How Do I Get over the Guilt of Quitting Breastfeeding?

Yes that was me with my first baby girl. I had been on zoloft too before I was pregnant. After she was born about 2 months later I knew I had to get back on it. Greatest decision I ever made for me and my baby. She is now healthy, strong and very smart and that is only from BF 2 months!

If you want the best of both worlds I agree with the others. Being a good Mom doesn't equate to breastfeeding. Being a good Mom equates to be loving, caring, making sure her belly is full and she is safe & warm AND you being happy, healthy & strong.

You say you want to sacrafice your own happiness and continue BF. To me, you're sacraficing your health, not happiness, if you DON'T take the Zoloft.

By the way, you have a beautiful 5 week baby girl! You are not a failure!

Peace & blessings!

Zoloft is VERY SAFE to breastfeed on. It is an L2 and if you don't believe me, you can call the Infant Risk Center at ###-###-####

The Infant Risk Center and Thomas Hale, Ph.D. are considered the BEST resources IN THE WORLD on how medications affect breastfeeding. There homepage is:

http://www.infantrisk.org/

Is would be a terrible shame to not nurse because you are under the impression that Zoloft is unsafe to breastfeed on. The breast is an AMAZING filter - unlike any other filtration system in the know universe. Drugs have half-lives, protein binding capacities, molecular weights, etc. It isn't as simple at "yup, it can pass or no it can't" - Drugs vary in how they pass the breast based on 10 different dimensions, including the ones I just mentioned.

Zoloft weighs 306 Daltons (not super heavy, but good - Heavier is better)

It has a 98% Protien Binding Capacity (VERY VERY GOOD - anything over 90% has a very low chance of circulating out of your blood stream and into the mammary epithelium). Basically the drug binds so fully to the proteins in your blood that the proteins (being very large) cannot squeeze through the filter system, so the drug can't pass either.

Zoloft reaches it's peak concentration in your blood stream at about 7 to 8 hours after you take it. So say you take it at 9am . . . between 4 and 5 pm it will be at it's highest level in your blood. If you want, just don't nurse between 4 and 5. Pretty easy.

It has an EXTREMELY low Milk to Plasma ratio at .89, which is great because IF any gets into your milk, it will be SUPER SUPER tiny.

Think about all the chemicals in formula, the fact that it was recalled recently due to INSECT PARTS being in the formula, that BPA leeches into the canned formula and the risks to a formula fed infant are far higher then to a breastfed infant.

Now think about all the info I just gave and the fact that ZOLOFT IS SAFE to nurse on. Add to this the new research that found that breastmilk contains STEM CELLS.

Now ask yourself . . which is better for baby?

For the past 10 years I have fought for moms who want to nurse. I fought hard for my right to nurse on Remicade and low and behold, 3 years later it is now approved to not only nurse on but also be pregnant on!

Fight for your right!

Peace!

You are a GREAT Mom for even trying to breastfeed her. Just try to remember breatsfeeding her is only one tiny part of taking good care of her. You need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of her every other need. If you need to go back on the meds then PLEASE do so. Your baby will benefit so much more from having a happy, healthy Mom than just from getting your breastmillk.

GL and congrats on the new lil one!

It doesn't have to be one or the other. It is safe to take zoloft and breastfeed. I take that and wellbutrin and this was approved by 3 doctors. My midwife, psychiatrist, and gp. My child is 1 and perfect. I also took these meds while I was pregnant. It's better for you to be emotionally stable for your child. Talk to your doctor.

I have not been through this (and feel fortunate that breastfeeding worked out well for me). But I feel strongly that you are making the right decision for you. Say affirmations to yourself that you are doing the best thing for your child by taking good care of yourself. Breastfeeding or not breastfeeding is not the end of the world. Falling into deep depression will cause more harm to you and your child than feeding formula ever will. There are plenty of moms who are unable to breastfeed past a few weeks due to health issues and their kids come out just fine.

You can't sacrifice your own happiness to breastfeed. If it were a selfish reason, I would say suck it up, but something like depression, post pardom or otherwise needs you as healthy as possible. Your baby needs you as healthy as possible. A good mom and baby on formula is always better than an unhealty mom and a baby on breast milk. Don't overthink it, you are in no way, shape or form a failure for doing what is best for you and your baby, breastmilk or not!

