Need to Switch from Breastfeeding to Formula

A.,

Please contact your local La Leche League ###-###-#### and ask if any of the Leaders have the most recent edition of the book, Medications and Mother's Milk, by Thomas Hale. The other thing you can do yourself is go to LactMed, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT, and search for the medication that has been prescribed. It MAY NOT be necessary to wean your baby, and it is possible that there may an alternative medication you can take that would be compatible with breastfeeding. I also believe that nutrition, exercise, and cognitive therapy should be evaluated and encouraged as a supplement to medication. Medication alone is not the last resort. It's just easier for a doc to write a script than it is to take the time to really evaluate other conditions in your life.

Abrupt weaning can actually exacerbate symptoms of depression as well as confuse and frustrate the baby. Would you consider talking with someone who can help you make the best decision for yourself and your baby reagrding weaning and how to make the change gradually?

I wish you all the best during this difficult time. If you would like to call me, feel free.

K. L., Intern Midwife, CLC, CCCE
###-###-####

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A.-
I am a survivor of ppd and anxiety. I do not know what your doctor is putting you on or how acute your symptoms are but I would immediately get a second opinion on the meds. There are plenty of meds out there that are not harmful to take while breastfeeding. Personally, I was on Zoloft. If breastfeeding is important to you, make sure your doctor knows this. I breastfed my baby from 6-10 months old while on Zoloft last year. I combined the meds with lots of exercise, omega-3,6,9's, a good support group (go to postpartum.org for one in your area) and good nutrition (avoiding refined sugar and simple carbs; balancing with lean protein and fresh fruit and green veggies). You will get through this and it is a temporary thing. Prognosis for ppd is excellent. If you are in the Salt Lake area, we meet every Monday from 3:30-5 at the downtown library. Best wishes and feel free to contact me personally any time.
mare

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I read about the first 10 posts - all recommending Medication and Mother's Milk by Thomas Hale, a possible 2nd opinion, and other therapy to include exercise, nutrition, etc. - this advice is right on.

One thing I didn't see mentioned was your response to this. You say, "this makes me even more weapy." That is your gut telling you that you, physically and mentally, aren't ready to wean yet, and that you don't think that your daughter is ready, either. Listen to those feelings. Breastfeeding actually produces feel-good chemicals every time your baby suckles. That's what calms and relaxes you - your body makes those chemicals to help us through these tough times. Breastfeeding could actually be considered a deterrent or protectorant to depression - doesn't mean it will work 100% as you're finding out, but it can help. Just stopping suddenly could cause such a sense of loss and grief as to make things worse, too.

It is possible to treat PPD with meds and continue breastfeeding. There is an excellent article in Mothering magazine, May-June 2007, in which a mother details her victory over postpartum psychosis with meds and counseling, after it caused her to be hospitalized for several days.

I wish you the best of luck, A.. Trust yourself and your mother instict. I suffered from depression off and on for 10 years pre-pregnancy and was very concerned about PPD for myself, so although have avoided it so far, (knock on wood), have done lots of research and talking with dr. about a plan of action had I had to deal with this.

H.

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Sorry to hear about your difficulty. I had severe post partum depression with both my girls and was on medication from birth and breastfed. There are many medications for depression and anxiety that are considered safe while breastfeeding as while they do get into breastmilk it is in very small amounts. Your baby is 8 months old so the digestive and metabolic systems are much more mature than a neo-nate. I urge you to get another opinion if you do want to continue breastfeeding it is totally possible!! There is a book called medications and mothers milk written by Thomas Hale a doctor whose whole focus is on how maternal medications pass through breast milk. Most lactation consultants will have it or have access to it. Please don't give up breastfeeding if you love it-you have to take care of yourself and if it makes you sad to stop it will make it harder to deal with ppd!!

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Oh A.,
I so feel for you. What a hopeless feeling. Postpartum depression is no joke. My fear is that abrubtly quitting breastfeeding is going to be so hard on both of you. When I weaned my first daughter i thought that it would be easier to just do it all at once (and at the time she was only nursing a few times a day)-big mistake! Talk about weepy! My hormones just crashed, AND it was heartbreaking for her and that just compounded the bad situation. My advice would be to seek the advice of a naturopathic physician in your area (Joan Haynes is an experienced N.D. and a mama in Boise or you can visit www.naturopathic.org for an accredited ND in your area). There are some alternatives to drugs that you can consider first, but barring that, she will have suggestions for formula and ways to keep your baby happy and healthy while teething, etc. All formula is not the same! I had a friend that couln't breastfeed and made her own hypoallergenic formula with goat milk, fish oil and other added healthy treats. Joan could help you find the best combo for your little one. I don't know your specific medical condition, but I just think there is a better, less abrubt and painful way. Unless you are in danger of harming yourself or your little one (in which case you should be getting much more support than just a prescription which won't start working right away anyway), I find it baffling that your doc said you should wean your exclusively breast fed child all in one day. I am NOT advocating dabbling in random home remedies (please don't just do progesterone cream on your own without finding out what your hormones are really up to...) I take PPD very seriously. I just think that drugs are the last resort and not the only path even if you chose to take them. the best of luck to you and your family! This must seem overwhelming and I'm so glad you reached out for help. Please keep us all posted. Hang in there:)

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Have you exausted all other options for combating PPD? There are soo many other avenues to try before taking anti-depressants. Sunshine, fresh air, walking, exercise, specific foods, inspiration, friendships, the list goes on..there are safe alternative ways to beat depression. My baby is 8 weeks old and I started feeling the symptoms of depression and attacked it quickly with Chiropractic, nutrition-targeting specific foods that raise the seratonin levels in my body that emit depression fighting hormones, exercise and forcing myself to do these things because my mind was telling me not to.

Spring is here and it is a bright, beautiful time of year that kicks depressions ass. The quick fast-food version is anti depressants, because it tricks your brain with foreign chemicals. The side effects are that of fast food as well. The long-term and real life solutions are nutrition, chiropractic, exercise and relationships. The side effects of these are a full life!!

