PP and breastfeeding

[MIppp]

Is there a medication to prevent PP that is compatible with breastfeeding?

[Brendafroyen]

I've heard Haldol can be used while breastfeeding, but better ask your doctor.

[Mims2014]

I ask my consultant this question as I want to consider breastfeeding if I have another baby but also want to take preventative medication. Her response was haloperidol or quetiapine, although both have more nasty side effects than aripriprizole that worked well for me last time (you can't breastfeed on) so I can't decide. I've got a while to consider though as not even off medication yet so can't get pregnant. Please let me know what you do x

[lgreen]

Hi I was diagnosed PP after having my second child and I was adamant I wanted to continue breastfeeding. I was prescribed risperidone anti psychotic drug and I was able to continue breastfeeding. Good luck

[JonesieB Volunteer]

Hi Mlppp,

That's a great question and one I always feel should have a much more clear cut answer. There is definitely medication you can take that still allows you to breastfeed, as always, making sure you get proper medical advice with anything drug-related is essential.

Women with PP often say that no longer being able to breastfeed is one of the things that breaks their heart and causes great upset, I also found for me it made me feel more anxious. When I had my second baby, I really wanted to be able to breast feed him and decided (with professional advice) not to take preventative medication. I was closely monitored and put lots of other things in place to ensure I was well cared for and rested and we kept fingers crossed I didn't get PP a second time around. Thankfully, I didn't.

I breast fed my son for five months until some little teeth appeared and then it was time for the bottle!! Again, to breast feed or not to breast feed continues to be a source of great angst for all Mums, PP aside. It's a very personal decision and I guess staying healthy as a mum has to be the priority. Getting some really good advice is the starting point I think. We have a section on our website about breastfeeding with PP, you may want to have a read. app-network.org/wp-content/...

Very best of luck and warmest,

JonesieB

[MIppp in reply to JonesieB]

Thank you for your reply!! <3

[Naomi_at_app Volunteer]

Hi Mippp

At a recent training session with our local perinatal psychiatrist, Quetiapine was mentioned as a good option for breastfeeding and preventative medication for PP, however different psychiatrists and GP's still have different prescribing practices. Up to date information on a range of medications and their safety during breastfeeding can be found here: choiceandmedication.org/ncmh/

Naomi x

[andrea_at_app Volunteer]

Hi Mlppp,

This is a really important question & I wish there was a simple answer, so thanks for asking it. Is the info for you or a family member? If it's for you, congratulations & well done for asking in advance & being prepared.

It's an area which takes a fair bit of information gathering, thought & discussion before making decisions about what's best for you & your family. You really need to discuss this with your psychiatrist, ideally a Specialist Perinatal Psychiatrist (not all areas have these). Ask her/him any questions you want want & discuss any worries etc. no matter how simple they seem. We can't offer advice here on medications (as we're not Dr's) but we can share our experiences & things that worked for us. Are you getting the antenatal care you need & are you putting a care plan in place?

There's a thread here you might find useful, 'New leaflets on medications in pregnancy' with links to 'Best Use of Medications in Pregnancy' website: healthunlocked.com/app-netw...

I think this website has clear info too, just select the medication from the drop-down box on the RH side. choiceandmedication.org/ncmh/

There's a thread here on breast-feeding & baby no.2, it's from a while back now so things might have changed since then. healthunlocked.com/app-netw...

Also, this might be helpful too, 'Pregnancy: a guide for women at high risk of PP' app-network.org/wp-content/...

I hope you find the links useful, if there's anything else at all, just ask. Take care.