Have you thought of alternative therapies, like valerian?  Go and see a natropath and find out if there is something they can make up for you that will ease the symptoms some what.  Most pnd results from lack of sleep and stress, the less sleep you get, the more stressed you feel, the worse it make you feel. 

Hi! I was in the same boat so I can completely understand your problem.  My GP put me on Zoloft, but he did say if that didn't work there were other options.  Fortunately for me that worked as I gather it is the best for B/Feeding.  We also looked at lifestyle issues that can help too, and counselling.  If you are in any doubt about breastfeeding and certain medications, you can contact the ABA and ask them.  I would get a second opinion if your dr says there is nothing you can take as for me being able to b/feed meant a lot in terms of feeling I was doing something right for my baby, which is important when you feel useless and depression shatters your confidence.

Whenever I am unsure about medication to take when breastfeeding I ring the pharmacy at King Edward Hospital for women. They are the major womens hospital in WA. Not sure which state you are in but maybe you could ring the major maternity hospital and ask to speak to the pharmacy. They should be able to give you some up to date information

Goodluck

What medication were you on that was working? There are tons of SSRI's that are safe for breastfeeding. Currently I'm taking fluvoxamine (Luvox is it's common brand name) and I've had a lot of success with it.

Has you doctor consulted Dr. Hale for advice on your medication options? He often reccommends Sertraline (common brand name is Zoloft) as a alternative to Fluoxetine (Prozac) in breastfeeding mothers. If I were in your position (which, come to think of it, I have been ) I would ask your doctor to email Dr. Hale, or post a question in his forums and get his advice on your situation. He is prompt in his responses and always has the literature on hand to sort through the intricacies.

Would I give up breastfeeding in order to take my medication? Personally, no. But that is the place that I am in. I worked hard to get my doctor to understand the importance of my breastfeeding relationship with my daughter and encouraged her to think laterally to find a solution that would work for our situation. If it came to the point where I had to choose between my mental stability, or hurting my daughter because the drugs in my breastmilk are dangerous, and all other options were exhausted, then I'm sure there would come a point where I would choose our mutual health over breastfeeding.

nat you poor thing, I hope you get this situation sorted out real soon. Sorry I can't help you.

the last lot i was on was called edronax. it worked well for me and i have after a year am off them. i wasnt breastfeeding though.

have you tried chatting to ppl? i find that has helped me alot more than the meds.

you do need to be careful witht he natural stuff as they can be harful to bubs.

i think giving up breastfeeding with charlie put me over he edge with my pnd and had to go back on meds, ( lexapro and lovan)

good luck sweety. am here if you ever need to chat. my msn is libby_24_@hotmail.com and if you want my mobile number i can give it to you via minti mail.

hey hunni!

Sorry you are facing this dilemma. As someone who can't take anti-depressants i can't really advise you on whats good and whats not good BUT i can tell you about what i am on.... I am on epilim aka sodium valproate. I am on this for epilepsy BUT it is also a mood stabiliser and is used on people with bipolar, schizophrenia and those who have a bit of depression but don't want to take proper anti depressants!

It is safe for breast feeding mums so maybe you could ask your doctor about it and see what she says. I think overall that seen as though little tobi has had the colostrum etc from you he would definately be ok if you put him on formula. You need to ensure you are healthy in your mind, body and soul so your littlies don't pick up on your down feelings.

Love ya and hope this has helped some.

Oh dear, poor Nat the NinjaCat

Here is a long shot on a different vein... This is a link to ask a naturopath for some advice.  Ask them about bach flower remedies too.  When I worked for a health and well being company, a lot of the staff were at Uni, and they would get anxious and depressed about their exams. 

They found it very helpful and relaxing - I tried them a couple of times when we were flat out and really busy, and found it easier to focus on the things that could be fixed, and not sweat the little stuff.  We had a lot of clients who absolutely raved about them too.

Since them I have read great things about them, and I know that they also use them to help pets with problems too.

Just a thought - every little idea helps, especially if it means you still get to feed Tobi, because the last thing you need is to feel guilty about that too XOX. 

Hi Nat,

I went to the Doctor for this yesterday. I pretty much straight out asked if she could prescribe me some medication for depression and she told me because I was still breastfeeding my 1 year old son (even though its only 2 feeds or so a day), I probably shouldn't until I stop feeding him completely. Which I thought was strange because she prescribed me a med called cipramil (she told me this was safe to take while breastfeeding) when I had PND with Ava a couple of years ago. Maybe Doctor's are being told not to prescribe medication while breastfeeding now? Anyway, I am seeing a mental health nurse in a couple of weeks who will determine how much I need counselling. If I do indeed need it, she told me I will get to see a psychologist free of charge (medicare will pay for it). Just thought I would let you know this option is available. I'm willing to give it a go, might help to talk to someone??

If not, I am sure there must be something you can take while breastfeeding.

I hope everything goes well for you at the Doctors.

Jess