Im curious if your doctor has recommended any of these before he recommended a pill? The pill brings him revenue and clout from the pharma rep, the latter brings him nothing. Whose best interests are on his mind in the long run?

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First of all I want to let you know that I understand what you are going through. I too suffer from depression after my children come. Just because you go on anti-depressants doesn't necessarily mean you have to wean. I took Welbutrin XL from a month before my youngest was born all through nursing him and until he was almost two. There are medications that are considered as safe as possible. Nothing is ever considered completely safe not even Tylenol. I also work professionally with breastfeeding moms. Have you doctor look up in the 2006 edition of the book "Medication and Mother's Milk" It rates medications for pregnant and nursing moms.
Sometimes doctors though they may be well meaning will tell a breastfeeding mom to go to formula because they don't see the big deal and it's all the same to them. It's NOT the same. I teach expectant mom's about the dangers of formula. The formula manufacturers don't like the information being taught but we as mom's deserve to have the full information to make our choices. Just a few of the facts that really stick out in my mind are the fact that the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) increase by 50% with formula use. The incidence of Type I diabetes (Juvenile diabetes) increase by 25%. I could go on all day with facts and figures but that's not what you need. If I were you I would get the medication looked up in the "Medication and Mother's Milk" book as soon as possible. If it's not considered safe then find out why the doctor feels you need this particular medication verses one that would be safer for your baby. I currently expecting my last child and am anticipating having to go on antidepressants too. I also will be nursing this baby at least the 15 months I did my other children or longer if the baby wants too. I would never put my baby at risk either by using a medication that's not safe or feeding artificial baby milk when I know as much as I do about breastfeeding and it's benefits. Take care and know that your instincts are what you need to follow. We have them for a reason! E.

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There are some natural things you can do to help postpartum depression, before you start taking the drugs. B vitamins and wonderful and they help your body also at the Health food store depending on where you live there is a little ticture of rescue remedy it is wonderful for calming nerves and will not hurt your baby if breast feeding. Ask the people at the health food store they are very helpful.

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Maybe it is just the way you are writing it, but did you go to your doctor for depression? Have you talked with him or another practioner for help before? Did he talk about alternatives at all? I went to a M.D. to talk about PPD and she referred me to a nutritionist. There were some things I needed to change in my diet and a few supplements that are compatible with breastfeeding. Also, breastfeeding is a natural remedy for depression. My daughter is almost one and it would be traumatizing to abruptly end breastfeeding, so I'm sure it would be hard on you both. I don't know all your circumstances, but there are some options that may be worth looking into before starting meds. There is also a great support group in Denver.
Good luck

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I'm not sure which medication your doctor is putting you on, but for most SSRIs (commonly used to treat depression), breastfeeding is OKAY. Many people choose to stay on their SSRI while pregnant and lactating. There is very little scientific data on the long-term outcomes, but you do not have to give up breastfeeding. I know many women who have chosen to continue breastfeeding while on SSRIs and are doing well (both Mom and Baby). Consider doing an extensive web search and also talking to a Holistic Doctor (Naturopaths are wonderful) about alternatives to SSRIs to manage postpartum depression. I, too was diagnosed with depression postpartum and was able to successful treat QUICKLY without using SSRIs (like Prozac, Wellbutrin, etc.). I went to Dr. Jody Shevins and she was a tremendous support and help. Good luck!

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I'm with some of the other mothers. I'd call your local Le Leche League and have them look up depression meds in their med book or get your own book. You can take lots of things and still breast feed. Your doctor may just not be aware of this. Or you can try what I did for a bit when I was on antibiotics that were affecting my son. I fed and pumped before I took my first dose and got a couple of bottles, then fed my son right before or just after I took my med and then gave him the bottle of breast milk when the next feeding was due and then would pump again before I took the next dose but after I fed the baby. After awhile, my milk supply increased so that I could get a full 2-3 bottles in addition to feeding my son. If you can't pump, maybe go back and forth between breast and formula. Breastfeed before you take your dose of medicine and give formula when the medicine is in your system (I used Nuk nipples on Avent bottles and it worked really well going from breast to bottle). Hope this helps. I know I would have a harder time with my postpartum depression if I had to give up breastfeeding as well. Have you tried going out for a couple of hours with friend...with or without your kiddos. I know getting out of the house helped with me when I first had the baby. I didn't end up using any meds, though I was definately ready too if I needed them. A massage or spa day is always nice too to help you relax and get away from it all. Good luck! Always willing to lend an ear if you need to talk. ____@____.com

S., 25, mom of Tyrrone, 4 months

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Hi A.,
You've gotten so many responses I don't now whether you'll have the chance to read this, but here goes. My baby daughter started refusing to breastfeed at three weeks. Because of medical issues I have, I am one of the very few who just didn't produce enough milk (I had three lactation consultants tell me this... a week after my daughter was born and after she had already lost far too much weight and was violently jaundiced.) Breast is best but sometimes it just doesn't work out. If that turns out to be the case for you, remember that your baby will be healthy, happy and fine! Mine is, but boy, I grieved and grieved about not being able to breastfeed. Forgive yourself and move on. Anyway, my daughter also has reflux (she's 13 months old now and still struggles occasionally). We found that the formulas designed to reduce reflux helped quite a bit, though not 100%. We used Enfamil "AR" until we switched to cow's milk several weeks ago. Hope this helps! Hang in there.

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Hi - I can relate to your situation. I currently use The Similac organic which has the DHA and Iron in it as well. I think all the formulas are great these days. I tried a few but found this to work the best as my child has reflux but not a milk allergy. Good luck!

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I had to switch to formula when my baby was about 6 weeks. I couldn't keep up with how much she ate, no matter what I did. I did some research and settled on the Kirkland brand of formula from Costco. It has the Iron, DHA/ARA, everything that the major brands have. It is about $20 for 2 cans that are 1 lb. 9.7 oz. It costs about $26 for the same amount of brand name (Enfamil, Similac, even generic) formula from our local grocery store, and I even get a discount at the grocery store. Costco is definitely the most cost effective and has all the same nutrition. She will probably resist the bottle at first, and yes you are in for a fight. She will adjust, though. Don't give up, and more importantly, DO NOT let ANYBODY make you feel guilty for not breastfeeding! There are a zillion kids out there (mine included!) that have had formula and I have yet to see any studies that show they suffer any REAL negative effects. My formula fed baby had all the same milestones at exactly the same time as my older breastfed baby! Good luck!

