ADs and breastfeeding...who can give me some advice?

[Jalapeñomel]

Since I saw the post from earlier, I thought I would put my issues out there, because I need some guidance.

So I hate to admit it, but I'm having a rough go of it. DH is also having a tough time.

I haven't really done jack shit over maternity leave, I'm not even sure I'm entertaining my son the way I should be. I don't leave the house much, I don't feel like doing housework or working out or studying for the exams I have to take next month. I have binged on food I know I shouldn't be eating.  Money is tight, because of this move and my lack of work, so it isn't like we can hire a babysitter all that often (although hopefully this changes with me going back to work on Monday).

I was excited for the fellowship I received, but now that it is close to starting, I'm dreading it. I am worried about the logistics of daycare. I'm stressed/panicked about the fact that I have a 2 hour commute or I have to purchase a car. I'm worried about losing the fellowship if D needs to be picked up from daycare because he is sick.  I'm worried about my DH who is also really struggling with all the changes. 

We are a fun household right now.

I was on ADs before I got pregnant, and I know that I need to be on them again. I also know that I need some therapy, and we could probably stand to have family therapy as well. I still really, really want to nurse D, but I also know that I cannot continue to live this way.

Can I take ADs while breastfeeding?  Who do I get them from my AD or my OBGYN?  How do I seek out therapy if I am not allowed to take time off from my fellowship without the risk of losing it...do some therapists have evening or weekend appointments?

PDQ, and I'm sure I will delete this, because not a safe place and all.

[dbsk8dance]

I'm sorry you are having a rough time.

I am and have been on Zoloft while breast feeding. It has helped me get through PPA.

Hugs.

[Jalapeñomel]

Mar 12, 2014 16:06:51 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

I was on Lexapro while breastfeeding Joanna. My OB was/is my prescribing doctor. He didn't have a problem with it. You might talk to your son's pediatrician about it too if you are concerned. I'm not sure about the therapy.

I'm sorry you are feeling this way, but it's okay to need some help, and it's great that you can admit it. Good mom.

I just chatted with her about it this morning, while crying in her office. I could probably walk in to my GP's clinic tomorrow, but is have to wait for an appointment at my OBGYN...unless he'd be willing to prescribe over the phone.

[hopecounts]

There are definitely breast feeding safe ADs so talk to your Ob/Paychiatrist and see if one of them is a good fit for you.
ETA: yes some therapists have weekend/late hours so check around and see if you can find one.

[speckledfrog]

I got on Zoloft around 7 months and BF until 16 months. You can take it during pregnancy as well. I called my OB and got an appointment for the next day and was on meds within the week. It made a world of difference and I am so glad I did it.

[ginap]

I was on the lowest does of Prozac while I was bf'ing Caroline. I'm sorry you are struggling though I am sure you are doing much better than you think you are. You have made it through the hardest part (the first 12ish weeks) and things should start to get a little easier.  I forgot to add that I got mine through my MW.

[rupertpenny]

I'm breastfeeding on Effexor.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I hated my maternity leave/unemployment and I've only been working for 3 days and I already feel so much better. It's sooo good to have an reason to shower and put on real clothes every day. I hope you feel better after going back to work too even if the logistics are still difficult.

[ginap]

Mar 12, 2014 16:10:32 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

Oh and also - please don't sweat it about not "entertaining" your son. He is so little, and it is really not a big deal if you aren't going places and/or doing activities or flashcards or whatever at this point. Just talk to him, hold him, let him look around at stuff and play with age-appropriate toys.

Ditto this so much.  Our days were like 15 mins in bouncer, 15 mins in swing, 1 hour nap on top of me, 15 min on tummy mat, walk, etc.  Just talk to him about everything.  "Now mama is going to put on a shirt and we are going to go for a walk. Should we walk to the park or just around the block?  Look, you are sitting in your stroller like such a big boy." Etc etc.

[speckledfrog]

I'm sorry you are going through this, mel. It's not a great way to feel about yourself. FWIW, I thought the baby stage was the pits and each month he got older the more I actually enjoyed him. It took me months and months to adjust to being a SAHM, I was surprised at what a hole my job left.

Are you getting out of the house with him? Are you able to get out on your own? I found both of these crucial, especially getting out during the week. Baby story time at the library, trips to the store, walk around the mall, anything to combat the cabin fever and see other humans. He's still so little the the weekends, I'm sure, are just tag teaming with YH and not a lot of bonding together but hopefully that will come with time. It can be such a rough transition. I wish I could give you a big ol' hug.

[sunshineluv]

I am currently on Zoloft and breast feeding. My ob says the risks are really low. I took it while breast feeding my son as well.

I hope you get some relief soon. I hate the newborn stage, but the stages after this one get better and better.

[slipsey]

I usually post on MMM, and I've seen your posts there. I was just put on prozac after zoloft no working for me. My dr. told me that there are studies done with children who were breastfed by mothers on prozac and there were no ill effects at age or at age 12.

[Kristinmo]

(((hugs))). I'm so sorry you are going to through this. I was on Zoloft while breastfeeding both of my kids with the blessing of my OB and my kid's pedi.

[SKP82]

I'm sorry, Mel. I would call your OB and make an appt to talk to him/her about it. If you tell them you're struggling, they should be able to get you an appointment more quickly. There are definitely ADs out there that are safe to take while BFing.

Some therapists do offer evening and/or weekend hours. You should look on your insurance provider's website and make some calls.

I hope you're able to find some relief soon. *hugs*

[Jalapeñomel]

Mar 12, 2014 16:48:30 GMT -5 @applesauce said:

Awww hugs Mel! I was on lexapro through my pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What's the deal with the fellowship and not being able to take any time off for appointments? There are therapists who do evening and weekend hours though.

If we miss two days we "jeopardize our future with the fellowship." It's pretty intense.

[Booze Raccoon]

At the very least, call your OB. They might prescribe something over the phone because you are right at the mark for PPD.

I think what you are feeling is completely normal. I went through EXACTLY what you are talking about. It's not easy but you'll get through it. Meds will help for sure.

It's not easy being the mom of a newborn. Especially if you are conscientious, which clearly you are.

Hang in there. It will get better.

[papie]

Yes you can. Call your doctor. I took ADs while BFing almost the whole time with both kids, and am taking them
Now while pregnant and will continue while BFing.
(((Hugs)))

[papie]

Oh and my GP prescribed both times. I had him check for nursing and asked the pharmacist and called the mother risk hotline, lol.

[papie]

Oh and my GP prescribed both times. I had him check for nursing and asked the pharmacist and called the mother risk hotline, lol.

[spwspw]

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. For me, life actually got better and easier when I went back to work after ML, each time. Yes, it was hectic doing drop offs and such, and I do miss my kids during the day, but I'm a happier, more efficient mom when I'm working.

I took Zoloft for my PPD, and it helped a ton, my Ob prescribed it over the phone.