 7 months old. I haven't noticed any changes with him. I've found that it helps to take the Zoloft before I go to bed since he is asleep for the longest period of time then and my body can metabolise the medication without worring about breastfeeding (he sleeps through the night).

You are a great mom for wanting what is best for your baby! I also believe that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the small risks of zoloft. In addition, breastfeeding is associated with lower incidence of ppd because of all those good hormones it produces, mostly oxytocin. Keep breastfeeding if you can (let baby nurse as often as he wants to increase your supply) because the oxytocin will help you with the ppd as well.

I took it through half of my pregnancy and all through the breastfeeding of my 2nd child. It was so nice to feel relief from the anxiety that I took it for. She is 6 years old now. She is happy, super smart and I am probably a better mom for treating what was ailing me. Good luck to you! I hope you feel lots better soon.

I started taking Zoloft when my son was 10 weeks old - I waited as long as I could because I didn't want to be on meds, but doctors reminded me that the sooner I got better, the better it would be for my baby, and in my case that meant taking meds. I was fidgety and had trouble concentrating for the first few days, but now I don't have any side effects and I don't think my son does, either. I still worry about it, since that's my nature, but I just have to remember that this was the best decision for us at this time in our lives and be grateful that I'm doing so much better.

There are natural and incredibly effective ways to treat depression that won't hurt baby and have no side effects.....If you're interested let me know and I will go into detail with you about what you can do....I did it!
J.