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I had to switch fro nursing at 6 mo. with my daughter and she spit up with everything and then someone reccomended Carnation Good Start. Her spitting up decreased tremendously and after about 4 mo. on that I was able to switch her to other formulas. So if your kiddo has a bad stomach I would reccomend you start with that to see if it works. If that doesn't work I know a lot of kids that have had to use Nutramigen (but it is very expensive). Hope you can find the right formula for your baby.

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Hello! Personally I found quitting breastfeeding to be the most depressing thing for me. I know one of my mommy friends had the same problems as you and whatever they put her on, she was still able to breastfeed.

As far as formula goes, my first son really liked Nestle Good Start, my second had probs with it but loves Enfamil (both with all the goodies added). Both my boys gave me grief over switching to formula, with both at 3 months my milk production went to almost nothing. I fought the first time until 6 months and atleast gave him one bottles worth a day, I just quit at 4 months with the second. I found that they would take to the formula better the warmer it was. I used a bottle thermometer with my first from Babies R Us, you'd be amazed how warm it can be! We also had more success at first with my hubby feeding them. He would feed them with out a shirt, don't know if that helped or not, but I've read it's more bonding. I know Enfamil and Similac made ones specifically for acid reflux, but they really seem to get pricey after a while. If she really has tummy probs. Similac Alimentum has no milk proteins and is suppose to be super easy on them, but it is SUPER pricey!!

If you sign up with each different formula maker they will send samples and coupons. Everytime you use the coupons (they are check style with your name) they send more. Sam's Club sells Enfamil in a very large container and that helps money wise, if she ends up using that one.

I really wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my prayers :)

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I know this may be difficult, but I don't think either one of you is ready to stop nursing. Ask your doctor if there is anything that won't interfer with nursing your baby. I have a co worker who took meds while nursing and it didn't hurt the baby a bit.

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A.,

I can totally relate to your experience. I had to move my daughter to formula for one bottle a day because I wasn't producing enough milk when I was at work. She is now up to a few more because we are starting the weaning process. Anyway, we love the Target brand formula. I spend forever in the isle at Target reading the labels of all the name brands and comparing - They are the exact same! I asked my doctor before purchasing and she said that there is no problem with it! We love it becuase it doesn't produce gas and it is only $12 a can. Good luck and I think that you can still bond with your child over a bottle. The teething issue will get better soon!

M.

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First of all, I'm sorry you're going through a difficult time. Although I didn't experience post-partum depression with either of my two children, I have been treated for depression in the past. I know PPD can be even more challenging, as I have a close friend who struggled through the first year of her son's life. I'm worried that weaning will add stress and emotional pain to this already difficult time for you. I'd ask another medical professional about medication for depression that you CAN take while breastfeeding. I am SURE there is some that has been deemed safe because I know other mothers who have been treated and continued to nurse. if however, you feel that maybe being relieved from the demands of nursing could somehow improve your mood, then I'm sure you'll get some good advice from the many mothers that have happy healthy, formula-fed babies. I just hope you'll consider whether weaning will actually make you feel worse or more sad. Mothers I know who have weaned before they or their babies were truly ready, do experience some blues over this milestone. Best wishes to you for getting back to yourself.

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Get a second opinion. There are plenty of medications to treat post partum depression that are safe for baby while breastfeeding.

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I have a friend that had to take medication for post-partum and she was nursing. She pumped and pitched the feeding that came and hour after she took the medication. She took the meds at a time of day that her milk production was high anyway so that she could nurse the baby just a couple of hours after that. If you timed it right you might not even need the formula. I don't know what medication she was on. It may be different with different meds.

I know the nursing makes the pp sick around longer also, so maybe that's why your doc wants you to switch. Each case is different. It's worth a call to your doc to find out if this might work??

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A little about me. I have had 7 children and breast fed them all for different lengths of time. Post partum. . .I that can occur after some babies and sometimes it's delayed. Do you feel like you have post partum? I might recommend a safer herbal alternative first and see if that helps you before you get too far into the perscriptions. Above all follow you're motherly instincts and use good judgement, despite all the advice you get from moms, doctors or otherwise.

Formulas and cuddling. Some of my babies I weaned at around 8 months. Enfamil brand seemed to set well with my babies tummies. I've heard moms say just the opposite and have chosen Similac. You're daughter should feel satisfied and not gassy after a bottle . . .and hopefully a lower acid type to help with the reflux. Experiment a little and settle in on the brand that seems to bring you all the most peace.

If you make a warm bottle with 6 ounces or so and get a favorite blanket and cuddle her close to you while she drinks. . .try keeping a pacifier close by when the bottle is done if she wants to continue sucking for comfort. Make sure you're in a comfortable chair and get some interesting reading material and settle in for some cuddle time while this little girl goes through this growing transition. Relax and take deep breaths. If Rayleigh feels that you're relaxed it will soothe her also. She'll be a year before you know it, walking and more independent and may not always want mommy snuggling with her like she does now. This stage is short lived. . .enjoy it. Don't stress yourself out about undone projects or clutter or messes. You'll return to your old self one day and you'll have plenty of years ahead of you to get those "projects" done.

Good luck with this sweet stage of parenting and mommyhood.

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That is a hard thing. I have 7 1/2 month old twin girls. So they have been on formula since the begining. My girls did better on Similac Advanced. We had to try to switch due to WIC. Because they went to Enfamil Lipil. My girls would pushed the bottle away with their toung and wounldn't drink it. One of them got sick and had a bad tummy ache. So try one and if she seems to not like it or gets sick try the next one. Everything will be ok in the end.

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A.,
Are you taking any fish oil as a supplement? It really helps with depression as well as good for your heart, brain and overall well being (of course, all this is true for your baby as he is growing his brain and body). I would try to avoid the meds. Changing to cow milk or soy could shock your baby's system and then he wouldn't have that skin connection to you. Have you tried working with an alternative practioner (naturopath, acupuncturist)? If not, try looking up alternative supplements on line. Hang in there Mama. Of course, if you do take the meds, change to formula I would suggest goal milk which is available--Mayenberg in a powdered & fresh.