Knowing you are severely depressed when there is a remedy is self-destructive and unfair to your husband, children, family and friends.

There is no need for you to “sacrifice” your happiness for your baby’s sake. A severely depressed mother and wife are not good for anyone concerned.

You deserve to be happy and enjoy your new baby, little girl and husband.
It doesn’t matter what “people” say about a medication and breastfeeding, it matters what your physician and pediatrician say.

Bella, welcome home from your guilt trip, unpack the guilt put it away, call your doc and make an appointment today.

Blessings…..

Sweety, what your baby needs more than breastmilk is a happy healthy mama! I understand your feelings about breastfeeding, but the happier you are, the healthier she'll be. You need to take care of you to be able to care for anyone else properly. You put in a great 5 weeks. That's awesome and I commend you for it! I had to quit b/fing my 1st one at 3 months b/c of an infection but you know what?? She's fine! She's now a healthy happy 9 year old. :) Go get healthy!

Your baby needs you to be able to function properly. If that means you need meds, then take the meds. You have breast fed for 5 weeks that's awesome! Excessive depression and anxiety will get in the way of being able to parent the way you want. That's more important than breast feeding. We are fortunate to live where we have clean water, so formula is a perfectly acceptiable option. Good luck!

Don't feel guilty at all! When I had my son, I breastfed for a year. After that, I stopped and he weaned easily. I got ALL KINDS of hassle from 'holier than thou' moms who wanted me to beat myself up because I stopped at a year! Sometimes, no matter what you do, it will not be good enough for someone else.

You have a specific medical condition that needs this medication. The meds would be bad for your baby, so you have stopped breast feeding. End of story- you ARE doing what is best for your baby by taking your medication and working hard to be the best mother you can- the healthiest, most whole person you can be.

My aunt had a serious thyroid condition and had to take meds for it. She went off of them when she was pregnant, but had to go back on them immediately after her son was born. She never got the chance to breastfeed at all- but she knew she had to do what would keep her healthy!

So many ignorant people asked her why she wasn't breastfeeding and she would look them in the eye and say

"It isn't really your business, but since you asked I have to take a medication that would be extremely dangerous for my baby. Is that an acceptable reason to you?" Usually the person would be so embarrassed they would mumble an apology and leave her alone after that.

It is NO ONE ELSE'S BUSINESS why you choose to do what you do or when. You have nothing to feel bad about- you are doing what is best for you and your child all in one.

Take your medication and feel better! Being a new mother is so much work already- do what you need to do to feel like yourself and take care of your baby. You have nothing to feel guilty about at all! Congratulations and God Bless!

You need to be at your best for your daughter. this includes mind and soul as well as physically.

You know what you want to do and need to do. So make a mommy decision and go for it. NO REGRETS!

We can only do our best. If you do not want to take the Zoloft and breast feed. that is YOUR decision. If you do want to give it a try.. Make that your decision.. NO ONE else can make you feel any way.

They are not friends if they do not support you.. You need to be strong and if tat means getting back on the Zoloft do it.
Depression is nothing shameful. It is a chemical imbalance in your brain. It is like any other condition that you cannot control..

Quit discussing it with every one and just do what your mommy heart is telling you to do..
I am sending you strength..

A happy mom is a better mom. Switch to formula and take your meds.

A lovingly fed bottle of formula will be better for your baby than a breast from an unhappy mommy.

Good luck, sweetie.

I breastfed both of my kids and I'm currently breastfeeding. I was on anti-depressants before the first. And, honestly, my friends and family never "got" my depression.
In my own personal opinion, the hormones and all the emotions you go through after the birth is stress enough. I remember being anxious and sad just thinking about how soon my maternity leave would be over, or that the baby has moved out of that stage, or whatever. Just depressed and easily moved in that direction of being sad. Also, I remember thinking, "I don't want to breastfed anymore, I'm so sick of 2am feedings, I'm weaning tomorrow." But, I treated it like a marathon. I set my goal, I knew the benefits, I kept going. I would respond internally with positive things like how beautiful my child is, and all the other bene's of breastfeeding.
That said, you need support. If your family isn't supporting your decision THAT SUCKS! That is stress, and they are adding to your burden. If you want to continue breastfeeding, then they should support you. But, you really need to convey to them what you need.
If you do decide to stop breastfeeding, don't get upset about that! You made it over a month, and that's awesome. Some women CAN'T breastfeed at all. Think about that. You want to enjoy these precious moments, so if you can't right now, then go back on meds.
But, are there other options? Can you get therapy, join a support group, or try some other alternatives to help yourself?
Good luck!

