Thomas Hale, R.Ph., Ph.D., executive director of the InfantRisk
Center
Today we have a guest blog written by Dr. Thomas Hale of InfantRisk. InfantRisk focuses on research concerning breastfeeding and medication to help moms make an informed choice about the risks of breastfeeding while taking medication. They have the most up to date information and are the go to for questions concerning medication safety and breastfeeding! You can help support InfantRisk by donating here: Support InfantRisk
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the
U.S. Research shows us that the cause of depression can be a combination of genetic,
biological, environmental and psychological factors. Many women sufferers
attest that the onset of depression came without any major life event, but the
pervasive symptoms are unbearable.
And, of course, many women also experience post partum or perinatal
depression. Often overlooked, this is full-blown depression and potentially
very serious. Feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety and exhaustion can be
confusing and overwhelming for new mothers, making it difficult to care for
their little one and complete every day tasks.
Like with most conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding do
not preclude the ability to safely and effectively treat depression in mothers.
Balancing risks and benefits, providers and mothers can work together to create
a plan to keep both mom and baby healthy.
This plan might include a range of therapies, including
bright light therapy, a strategic breastfeeding schedule, counseling and
medications. Despite what many believe, many antidepressants have been
thoroughly studied in pregnancy and breastfeeding and are believed to be
relatively safe. When making a decision about the safety of a medication while
pregnant or breastfeeding, for any condition, it’s important to weight the
risks associated with that medication against the risk of the condition being
untreated.
For example, while the likelihood of a baby being exposed in
utero to drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is high and
the dosage the baby receives can be relatively high, the risk of birth defects
caused by these medications is apparently very low. Infants might also absorb
SSRIs residue in breast milk, but some types were more likely to be absorbed in
the breast milk than others. Furthermore, studies have shown that even in cases
with the well-absorbed SSRIs, breastfeeding babies frequently display no
symptoms and there is little to suggest there will be long-term developmental
effects. However, more data is certainly needed and as the use of these
medications increases, the InfantRisk Center is working to get a clear picture
of what the implications are for babies.
Antidepressants
are not the only option for treating depression. But for individual mothers,
they may be the best or most-realistic choice. Although, there is some risk
associated with the use of antidepressants while breastfeeding, the risk of
untreated depression is definitely even greater. Lastly, all risks and benefits
must be carefully weighed for each mother. But generally, we must bear in mind
that a healthy mom makes a healthy baby.