Best,
M.

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I would think of alturnitives to taking the medication..A blessing that I have found that you and your children would benifit from is Kombucha Tea. It is an ancient remedy that over 2000 yrs old. It will help clean your system which will make you feel better in general. It will boost all your systems thus helping with everything and providing you with an overall feeling of well being. Both you and your children can drink the tea. It is fizzy so the little one may not like that but you can always soak a cloth in it and let him suck on it. It will lessen the swollen gums and also help with mucus breakup. Of course taking a break on dairy products will help with the stagnation in everyones systems too. Remember that you are not your body and that "Post Partum Depression" is just a label. You can rise above and do things that support you. You should try the tea. Drink it everyday for the next month and then revisit the idea of taking drugs then. I bet you won't even think you need them. Go to getkombucha.com you can learn how to brew it yourself if you want. It's amazing. I drink it everyday and feel like I have energy even!! Good Luck! & God Bless!

A Little About Me:
I am 31 & a SAHM, I have 22mth. boy, & a 5mth. boy, a rapidly growing business, which I manage from home(admin. & books),we have dogs, cats, chickens, and tons of snow. Believe me I could label myself with post partum also!! BUt I know that I just need to support myself with healthy alturnitives and get as much rest as I can of course.

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Hi A., Congrats on your 10 yr. marriage and 2 beautiful children!! I'm not sure my situation will be of much help, but I wanted to mention it to you.

I got pregnant RIGHT after my honey moon (silly us, we thought it might take a while because we were "older" ha!), before I'd had a chance to wean myself off of the antidepressant I was using. I really freaked out because I had NO intention of subjecting my baby to the drug and I stopped the meds cold turkey. I lasted a couple months before I got so weepy and depressed that I couldn't take care of myself, and so I made the tough decision to go back on the meds. It helped, and both my sons are happy and healthy, though I suppose there could be things that we won't know about until future years. Sometimes our choices are hard ones but we get what we need no matter what we decide to do.

I also experience some real trouble with weaning (it was hormonally based for me) which I handled with a couple months of acupuncture......Oh!!! Why didn't I think of this!! Maybe acupuncture would help you get through the depression you are feeling, until you were ready to wean!!! I think that a lot of the confusing emotions we feel after birth are from our hormones being in such a state of flux all the time. I started menstruating at about a year, and I was still nursing and not ready to stop. I was REALLY down and moody and sought out a master acupuncturist whom I worked with for 3 months while I worked myself up to weaning my baby at 13 months. This acupuncturist also help us to conceive our second child...I was almost 40 and my hormones were just all mixed up. We'd tried for 10 months to conceive and with one month of acupuncture I got pregnant. Again, it helped me with the moodiness that came at around one year of nursing my second child, until we were ready to wean.

Sorry this got to be so long, but as I was writing, it just started hitting me how helpful acupuncture was (it's been a while) for me, with handling the nursing-at-almost-a-year blues, as well as conception!! I so hope that this might benefit you, I know it's hard to have to stop nursing before you and your baby are ready for it! Warmly, R.

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when i went from breastfeeding to formula, my son HATED it!! He gagged when he tasted it and refused to eat formula. I shortly was told that my son needed to gain weight and that he was close enough to being 1 yr so that i could start him on whole milk. He also hated the taste of it, but because i was having a breast infection anyway, there was no way i was going to keep nursing him with the pain i was in. ... i tried adding a tiny bit of chocolate in it and that didn't work... after struggling for a few days, i thought of something...
my child had acid reflux as well and was well used to the med's i would give him. -after the flavoring was added (and with tylenol and gas drops i would give him) he would be excited to take medicine cuz of the taste.
I put milk into one of the bigger -(5 ML if i'm thinking right) medicine droppers and he would drink it from that... i would give him more and more each feeding and after a day or two at max he would drink it out of his bottle.
(i then decided to put it into a sippy cup so that i could skip the whole transition from a bottle early.) anyway, i hope that helps. the medicine dropper saved me from a lot of frustration for sure!

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A.,

I had to "cold turkey" my daughter off of breastmilk when she was 4 months old so I can relate to your issue with which brand is the best. I used Nestle Good Start with DHA/ARA and really liked it. I mixed in a very small amount of Karo syrup with it to help her with constipation and also to add some sweetness so she didn't fight the change so much. I ended up having to leave my home for a whole day and my husband and mom stayed with my daughter and a bottle until she finally took it from them. Once she got a full tummy after not eating for a whole day she realized it wasn't so bad! She still faught it for a couple of days especially when I fed it to her, but then she just took it great after that. It was super hard for me and I absolutely hated it, but I also was fine after a week or so.

On the other issue, I had alot of anxiety after her birth and so my doctor put me on Zoloft, which also is found to excrete into breast milk. I weighed my choice with my doctor and we both decided it would be safe to breastfeed AND take the medication. I wanted to make sure you had discussed this with your doctor and possibly with your pharmacist. Breastfeeding is such a calming and wonderful experience, I would hate for you to give it up to go on the medication if you absolutely didn't have to. Especially if you have post partum, I would think that continuing to breast feed would greatly help you stay bonded with your child while the meication helped you too. There were no side effects to my daughter from me taking the medication.

Stopping breastfeeding is not the end of the world, and I know right now it seems like a very difficult thing, once I had weaned my daughter, I realized it was just fine feeding her formula and actually I found many benefits to it also! So whatever you decide, everything will turn out good! Good luck with whatever you do.

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I have postpartum depression and am on Zoloft and continuing to breastfeed. You may want a second opinion on the type of med they are putting you on. Zoloft is safest, next in line is Prozac. Cymbalta goes into the breast milk more. This response may be too late. Gotta go - I'm at work and have tons to do. R.