Hi there, You must take care of yourself 1st so you can be a good Mom. I quit breastfeeding after a couple of weeks with my 1st son. I felt so bad about it but you know what he is now 4 and just fine. My second son is now almost 1 and I did not breastfeed him. I had the same issues with him and decided in the hospital that I was NOT going to get stressed out about not breastfeeding. It is ok. Your daughter will be fine. You need to do what is best for you. If you want to breastfeed go for it if not that is your choice and you should not feel gulity about it. Hang in there you are in my thoughts!

hi new mom!, its like when a plane is having serious turbulence they tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first and then your children. You HAVE to take care of your well being in order to then be responsible for others. I am a very huge supporter of breastfeeding, and noramally i would tell you to keep on going, but in this case i have to agree with your husband and mom ad your friend.

I got saw this link right after I read your post, so I figured it was a sign to pass it on to you.......

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/1...

It's a great article to naturally battle depression on your own without the harsh effects of drugs. That being said, you need to take care of yourself to be able to take care of your daughter (wheither it's with Zolof or these tips to beat depression)!!! You have done so much better than most women, by nurishing her for 5 weeks! That first couple weeks is when your daughter was able to get the colastrum, that right there gave her a jump start to a healthy life. Be proud of what you have done so far and don't beat yourself up now that you had to stop!! You are a great mother!!!!!!!

(if you are still breastfeeding, the fish oils (EPA/DHA) that they talk about in the article are great to take while breastfeeding too because it will not only help you but that helps with brain development in the baby.)

I did the same thing though she was about a year old. I quit bf cold turkey so I could start taking care of myself. I experienced anxiety and depression after my daughter being born and becoming a stay at home mom.
It was the best thing I ever did for her. Giving her a emotionally and mentally healthy mommy is far more important to every part of her life. The benefits of you feeling better far outway the benefits that bf gives.
I commend you for doing the difficult thing and seeing the reality of your situation and making the best choice for all of you before things got too bad.

Sorry you are feeling that you have to give up breastfeeding and that you are anxious and depressed. I have taken Zoloft for 6 years. It is not ideal, but I have taken it through two pregnancies and am currently breastfeeding my second (first for a little over 1 year). After I finished researching the subject I felt that it was still best to breastfeed and be on Zoloft than to be off of Zoloft or quit breastfeeding. You have to do what you feel is best for you and the baby. Good luck, and I hope you can find peace in whatever it is you choose to do.

I agree with all the mamas so far! Your daughter will benefit WAY more from a happy mama than simply from breastmilk. You have a good support system encouraging this as well, what a blessing.

I had a lot of medical complications from childbirth and was in the ICU for a few days and couldn't immediately breastfeed. I also ended up with a severe case of anemia. So I managed to breastfeed for a little while, but it was always a struggle. It was my doctor who said I should stop for similar reasons to you. It was exhausting me, waking up so often (I wasn't able to pump, so no way to store milk and have hubby get up). The doctor said to me what people are saying to you- my daughter needed a healthy, happy mom.

It did bother me from time to time, but mostly because I was upset at feeling like the choice wasn't really mine. As far as my daughter- she is amazingly happy and healthy.

I hope this helps you- it may bother you the circumstances that made it necessary to stop, but given your choice you need to do what is right for you and your baby. And it sounds like being back on meds is what you need.

