Can antidepressants cause low milk supply?

Antidepressants and Milk Supply: A Complex Relationship
The intersection of mental health treatment and breastfeeding is a critical area of concern for many new mothers, particularly those diagnosed with postpartum depression. A growing body of research suggests that while antidepressants are essential for managing depression, they may have implications for lactation, specifically regarding milk supply.
Understanding the Impact of Antidepressants on Lactation
Antidepressants, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed to new mothers. These medications can transfer into breast milk, albeit in low amounts, which raises questions about their safety during breastfeeding. However, the primary concern for many mothers is whether these medications can affect their ability to produce milk.
Research indicates that SSRIs may influence milk production through their effects on serotonin levels. Increased serotonin can lead to early involution of mammary glands, which is the process where the breast tissue begins to shrink and produce less milk. This has led to theoretical concerns that mothers taking these medications might experience a reduced milk supply.
Delayed Lactation and Support Needs
A recent study highlighted that women on commonly used antidepressants may face delayed lactation, meaning that the onset of milk production could be significantly slower than expected after childbirth. This delay can be particularly distressing for new mothers who are eager to establish breastfeeding. Experts suggest that additional support may be necessary for these mothers to successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
Moreover, some findings indicate that the use of SSRIs during the last trimester of pregnancy can further complicate breastfeeding. These medications may delay the onset of milk secretion, which can lead to challenges in establishing a breastfeeding routine.
Balancing Mental Health and Breastfeeding
Despite these concerns, many healthcare professionals advocate for the continuation of antidepressant therapy during breastfeeding, especially when the benefits of treating postpartum depression outweigh the potential risks to milk supply. The consensus is that while there may be some impact on lactation, the overall risk to infants is generally low, and the mental health of the mother is paramount.
In conclusion, while there is evidence suggesting that antidepressants can affect milk supply, the relationship is complex and varies among individuals. New mothers should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits of antidepressant use against any potential impacts on breastfeeding. With the right support and management, many mothers can successfully navigate this challenging period.

What medication dries up milk supply?

Women sometimes to ask for a tablet to stop their milk supply. This medication works best if it is taken within 12- 24 hours of your baby’s birth. The medication is not routinely prescribed in hospital due to the many side effects and health risks with this medication. The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®).

What medications cause low milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Can antidepressants affect milk supply?

Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy may need more help with breastfeeding. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can delay the onset of milk secretion if taken during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Does anxiety medication affect breast milk?

The BNF suggests that benzodiazepines are present in milk, and should be avoided if possible during breastfeeding. Single doses of diazepam may also be used in situations such as fear of flying, before surgery or other anxiety provoking situations with continued breastfeeding as normal. Avoid if possible.

What causes a drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

What pills are good for increasing breast milk supply?

Domperidone is the most effective medicine used to improve breast milk supply. It was developed to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion and gastric reflux, but has been found to be effective when used to increase milk supply.

Can depression lower your milk supply?

These data suggest that defects in serotonin and stress reactivity pathways may be associated with both maternal mood and prolactin production, leading to undesired weaning because of diminished milk supply.

Does Zoloft cause low milk supply?

Also, a small study of 6 patients using Zoloft found a slight decrease in milk production as a result. However, this is generally correctable with increased feeds or pumping between feeds. And there is a small risk of serious side effects that you shouldn’t ignore.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.