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Hi A.,
So I guess as a fellow mom who suffered from postpartem depression very badly with my first son, I would recommend something different than meds. Here's why. The oxytocin released into your system each time you breastfeed is both calming to you and your baby, especially as they get older and start to deal with lots of emotions as early toddlers. Part of post-partem depression is an excess of hormones in your system. An alternative (and this made a huge difference between child one and two for me) is to get red raspberry leaf tea--not the boxed kind. You can get it really cheaply at places like Vitamin Cottage, or your other local health food store. Make a concentrated tea out of it by boiling 1 or 2 handfuls. When the water and tea starts boiling, turn the heat off and leave it with the lid on to steep overnight. (You can add Agave Nectar or Honey to sweeten it while it's hot.) The next morning, filter it out with a strainer into a gallon jug or iced tea jar. Add water to fill it up and GUZZLE this all day. I went through an entire tea jar every day. Raspberry leaf tea is a blood cleanser and helps your body flush out the excess hormones left over from pregnancy (it takes longer than expected to get rid of these.)Not to mention, drinking tons of good fluids--like water, Recharge or a healthy tea (NOT pop or caffeinated drinks) are great for your body and breastfeeding. After a couple weeks of this, I felt SOOO much better and more like myself. You can keep it up as long as needed and continue with nursing, both beneficial to you and baby. My friend who had a c-section said it worked wonders on her hormones after her son was born too, so give it a try!
Best of luck to you and your family!
PS: If you decide to continue with the formula idea, I recommed a goat milk formula recipe--goat milk is more like human breast milk and much less likely to cause the allergies that formula cause.
J.

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This makes me really sad. I hope that your doc is merely uneducated, not anti-bf. You do not need to stop bf. There is a doctor (Thomas Hale) who has studied the effects of different medications on breastmilk and written 'the' reference book for nursing mothers. It's called Medications & Mothers Milk... I would suggest either getting a copy & sharing w/ your doc or (if your doc is anti-bf) finding a doc that has this already. There are drugs that are safe - well, nothing in this life is totally safe, so - safer, and will preserve your breastfeeding relationship with your child. Not to mention that bfing an 8 month old is significantly different than bfing a newborn. There is also the fact that nursing releases oxytocin in your system (an antidepressant), not that it is a substitute for meds but it shouldn't be ignored either.
Kellymom.com is a great site to look up bf related things. There are a couple of really great yahoo groups related to bfing & usually someone there will have access to the Dr Hale book. You really need some support right now & your doc needs a little educating.
Here is a link you might find interesting:
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/antidepressants-hale1...
It's highlights from Dr Hale's speach to the LLL in 2002. Note info on individual drugs further down.
Good luck A.. And don't let them make you do anything you don't want to.

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Wow! I know this must be really hard for you but I hope that the transition goes as smoothly as possible for you and your little girl. I went pretty much cold turkey with my son at 7 mos b/c I stopped producing milk and was constantly having breast infections. My dr recomended Simolac Isomil Advance Soy Formula. this was the only formula that my son could tolerate b/c of his acid reflux.

Also if your daughter does not respond well to the bottle try a sippy cup or on a spoon that is how we eventually got our son to start taking a bottle

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genesisorganics.com.......check out this formula it is not the cheapest but it worked for me

I BREASTFED FOR THE 1ST YEAR AND THEN HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN CHANGE WHEN BY HUSBAND AND I DECIDED TO SPLIT WITH ALL THE CHANGES AND EVERYTHING I NEEDED MY LIL GIRL TO BE BABY SAT and i had never pumped and at this POINT DIDNT HAVE ANY EXTRA MILK TO DO SO. SO I TRIED EVERY FORMULA THERE IS AND THE PROBLEM WAS I DONT KNOW IF YOU HAVE TASTED THEM BUT THEY ARE N A S T Y!!!!!! SO IM A HEALTH FOOD PERSON SO I WENT TO THE HEALTHFOOD STORE AND THEY HAD GOATS MILK FORMULA AND IT IS SWEET LIKE BREAST MILK. MY DAUGHTER TOOK TO IT IN A LITTLE LESS THAN A WEEK AND SHE NEVER LOOKED BACK.
ANOTHER PROBLEM I FOUND WAS I NEVER PUMPED AT ALL SO SHE DIDNT GET HAVING TO TIP THE BOTTLE SO I BOUGHT HER THE SIPPY CUPS THAT HAVE THE STRAWS AND SHE LOVES THEM.
GOOD LUCK

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Since she is used to the closeness of breastfeeding, make sure that she gets lots of cuddles when you wean her, both when giving her the bottle, and a lot at other times as well. It can help to have someone other than Mommy give her bottles, at least at first, because she knows milk comes from Mommy. My 8-month-old doesn't like bottles, but I have had some success getting him to take expressed milk from a sippy cup. You could try that with formula.
As for choosing a formula, I would probably choose an inexpensive one to try (since formula costs can be prohibitive!). Make sure it has DHA, ARA, and iron, like the nurse told you about. If she reacts badly to that one, try the next more expensive until you find one that she likes and that won't cause any adverse reaction. I think it really is guesswork as to what formula will work best for your daughter - every baby is different.

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I finally told my doctor that I needed something. He put me on Citalopram. I realized I should've done that with my second child. I have 4 children and am nursing the last one currently. He is coming on 6 months old. The pharmacist said to really watch the baby and if he was getting lethargic and not wanting to eat then to not take it anymore. He's been completely fine though. I needed something more so I could be a better mom. It's helped a LOT!

I feel that nursing sometimes brings out a hormone that makes me feel horrible. AT least it does to me. Every time I have the milk let down I feel like the world is caving in around me for at least a minute then it goes away. With that happening several times a day it gets over whelming.

ETA: I was a formula baby, nothing wrong with being put on formula.

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Yes, get a second opinion!! If you need a doc, ask this group for a Doc that has worked with breastfeeding women who are sucessfully treated while continuing to breastfeed.