Take care

Ok, I first want you to take a breath.... Now sit down and take another breath.... Now that you have done that, I want you to think of the face of your beautiful little girl.... Know that YOU havee already given her the best start you can give her.... Know that you gave her a WONDERFUL home 9 months prior to the 5 weeks outside the womb. With that said.... YOU & ONLY YOU have already given her the best start. Now you need to take care of Mommy to take care of baby. Breastmilk is not what will make your baby 100% Sound & Healthy; but a Sound Healthy Mommy will. If you are not healthy, baby will not be healthy. Depression is an illness & everyone should treat it as such and not something that can just be over-looked. If a lady was to get a heart condition that needed medication; I would not want her to skip her meds so that she can breastfeed. A HEALTHY Mommy is what makes a sound child develop into a sound adult. So take care of yourself and get back onto your meds. This is what will make you a good mom. Also wheen you stop breastfeeding your hormone surges will balance and your meds will work better for you anyway. Once you are happy, baby will be happy. Also when you are suffering from a chemical imbalance with depression, then that imbalance is offsent in your milk. So giving baby a balanced formula with a balanced mommy is better than given baby off-balanced breastmilk with an off-balanced mommy.
Since you were not on the medication while pregnant; we actually do not advise you to start the medication now and continue to breastfeed.
Since you want what is BEST for baby; that would be the "BEST" mom that you can be, not breastmilk.
Good Luck and Congratulations on Baby, On knowing you need to treat your medical condition and knowing you need to do what is best for her. Right now that is treating yourself. I bet in three weeks of formula feeding your baby and being on your medications you will be so happy and light hearted that you will REJOICE!

I completely understand the feelings of failure at stopping breast feeding. Husbands don't get it. People without depression don't get it. They try to help, but they just don't get it. There's this image in your head of what you're supposed to be able to do as a mom and when you don't meet your own expectations it's, as you said, devastating. The one thing I want to ask you is, when is it "okay" to stop according to you? I wanted to go a year and my milk all but dried up around 5-6 months and all I could muster was maybe one semi-feeding a day after that. I felt like I wasn't good enough to do what my body was supposed to be 'made' to do. And it seemed like nobody understood that pain. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, at some point you will have to stop, for some reason. And it Will be hard. So is it better to try to tuff it out and have to fight the depression until that point and deal with any guilt then? or Is it better to give in and let medication try to help you thru all of it and just be able to enjoy your life and your baby better? I understand sacrificing for your child, but I believe there is a point where things sometimes need to change so you can be better for your family. And there is NOTHING wrong with doing what you need to do to get yourself feeling good so you can be the best you that you can be for your baby and for your family. ("If mama ain't happy, ain't Nobody happy!")
I admire you for asking for help! It's more than I could get myself to do when I was going thru this!
You are not alone, and you do not have to feel like this.

Dr. Thomas Hale has done extensive research on the effects of medication on infants during breastfeeding. According to his site, zoloft is safe for a breastfeeding mother with minimal to no side effects on the infant/child. His is a link to his resource guide.
http://www.amazon.com/Medication-Guide-Breastfeeding-Moms...

Congrats on the birth of your baby.

Peace,
J.

You need to do what is best for your health. I have a chronic health condition that wouldn't allow me to breastfeed, but in the end I decided, my children will only benefit if I am healthy and happy. And let's face it, while breast milk is good for them, babies are not growing up any less healthy on formula. You need to think about your family and that baby. Will your baby benefit more from your breast milk or a happy and postive family enviroment?

Severe depression that is getting worse every day? Oh, honey. That sounds just awful. And actually, that might affect your daughter much more than Zoloft, and definitely way more than not breastfeeding. She needs a healthy, happy mother, who will be able to delight in her and interact with her and reassure her the way a severely depressed mother can't.

I couldn't breastfeed my children, and I was devastated. But at a certain point I just had to let go of it, and I did. Both boys, formula fed from within a few weeks or months of birth, are in excellent health (and very smart, too). There is nothing about them that makes me think, oh I wish they had been breastfed. Don't worry about your daughter on formula; she will be fine.

An added advantage of formula is that other people who love you (husband, family, friends) can feed her sometimes so that you can sleep, which I imagine is something you really need right about now.

Hang in there. It will all work out great in the end. You will be happy, AND you will have a healthy, happy baby.

Depression is a serious illness and your mood effects your ability to interact and respond to your baby. It's important to treat your depression so you can be there emotionally for both of you children -- it's really important for their development. One thing to remember is that some of the guilt you feel about stopping breastfeeding is likely cause by the depression (when I was depressed I felt guilty about all sorts of irrational things I couldn't control). Once you treat your depression you will likely find that you feel less guilty about the decision. Your babies need a happy, healthy mommy to take care of them! Good Luck!

