Help...had to wean suddenly

[scrandall1173]

This is a long story but I'll make it short...

Had difficult labor.
Had PPD.
Had some anxiety around breastfeeding (shame, and low milk supply, and poor latch).
Worked with Lactation consultant and it helped a lot. Still had anxiety when feeding but really wanted to make it worked so tried to ignore it.
2 weeks ago PPD turned into a panic disorder...I couldn't stop thinking about death...circle of life stuff, but I obsessed about it...I cried everytime I saw a family member b/c I would think about their death. Paralyzed with fear.
My psych (who I go to for anxiety disorder and major depression that has been under control for some time) gave me a Chlorazapan (sp?). It can sedate baby and cause weight loss (and who knows what else if baby is sedated).
So I stopped breastfeeding immediately. The drugs have helped incredibly. But my hormones are a mess and my poor little girl keeps looking for me breast only to find the bottle. It BREAKS MY HEART!

I don't know if there's anything that can be done, except adhering to all the other elements of attachment parenting. Any ideas are welcome. I don't care about my hormones (well, my husband probably does!)...I just care about minimizing the effects of this sudden change on my beautiful wonderful daughter (who is just 3 months old).

Thanks for any help that you can offer.

Steph

[StoriesInTheSoil]

Have you checked Hale's "Medications and Mother's Milk" to see if you really have to wean?

The drug you are on is Klonopin (brand name) Clonazepam (generic) and I am almost certain that with close observation it would be safe.

(Disclaimer: I was prescribed Klonopin and many other drugs from the same class for my debilitating anxiety in my late teens)
Klonopin is a Benzodiazopine. This class of drugs is HIGHLY addictive and has a huge and serious abuse potential. It is meant to be used for the very short term in conjunction with talk therapy.

HTH, LMK if you need any more info.


BIG mama, Keep on keeping on. You're doing a great job.

[foreverinbluejeans]

There are very few drugs that are contraindicated for breastfeeding. When I was breastfeeding my youngest I was taking 11 oral medications, 4 asthma inhalers, and an IV medication every 3 weeks. Even though I was taking all the drugs the advantages of breastfeeding were more important than the very small amount of drug that might be in my breastmilk.

When I had to take a medication I would tell the doctor I was breastfeeding and wanted the drug that was best for a breastfed baby. There are drugs for PPD and anxiety disorders that breastfeeding mothers can take.

[prettypixels]

There's more to attachment parenting than breastfeeding mama. You are doing great and your little girl will understand. It's more important for her to have a happy healthy mama than it is for her to have more breastmilk. Give yourself a hug for giving her what you have. Bottlefeeding my baby with her cuddled up to my breast and her little hands patting my breasts is a wonderful bonding thing too!

[dmarina]

i think you're right on with the attachment parenting. co-sleeping & baby-wearing would be the best things for you both right now. also, think about a special routine that you can share with her, a song that you sing when you feed her. maybe some baby massage afterward.

[smanore]

Just a thought here, but Paxil is considered compatible with breastfeeding and is used for depression and anxiety. I don't know your situation and won't want to pressure you either way. Just offering an option you might want to mention to your Dr. Either way, remember, you're such a loving and caring mama.

[NaturalMindedMomma]

Your anxiety is most likely being caused by PPD. Your psych should treat the PPD with a med that is safe in Hales. This would help and you could relactate and breast feed. I had the SAME exact issues, coupled with bi polar disorder and gave up bfing and really regret it. Just wanted you to know how it feels to be in "your" position 2 years later. I still have guilt. I am hoping when Gloriana is born in August, my two year old will be interested and want to tandem! I wish I had gotten something safe for the issues I had and kept breastfeeding.

If not, your doing great and it will not be the end of the world. Attachment parenting is so important and bfing is not the only part of it . Promise!

Good luck mama!

[kiara7]

Klonopin (clonazepam) may produce some sedation in the mom and possibly in the infant, but it is unlikely.

Just observe the infant for poor feeding or sedation. It probably won't happen.

Tom Hale Ph.D.

This is what he says about it. You can also do a search in his book on amazon.

[scrandall1173]

Wow, thanks for all the great advice. I'm going to call my psych, start the talk therapy and ask the pediatrician about about the drug. thanks! Maybe relactation is a possibility!

[happyhousewife06]

I would look in to it asap! it would be great if you could get that relationship back! good luck

[flightgoddess]

Maybe you should check your hormones, and everything else.
Almost a year post partum my sister was having anxiety attacks, she had zero progesterone and testosterone, her thyroid was low,did some test for her neurotransmitters, anyway, she has been on a lot of vitamins and supplements , she's seeing a nutritionist to help her with them, and has been feeling improved. Most vitamins and supplements aren't harmful to BM, so perhaps worth a try.

[Ruthla]

I'm so sorry you had to go through all that. I'm also angry for you- that you were forced into weaning when it may not have been necessary, because your doctor didn't want to (or know how to) research the med's safety during lactation. The way I see it, you didn't "fail" at breastfeeding; the system failed you.

Don't feel guilty about what's already happened. You made te best decision you could with the information and support you had at the time. Any "fault" lies with those who didn't give you the right information.

[scrandall1173]

My choice

Thanks, Ruthla. No one failed me, though. I knew that taking the drugs would allow for me to continue breastfeeding but it might make my daughter excessively tired. I elected not to take that risk with her. It was my own, educated decision a few days after the crisis subsided. My lactation consultant supported me in it. Sometimes, things just don't go as we planned and we must do the best we can.

I wish it had turned out differntly but I'm prego again-- so who knows! Maybe it will be a different experience.

Thanks again for your well-intentioned support

[Aquafina]

Congrats Mama on the pregnancy.

I think its great you are putting your health first! A Healthy mama makes a happy baby =) I agree with you on what you did.I would do the same


You can still bottle-feed and have eye contact and be close.Dad and family can help with the feedings now. Gives you time to lock the bathroom door and relax in a nice warm bath.