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I know depression medication can seem scary, but it is really important to take care of your body and mind. Yes, there are natural remedies, but in my opinion (which really isn't worth taking too seriously) depression can be a serious thing and really needs to be taken care of immediately and with the most aggressive action. (A second opinion couldn't hurt if you're uncomfortable with the diagnosis. You're the moommy paying the doctor-he works for YOU).Don't worry though, you're totally normal! My sister went through pp for two years before she realized what it was. Anyway, when weening it worked best for me to give up one feeding a week until she was completely weened. It took me four weeks. You may try giving up a feeding every three days or so. Then when she's comfortalbe with it, give up another. You'll get there. As for formula, my daughter really liked Enfamil, but it was so expensive...I switched her to the Costco brand Kirkland (I could get three weeks of formula for $20) and she didn't know the difference. You're doing a fabulous job!!

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Our son tolerated Enfamil ready mix, but it did a number on his reflux. Both our boys had problems with any formula. If she's not already on medicine for it, you might get her on some med first or soon so she can tolerate the formula better. I hope you get to feeling better soon. Kim's advice looked great, especially if it means you can keep nursing. Weaning was a sad time for me both times. I had to do it abruptly with #2 due to his medical issues, and it was really difficult on me to do when I wasn't prepared.

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Well, I would recommend using organic formula, and also make sure there's no corn syrup in it. When are daughter is snotty, we give her organic soy formula. Also, another friend of mine, weaned at 6 months and used goat milk. There is not goat milk formula, but you can get powdered goat milk, and use it like formula. These are alternatives. How much sleep and excercise are you getting?
Also, I am loathe to say don't take the meds, but perhaps read up on alternatives, or go talk to someone first, so you don't have to stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is good for moms too. Good luck!

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In my experience the only way to pick formula is through trial and error. As for your baby's acid reflux, I can sympathize. I had to put my 19 mo. old on a "gentle" formula and ultimately ended up with soy formula. I am sorry to hear that you have to give up breastfeeding, although I was surprised to hear that you have to give it up. I have been treated for depression and postpartum depression through four pregnancies and breastfed all of my kids. (Although I did suppliment with fourmula too.) I guess ultimately it depends on what medicine they put you on. My best advice is to hang in there and get all the support you can. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

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You have received lots of good advice. I just wanted to add that if you do have to switch to formula you shouldn't feel any guilt over that. When my daughter was 4 months I couldn't keep my milk supply up...I tried everything. I had to start supplementing formula and it was very hard on me at first. However she is a VERY intelligent and healthy little girl and we have a close bond. My son is almost 8 months and never an issue with my milk supply. Sometimes nursing works and sometimes it doesn't...and thats okay. I would recomend slow weening from nursing for you and your baby...see if you can time your medication with your feeding schedule and cut out one feeding at a time. Best of luck!

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A.,
My son was in NICU but I pumped for him for 4 months. For no reason I just stopped making milk. I put him on Enfamil he had no trouble making the switch. He also had acid reflux. His Ped had me sit him up more to feed him formula. He did spit up a bit more. Also I found that if I got the Avent bottles he did better on them because the nipple is larger it is more like the breast and they can't suck the whole nipple into their mouths.

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Have you tried soy formula? My sister in law used that and her son seemed to do well with it. I can't say much for the formula but really want to encourage you to keep up the transistion. The best thing for your little one is a healthy mom. When you are healthy and nutured, everything will fall into place. I had PPDepression but left it untreated too long. When I finally took my medication, I was able to handle things so much better. As moms, we always put our children first of course. They are our joy but we need to remember that they are also very sensitive to how we respond to things. Great job on taking care of you and treating your Post Partum. "You are the wisdom and lovingness of motherhood and the light and grace which is all blessed love" Julian Norwich.
Good luck...

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If you really want to keep breastfeeding, there are antidepressants that can safely be used. (This is especially important because breastfeeding provides some antidepressant effects of itself.) Ask your doctor about them.

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I just had to add my thoughts to the advice already given.
First of all, take depression seriously. It is not your fault and not something that you just need to 'get over.' Listen to your doctor, but if you are concerned, also get a second opinion. My point, I think, is don't delay by trying home remedies first. I know how quickly depression can go down and you can't take care of your baby when it incapacitates you (or worse). But ask your doctor if there is anyway you can continue nursing, at least part of the time, because that is a comfort for you as well as your baby and it will be hard for both of you to give it up so fast.

If you do go to formula, I liked Enfamil (it smelled better than some others and my baby seemed to prefer the taste)

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It sounds like your baby needs you so much right now and that has to be adding to your stress. There are **many** anti-depression medications that are **SAFE** while breastfeeding. Look up the medication here: http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/medicationforumspage.html (enter as a guest) or here: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT. Often times care providers automatically assume a medication isn't safe so they recommend weaning; they don't always take into account the risks of artificial feeding.
Other things that can help: http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/ppdepres.html . If you'd like to contact me, I can prepare you a Bach Flower mix that can be used on top of any other treatment you chose.
I hope you can feel better soon and that you won't have to sacrifice your nursing relationhip!

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Since your baby has acid reflux I would recommend Enfamil AR its in a pink can. Its thicker so you baby will keep it down better. Or you can mix it ith the Enfamil in the yellow can. That's what I did.

I am sorry About your post partum depression. I have post traumatic stress disorder and my baby is formula fed because of my meds too.

I don't know how you feel about cosleeping, but for a few days that might help the transition plus the teething issue.

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My daughter is exclusively breast fed so I have no idea about formula, but my 2 cents is try other natural methods to deal with your post partum depression that don't taint your milk and if those don't work, as a last resort, then do the meds.
Have you gone to a support group? Tried herb and accupuncture?

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I completely agree with Kim's advice. I hope you will call her or someone else and discuss alternatives. Please let us know how you're doing.

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I agree with all of the other mothers who recommend a second opinion. I was temporarily on zoloft for ppd and I believe that there are others in the same category that are considered safe while nursing. I would also recommend taking vitamin B6, that is what I take to keep the depression at bay. I truly do not believe that you need to stop nursing. I think that alone would bring you down even more. Sounds like now isn't the time for baby either. Comfort nursing is sometimes the best medicine.
Good Luck.