I know you said taking Zoloft and breastfeeding isn't an option, but I would ask you to talk to your doctor first before completely writing it off. A good friend of mine successfully breasted her two children on Zoloft and they are bright and wonderful kids (4 and 18 months now). It is important for you to be emotionally stable for your child, so getting back on Zoloft is important first and foremost. Second, I would arm myself with knowledge about any and all risks and the mechanics of the drug in breastmilk before you make any decisions about continuing breastfeeding. Good luck, you're a Great Mama :)

So I know you've received tons of answers, but I was in the EXACT same spot you were a few months ago. I felt exactly the same way about it all. My psychologist eventually said "what is it that makes you think that it's not safe to take Zoloft while breastfeeding"? I couldn't pinpoint it other than what you've said--it just SEEMS like it would be bad. She reminded me that there's no research saying that, and, in fact, there's research saying the opposite, in that there's minuscule Zoloft that makes it into the breast milk and that amount doesn't harm your baby. I've been on Zoloft for almost 3 months now and I continue to nurse my gorgeous baby. It was the right decision for me and my family.

Also, someone might've mentioned this, but do you produce enough milk that you could just pump like crazy for a couple weeks and then go on Zoloft? You could maybe get a few weeks' worth of milk in that time.

Good luck in making your decision.

I am so sorry you are having a hard time w/ this. I do understand what you are going through. you want to nurse, but your health is at stake. I JUST went through this and I felt so guilty even though my DD was 22 mo!!! clearly old enough to stop nursing, and I kinda wanted to also, but I wanted her to want to wean not me to stop her cold turkey so I can take some much needed medicine. I still have quilt issues but the only thing that got me through it is what you already know in your heart: it is more important to have a healthy happy safe mom then a breastfeed baby and I know they say breast is best but they should add one of those * to say that it is best only for some families. there is nothing wrong/evil about formula as LOTS of babies use it and are fine. good luck, much love!

Try to see if you can do some thing that will keep it at bay for a little longer: extra vitamin D for example, getting out to exercise as much as you can, trying a heat lamp, read only happy stories, watch only comedy, etc.
Then, trust your gut and go with that. Do as much as you can but realize it might not be 6 months - could be less. Just take it 1 day at a time.
Good luck!

Wellbutrin (bupropion.) Switch while you're breastfeeding. It is the gold standard, and well-studied: an almost undetectable amount is present in your milk, and is not at all detectable in the blood of the infants when tested one hour after breastfeeding.

I white-knuckled it through seven months of pregnancy, and then when I just couldn't bear it any more, my OB happily (and expressing the wish I had told her I was struggling sooner) put me on Wellbutrin for the last three months of pregnancy - she regularly prescribes it to women who smoke and are pregnant as a smoking-cessation aid - the risks of smoking are far, far greater than the risks of buproprion (and many other antidepressants.)

I then went on to breastfeed for two full years, ultimately switching back to Zoloft at one year. My son is a happy, verbal, active, growing, sharp, funny, healthy boy.

I totally understand not wanting to medicate your child unnecessarily - but I suggest (from experience, and with much gentleness) that some of your anxiety about the "risk" is a product of your depression, and treating the depression will help you to more accurately assess this, and other, risks.

Here's some solid research, if you are the type that is helped by research (I am):

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/antidepressants-hale1...

You can also google and come up with lots of studies, all basically asserting that all retrospective studies (a woman and her doctor decide to medicate, and then record blood levels in mom and baby and take breast milk samples) suggest that there is little to no impact of bupropion on the baby and that a very few mothers have trouble with a dip in milk supply. Since no one can do a double-blind placebo study on pregnant/nursing mothers and any medication, no one is ever going to be able to say it is definitively without any risk. But all sources will tell you that the risks of untreated depression and anxiety are real and quantifiable.

I will also say, especially since depression can make emotionally connecting with your baby challenging, if you are otherwise enjoying breastfeeding, I would encourage you to find a medication you are comfortable with and continue breastfeeding, for the emotional connection if nothing else.

That said, if you still feel that you are not comfortable with continuing breastfeeding while treating your depression, formula is a safe and available option that we can all be grateful for. Your baby will be fine either way - as long as you get the help that you need. Untreated depression and anxiety are a far, far greater risk to your baby than any medication you could take.

Talk to your doctor. Talk to your pediatrician. Talk to your OB. Although it can take a long time (six to eight weeks) to get an appointment to see a psychiatrist, many practices have psychiatric nurse practicioners that you can get in to see within a week or so, and can share their expertise and experience with nursing mothers. Whatever you decide to do about breastfeeding, you are being the best mom you can be by taking care of yourself and treating your depression.

