Cessation of breastfeeding

[EquineBeauty]

Hi all!

Hope everyone is doing well this Easter Husband and I are planning on another pregnancy soon. I’m working on a birth plan etc. My doctor is planning on putting me on Olanzapine 2.5mg approximately 4 weeks before birth. Then increasing last week to 5mg and staying on for 1 year postpartum at 5mg. She said that if we are using this medication preventatively - 5mg is enough. (After I had PPP the first time I was on 15mg Olanzapine). 5mg seems like a low dose. But of course I trust what she is saying. Of course if I experience any symptoms we will increase the dose.

I’ve heard of women experiencing a relapse after they stop breastfeeding. I’m assuming this happened after they went off their antipsychotic regiment and then stopped breastfeeding and experienced a relapse. I plan on breastfeeding at least for a short while (2-3months?) I wonder if it makes sense to increase the dose when ceasing breastfeeding. (I’ll ask all this to the doctors of course). Just wondering - What has your experiences been with having a 2nd pregnancy after having PPP the first time. And if you were medicated for the 1 Year postpartum - did you breastfeed? Did you experience anything strange (mood, etc.) when you fininshed breastfeeding? Did your meds have to be adjusted? Any insight is appreciated. 🩷

[Jenny_at_APP Partner]

Hi EquineBeauty

I hope you’re well

I only breastfed for about 36 hours after my second baby was born so don’t have any relevant experience to share, sorry. Hopefully others who did breastfeed will share some of their experiences.

Do discuss any questions and worries you have with your doctors. I think it’s good to be watchful for any significant changes in your mood around times of hormonal change or any times of stress, and to keep in touch with your doctors at those times. I had good support from my GP as I wasn’t under a mental health team, and it was so reassuring to know I could contact her if I needed to - I hope you’ll have good support around you and it’ll be a much different experience for you this time.

I hope you’re feeling ok about things, enjoy the Easter weekend

Jenny x

[EquineBeauty in reply to Jenny_at_APP]

Hi Jenny! Thanks so much for your reply. I do have a very good health team, OBGYN as well as psychiatrist and therapist. I feel supported and will def. reach out to them often especially if something “doesn’t feel right.” I’m excited about the prospect of a better pregnancy and postpartum experience this time around. Of course still a little nervous but overall we feel prepared. 🩷 Happy Easter!