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Hello A.
I believe you do not need med for postpartum depression. You just need to buy very good quality fish oil( CARLSON brand or Nordic Natural) and take 1 teaspoon in the morning after breakfast and one teaspoon after dinner, keep taking good prenatal supplements ( something from the Health Store not prescription one).
Fish oil is high in EPA which will nourish your brain and help with deppresion. Please do so before you start med.
If you really have to do formula for your baby, then use ONLY rice base formula. You can buy it in Whole Foods or Wild Oats stores.
Good luck!!!!!

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There are plenty of depression medications that you can take while breastfeeding. I would talk to your doctor about you trying one of those before you stop nursing.

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I agree with other posters who said get a second opinion. I was on Zoloft for a month and a half after my twin boys were born, and my doctor didn't say I had to quit breastfeeding. Eventually, they switched over to formula anyway. They also had acid reflux problems. In the end, they didn't need any special formula for it. They were using the regular Enfamil DHA/ARA with Iron and didn't have any problems. We did other things to alleviate some of the reflux (like elevating their beds) but they never needed any special formulas. The Target brand of formula is the EXACT same thing as the Enfamil only it's half as expensive. I have heard from nurses in the nursery at the hospital that most formulas are just fine for baby, but that the Similac and Enfamil are probably the best (but not by much). With that, if your baby can tolerate regular formula, and that's the way you decide to go, I would recommend Enfamil or Target brand (same as Enfamil). I found that the Enfamil dissolved more quickly and left less clumps in the bottle than the Similac, and the Target brand did even better with that, and was half as expensive. I know how hard it is to deal with PPD initially. But the nice thing about it is that it DOES go away with proper treatment (whether natural, or drugs). Good luck.

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try having hubby give her the first bottle. I found that my son would take the bottle from dad, better then from me. That was when I first start on formula. Then he would take from anyone.

Good luck

R.

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I am curious as to what medicine they want to put you on. I had postpartum depression as well and both my doctor and my son's doctor said that it was safe for me to nurse while on this medicine. I was prescribed Zoloft and was on a low dosage. You may want to do some "googling" on this topic. I found for the most part, that any doctor that I talked to said that it was safe to breastfeed and be on this medicine. I found that the most problematic was Paxil, I would not recommend taking that one.
As for your original question: I also had to bottle feed with formula as I did not produce enough milk for my son. We used Enfamil Lipil with Iron. It was one of the more expensive brands, but it is what the hospital and the lactation specialists recommended. Enfamil makes about 10 different types and if I remember correctly one of them was for upset tummys. I would also recommend starting out by mixing one ounce formula to 5 ounces breast milk and doing that for a couple of days. Then move on to two ounces formula and 4 ounces breast milk and so on. I did this with my son and did not have any problems switching him to all formula. I drew this process out for quite awhile, but you can shorten the time if you need to.
Good luck and I wish you happy days in the future!

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They are all pretty much the same except for one thing....TASTE!!! Similac taste like slightly sweet milk and if I had to guess your child would prefer it over the others that taste so horrible it makes me gag thinking about it. Yes, I have personally tried them. Since breast milk is sweet I would choose that one and buy a playtex nursing bottle. Warm up the milk, but not too hot. Test it on your wrist to check the temp. I would hold your child like you would while nursing and give them the bottle rather than your nipple. It will take a little time, but it will work if you stay calm. Your child can feel your emotions and if you are uptight they will react the same way. You are still spending quality time with your child by feeding them and holding them close, but you are doing even more for your child by ensuring that your health is taken care of. You most likely will even find that you will do even better when you feel better! Good luck and cut yourself some slack, we all go through rough times. I can't stress enough about staying calm and up beat about the switch. Think about the positives while doing it. Talk to your child in a low loving voice while trying the switch to keep both of you calm through it.

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I think that if breastfeeding is that important to you that you should consider trying some other methods to cope with the postpartum depression besides medications. I would also talk with the Utah Pregnancy Riskline folks and find out the real scoop on what research is available about the medication your doctor recommends and if there are options that are considered safe. Your choice to take medication should be based on analyzing the benefits and risks, then make the best choice for you. If you are that upset about stopping nursing the meds may not help you enough to be worth that sacrifice.

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It's a bummer that you have PPD. But I think it is a really good idea to get the help that you need so that you can better take care of you kids. Do you have access to WIC? I bet they could help you pick a good brand of formula and also help pay for it since it is very expensive. If your baby has a hard time taking a bottle, like mine does (she is breastfed) maybe try letting her hold it and play with it. You could also try putting formula in a cup maybe. Also I have heard to warm up the nipple so it isn't cold. Good luck with both changes.

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While I am a big advocate for taking medication for post partum depression, I would hold off until you have gradually weaned your child. I don't think cold turkey will work very well. I had very good luck with Nestle Good Start formula. My son had a little reflux, too, and while he spit up ALOT, the Good Start seemed to work well for him. I weaned my daughter at 8 months and gave her Good Start as well. But I would make it a gradual transition and wait with the medication. Try some other things to help boost your mood in the meantime. Go for a walk with some music. Set up a date night with your husband. Set up a coffee date with your best friend. I also highly recommend talking to a counselor. I did, and it really helped. She gave me a lot of different coping skills when I was feeling like the depression was getting the better of me. She also helped with things to strengthen my marriage, and helped me set up time to finish college. It's really nice to have a non-biased person to talk to. You can talk about all those things that bug you about your mother-in-law or your crazy cousin or whoever that you feel you can't really talk to anyone else about them. But I would try the breast milk/forumla switch gradually. It will be less traumatic on your child.

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If she is only nursing for comfort you can do other things you can do to relieve her pain from teething first. Get those teething tablets, all natural and will give her quick relief. You also can give her tylenol. Make sure you first start mixing formua in with the breast milk, if she doesn't take bottles try a sippy cup or strawed cup. With the reflux they put my daughter on Nutramigen, it is a little pricier but really worth ith ti comfort them with tummy issues and reflux. Technically she will only need formula for another four months so you only have those months to worry about.
There may be some struggle with her giving up nursing, as long as she can smell your milk in your breast it may be better if your husband try giving her something new at first.
I always used Enfamil brands with my kids, Nutramigen with my daughter.
I would get the concentrated kind and not the powder, mix a batch up in the morning with water and make the bottles for the day and just keep them in the fridge. To me the powder was messy, easy to get the wrong measurements and not very tasty looking.
It is hard I am sure but you need the meds and don't want to expose your daughter to them.
Hang in there, it does get better and kudos to you for taking steps to get happier and life back on track!!!