You are doing a great job, be gentle with yourself. Best of luck.

I have to say that you should not feel guilty about quitting breast feeding. Your baby has gotten immunities from you that she needed. They also say that any amount of breast feeding is great for her. Way to go mom!
On that note I have to say that your baby and your family need a happy mama more then your baby needs to be breastfed. Doing stuff to make you ok helps your whole family to be ok. Your family and friends want what is best for you and your family. Good luck. I have been there.

Wouldn't you rather be a happy, content and loving mommy to your little girl? I think that doing your best to be THAT for her would take priority over what she would be eating. She will soon be smiling at you, reaching for you and probably antagonizing you! lol. you're going to need your wits about you, and going to need to be in good spirits. Don't condemn yourself for this, it is NOT a selfish decision!! I felt bad after successfully nursing my two older children until they were six months, and then with my 14 month old, my milk supply just wasn't sufficient, and we were both miserable. I put him on formula, and we were both sooo much happier. He is a healthy happy chubby and active little man, and ya, I still feel kinda bad I couldn't do that for him, but he is just as content as the other two were. You need to make the BEST decision for BOTH of you. Ultimately, that little princess NEEDS her mommy, not only one kind of milk...good luck!

I felt guilty when I stopped as well. I think it is more important for you to be in good health for your daughter than the nursing if it really is a must choose situation.

Okay, I was on an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety med before I became pregnant, then when I found out, the dr. switched me to Zoloft because it's been around the longest and they know the most about it. I took it through the entire pregnancy, and 5 months of breastfeeding. My baby is perfectly healthy...actually, he's #3 and he's the best baby so far! I quit breastfeeding just last week because my schedule didn't work for me to keep pumping to keep up my supply, and ever since I quit breastfeeding, I've been feeling "off" again, like before I was pregnant. So I guess my first advice would be to keep breastfeeding and get back on Zoloft at the same time. You want to enjoy your baby and breastfeeding is so relaxing!! But if that won't work for you, then quit nursing and get on Zoloft. You NEED to take care of you first. You don't want to miss out on these precious first months, but please, reconsider nursing and being on Zoloft. You can private message me if you want, we can compare depression/anxiety notes! Ha!

BTW, you are doing the BEST thing by just asking for help and advice. You will be the perfect mommy!! You are definately not alone in this!!!

You're being too hard on yourself. I stayed off Zoloft when I was pregnant with both my girls as well. I nursed both of them while on it however. I could not handle the depression. My oldest is 5 and doing just fine. She stopped nursing at 14 months. My youngest is 21 months and doing great as well. She weened herself at 11 months. You can safely do both with no adverse affects.

Oh and I can tell that you are an awesome mom. Hang in there. Everything will be ok.

(((((((( Hugs )))))))))

First and foremost you need to contact your OB. Even though you have a history of depression you also may be having severe Post-Partum Depression (this is NOT the same as baby blues). It can be a very serious condition to yourself and your baby. I had it for 10 months and I refused to take anything for it. My doc reminded me that every moment I live in depression I miss out on my baby's little life. He feared that when I recovered I would regret that I wasted my time and didn't have the opportunity to enjoy my sweet little baby. To this day I see video here and there and photos that I don't even remember about him when he was a baby. It makes me very sad.

Now, if I were to go back and had the chance to do it again, I would probably make the same choice. I have always been the one that feels like my body is made a certain way and I need to trust that I can plow through it. Ultimately my baby quit nursing on his own at 4 months (he was the only one that did that the other two went for a year). To this day I am convinced that my emotional problems affected him in some way. I am sure there is no proof of that, but babies rely on instinct and emotion and can sense and feel a lot. I guess what you need to do is decide what is more important to you and your baby.

Do you want to subject your baby to depression all day, which they do feel, or do you want to give her formula. As far as feeling guilt, mothers and babies do the formula route every day and grow together to be healthy thriving adults and those babies love their mommies just the same. It has been proven as well that babies get the most benefit in the first 4 to 6 weeks of nursing so you are fine there too. I would try to base your final decision on what is best for your baby and that could be nursing or it could be a happy mom. Only you can decide that. I would try to keep the guilt out of the equation though, guilt makes the decision about you and your feelings and not your baby's.

