Hi I had the same after my first child who is now 5 I have since had two more kids and have never suffered the psycosis (sp) again.  I did have really low and tearful times after both births and did take a small dose of tranqualizers for a few weeks.  I breast fed both of the younger two.  My youngest is 12 weeks and I take 60mg of citallipram and was on olanzipine for two weeks after having her she is fully bf.  I hope this helps you hun and good luck eitht he new arrival.

Also keep in mind that just because you went through it once it does not mean it will happen again but try to look after you too and get as much rest as poss after the birth.

Big hugs xx

Suzy

Hi honey....just wanted to offer a big hug....i've been pretty low recently mainly due to not being able to sleep and horrendous bad dreams that are so vivid even when i've slept i feel like i haven't...........anyhow i went to dr's yesterday and he gave me some sleeping tablets (reluctantly) to take every other day for a week to get me back on track.....but i have to see him next week to review....just to make u feel better he said he'd rather give me anti-depressants than sleeping pills as they were less addictive.....he did say anything i take will get into my milk but luckily my dd sleeps 8 till 8 so most of it is out of my system before she has her morning feed. A good GP will do there best to support you and advise you but i know of people who have had meds for pnd and still ebf. so talk it over with all your health care proffessionals and make sure you get full support and follow up care, they are in best place to advise what is best to take.......Best wishes for a healthy and happy pregnancy. xxx

Thank you so much for your advice/comments - it is really nice to know that there are complete strangers out there who care!!  I have discussed this with the "professionials" but it is always good to get a normal persons view on the subject!  Thanks again.

The breast feeding network has details on anti depressants which are considered ok to use whilst breasfeeding, I think it also has info on how certain meds affect the baby. They are on the net. I printed the info off and took it to my GP who had a good look at it and prescribed me the safest looking one. I think, as long as you don't go in guns blazing, a good GP should be open to suggestion.

Hi, there are a lot of drugs available for treating depression/etc which are safe in pregnancy & bf....2 of my very close friends needed meds for post natal depression ( one very severe & hospitalised) & both were able to exclusively bf, my very ill friend for 9m.

I guess if you start something early the hope is that will nip any developing illness in the bud.   Medical professionals are extremely cautious about using drugs in pregnancy & bf so if they deem something safe it should be but I appreciate your concern.  There are so many benefits to bf, more than giving simple nutrition to your baby so if you'd like to do it & your team support this then great but equally don't feel guilty or beat yourself up if you feel more comfortable going straight to formula.  I wish you lots of luck with the birth & hope you reach a decision you feel happy with & stay well xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

First of all hugs to you - can't imagine what you must have been through and all I can say is how fantastic you are worrying about bf when you must be terrified of going through that again! I'm sure your doctor is in the best position to advise you whether it's ok for you to bf on your meds and the impact it might have on lo. It's a tough call and only you know whether you need to go straight on the meds or whether you are ok to try without. Remember every pregnancy/post-birth experience is different and because you had a tough time last time doesn't mean you will this time. It's not quite the same but I develop over-active thyroid after my first and became very ill - lost loads of weight, depressed etc but I couldn't have any meds because I was bf (luckily my condition wasn't very severe so I could make this choice). I was just waiting for the symptoms after my second but I've had no problems this time. Just go with what your instinct and your doctors tell you is best for everyone x

I'm due at the end of October with my second little girl.  I suffered puerberal psychosis with my first 41/2 years ago and breast fed her for 7 to 8 weeks before I was diagnosed and put on some pretty nasty medication.  The mental health team have strongly recommended I go onto some form of medication as soon as my little one is born this time around and herein lies my problem;  do I breast feed with the medication (which is "safe" as far as anyone can tell) or do I just go straight into bottle.  Are the benefits of breast lost if I'm putting a mood stabilising drug into my little ones system?

Has anyone else had this problem?