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Hello A., Some medical doctors can be quick to underestimate the value of a mother's nursing relationship with her child. If you want to research for yourself, I recommend, "Medications and Mother's Milk: A Manual of Lactational Pharmacology," by Thomas Hale, Ph.D. Overall, really feel for yourself what would be most helpful for taking care of yourself. Whatever you decide will be perfect somehow. :) ~T.

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First of all, hang in there. You are doing the best thing not only for you, but your little one's as well. I have had great success with Good Start formula and my baby was breastfed for 8 months as well. I have had several friends recommend the brand as well as my pediatrician. Good luck and take care....

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If your baby has really bad acid reflux, you might try Similac Alimentum formula. It is easier on baby's tummy. It smells awful, but it works well for kids with acid reflux. My son used it until he grew out of his acid reflux and then we switched over to regualar Similac with no problems.

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I would try natural Progesterone Cream for your ppdepression rather than anti-depressants before I'd stop nursing your baby. Breastfeeding not only comforts the baby but the Mom also. Evening Primrose oil capsules could also help balance your hormones.

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Which medication? Most are compatible with breastfeeding, particularly since your baby is no longer an infant. Rarely does a mother need to wean to take medications for depression, and sometimes there are other drugs to consider that might be safer. I'd suggest you call a lactation consultant, or find someone who has the book Medications and Mother's Milk by hale to look up the risks for you BEFORE you decide to wean. You may write me privaltely and I would be happy to look it up. --Amy

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ok, for starters, you don't have to switch to formula because of meds, I have suffered from PPD with all of my babies and it was awful until I was on meds. My youngest is currently 2.5 and I nursed him from the day he was born while on antideppressants, no affect to him at all, they just reccommended that I take them at night after he went to sleep. He weaned just fine when we were ready and there have been no side affects to him except that he has a happy mom. I am on Zoloft and have been since the day he was born.

I hope that helps, as for formula... I did supplement and when I did, I used a soy formula, prosobee. It was nice on the tummy for my little guy.

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Hi! I had postpartum depression with my first, and started meds when he was 3 weeks old. I breastfed him until he was 11 months old, and was wondering why you can't continue to nurse your little one. I was on Zoloft, and my doc said that it had been researched for breastfeeding moms and was found to be safe. My kiddo did great, and the plan is for me to start meds again (I am 32 weeks pregnant now)at birth with my new baby. I'd question your doc about that, as it surely will be an easier way for you to start feeling better if you don't have to quit nursing as well. Good luck! Things will get better!!!

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First off I want to say congratulations to you for getting help.

Secondly and forgive me if I repeat someone because there are alot of responses here but...

I would suggest looking into other medications. I know there are several that you can take while breastfeeding. I was on Zoloft while breastfeeding and my daugther and I were both fine. I was better than fine once the medication started to work. I know Wellbutrin is another that is safer to take while breastfeeding and there is another one too.

I also have hypertension and breastfeeding can really complicate the types of medications that you can take. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor. Let him know that you want to continue to breastfeed and you would like ot find something that safer to take. Alot of times Drs will go the routes that are easiest for them and wont listen to the patient needs.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. If she has reflux really bad I would try to stay away from anything made with cows milk. Dairy can make reflux worse. Once I took dairy out of my diet, my daughters reflux stopped entirely.

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A.,

Before you stop breasfeeding talk to your pediatrician and/or OB about you taking your medication WHILE breastfeeding. When I was 5 months pregnant, I was put on Zoloft for depression and anxiety. My son is now 9 months old and I am STILL taking it. I breastfed my son until a month ago and he has never had any side effects and I feel a million times better than I did before taking it. I am a better mother as well as wife when I am taking it. So...that is definitely something to check out. But if you do decide to stop completely...be sure to try different brands of nipples because that made all the difference for my son. He loves the Avent bottles/nipples and hates everything else. Also...I have him on Enfamil with Lipil. I have done a lot of research on the different formulas and I found this to be the best for me and my son. Don't get discouraged with switching to a bottle...it will definitely take some time...but your baby will be just fine. Good luck with everything!

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I would talk to your doctor about different medication options. It sounds like you would really like to stick with breastfeeding, and the stress of switching to formula on top of pospartum depression does not sound like something good!

I have been taking Zoloft for postpartum and my doctor said that it is safe to take while breastfeeding. The zoloft helped me a lot, maybe check into it with your doc.

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Hi A.,
I know it is hard to give up breastfeeding, but believe me your baby will adapt. Some take more time than others but in the end, they all adapt. I had to stop breastfeeding my kid when he was 4 months since I ran out of milk. It was hard and I cried a lot, but then I realized that the bond between us was stronger than that. You can still cuddle her and kiss her all you want. I had postpartum depression, but since there were so many problems around us at that time, I didn't realize it. I was getting prepared to quit my job and become a full time mom, when my husband's job decided to cut him loose. We are not citizens and were in the process of getting our greencards when all this happened. If there's no job, there's no greencard and all the dreams we had been working so hard to achieve, were in jeopardy. I was sad and angry all the time. But God never left us. It was a really hard time but as they say: what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. There's no other option but to kep going.

My son was allergic to the formula at first, so we tried almost all of them until we ended up with Similac Soy Milk. Try the normal type of milk first. Since she's 8 months old, maybe you can also try to give her solid food. My baby started eating solids when he was 6 months, so I think this would be a good opportunity to start. Ask your doctor. I'm not telling you this will be easy but look at it as a search for the best fit for your daughter. Once you start feeling better, you will realize how blessed you are. Believe me, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Regards,
A..

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Call your local hospital--the lactation consultant has a guide on medication and breastfeeding by Thomas Hale that is much more thorough than the Physician's Desk Reference. They can help you out. I've been told the same for other meds by a doctor & once I checked the guide, it was fine. Best of luck!

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