I hope you find relief, I still cringe at how hard it was to deal with my depression and it was heart-wrenching so I really feel for you.

Good luck!

You have to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your baby. I would try to seek advice from your doctor and a lactation consultant. See what they have to say. At just a few weeks past delivery, I think you may be having some baby blues and postpartum that are compounding your normal situation. I do not know though, I am not a professional. Please seek advice from the doctor and the lactation consultant (should be one affiliated with your hospital).

I am a huge, huge, huge BF supporter, but!, you have to be able to function to take care of that blessing from God! And, BTW - You ARE A GREAT Mom!!!!

with both my girls i was on antidepressants while breastfeeding. With my first, I went on prozac a few weeks before she was born and stayed while breastfeeding. With my second, I went on Lexipro (sp?) at about 5 months pregnant and switched to Celexa (it's similiar, but cheaper on my insurance) and continue to take it and she just turned a year and still breastfeeding.
...I just read your p.s. and if you really feel you would rather not take something while breastfeeding, you would be a healthier, happier mommy by switching to formula. and anyone who tells you different probably has not been in your shoes! It's a very tough place to be caring for a newborn while your body is healing and then having depression on top of it! You are probably at a higher risk for true postpartum depression and antidepressants would be more beneficial than breastfeeding, in my opinion. Please talk to your dr at your 6 week check if you don't already have meds! I'm so sorry you don't have the support of family and friends to help you thru this time! The best mommy for your baby will be the one not fighting this!

Taking Zoloft while nursing is safe for the baby. Do both!!

I went through the same guilty feelings with my first one when I quit after 4 weeks. I knew it was the right thing to do but couldn't get over the guilt and feelings of failure. I just had my 2nd baby 4 months ago and quit after 2 weeks. This time was a little easier because I decided that I wasn't going to spend the 3 months I had to be home with my baby feeling sad and frustrated. I needed to enjoy the time I had with him before going back to work. Making the decision to stop was the best thing for me AND my family because I was a much happier mom and wife. Being a good mom includes being a happy person. Good luck and you CAN do it. p.s. I am also on anti-depressants.

Its all how you look at it! I am going to encourage you to look at it from the other side! KUDOS to you! U were able to breast feed your baby for 5 weeks! What a great start you were able to give! Remember that a depressed or out of commission Momma is not a good thing for either of your children! If you are able to put it off for a few more weeks and perhaps use other methods to keep your depression in check then by all means do what you feel you are able to. But try to not have the guilt- many moms would have loved to have the weeks of breastfeeding that you did! And just because you may need to give her formula, still hold her close and use feeding time as bonding time! Each of gives our children the best we can- which includes Momma being in good health! '

Have you checked to see if Zoloft crosses into breastmilk? That would be the first thing I checked. If it does (and even if it's considered safe) I totally am with you on not giving the little systems meds they don't need.

Being a healthy mom for your kids has to factor in big. If you can't function because of your depression then that's not good for anyone. Check the med out and then if you need it take it and that will be doing what's best for baby and your whole family.

It's okay to formula feed your baby!!! I didn't breastfeed any of my four kids and they were perfectly healthy. Do not feel guilty about your decision at all.

You are not a failure in any way!! Just remember you are doing it for her. For your daughter to have a happy mom, and a stable mom is the best gift you give her, even better than long term breastfeeding. You will be able to enjoy her much more, she will be able to enjoy you much more. I know it can be very hard but you should not feel guilty or bad in any way. She will be a strong, wonderful kid on formula too. Sometimes are ideals get in the way of what is ultimately best for the kids and it does sound like switching her to formula is what is best for HER! It is not selfish at all.

good luck with whatever you decide. Hang in there!

What is best for your daughter is having a happy mother.

It is quite obvious that you love your new baby. However, being a good mom also entails the mom being healthy and fit. Your family members know you well, and if they think you should be back on meds, they are probably right. Your children deserve a mother who is healthy and feeling good enough to handle the day-to-day duties of being a mother. If you are depressed, is that possible? It sounds to me like you need to do some soul searching. Is it better to keep breast feeding and being a depressed mom (which both children can sense), or switching to formula, which is perfectly safe, and having a happy and fun loving mom? Both of your children deserve the best mother you can be. Good Luck!