Antidepressants may affect lactation

Antidepressants may affect lactation


CINCINNATI, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say antidepressant drugs may be linked to lactation difficulties in new mothers.

Study co-author Nelson Horseman of the University of Cincinnati says common antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, affect mood, emotion and sleep and may affect serotonin regulation in the breast and place new mothers at greater risk of a delay in the establishment of a full-milk supply.

Horseman and colleagues examined the effects of these drugs on lactation using laboratory studies of human and animal cell lines and genetically modified mice.

An observational study of 431 postpartum women found median onset of lactation was 85.8 hours post-partum for the antidepressant-treated mothers and 69.1 hours for mothers not treated with these drugs. Secretory activation occurring later than 72 hours postpartum is considered delayed.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2010/01/28/Antidepressants-may-affect-lactation/UPI-29501264658892/

as a mom who suffered with post-partum depression after two of her pregnancies I'd suggest that having to give up breastfeeding in one case was a bummer and I felt terrible about it, but it sure beat the alternative, which was a severe depression that lasted for nearly 6 months. When I finally got treatment, it was like night/day. I only wished I had gone in sooner.

good info, and could lead to some encouragement and correct expectations. how about just change the guidelines to say 90 hours for moms on ADs. problem solved.