Sleep aide?

[ihugtrees]

I recently began taking Zoloft for PPD, and it is making me an insomniac! I am waking between 3 and 6 am every morning, completely unable to get back to sleep! Can anyone suggest a sleep aide that is breastfeeding friendly and will help me sleep better?

[CheriK]

What time of day do you take the meds?  Some antidepressants can affect sleep and the effect is different for everyone.  When I recently started an antidepressant, my Dr. recommended taking it in the morning and adjusting the time of day if needed depending on my sleepiness.  If you're taking it in the morning, maybe you could take it at bedtime instead or vice versa.  Ask your doctor.

Actually, insomnia is a symptom of anxiety/depression (I started taking medication mostly for the insomnia).  For many moms, insomnia is one of the first symptoms to improve with proper treatment.  And fluxetine (prozac) is typically not the first line of treatment for nursing moms.  YOu might have better luck with another medication.  http://www.uppitysciencechick.com/antidepressant_use_in_preg.pdf.  Check out the rest of this site for more ideas on treating PPD in breastfeeding moms.  It's written by Kathleen Kendall Tackett, an IBCLC who specializes in depression in breastfeeding moms.

Specifically for the insomnia, chamomile and oat straw are both considered safe while breastfeeding.  Lemon balm can also help.  I get these herbs in bulk and make my own loose-leaf tea with different amounts of each (I've also read you can develop a tolerance and one herb can stop working, so I try to alternate which I use).  Chamomile and Lemon balm are also good for PPD symptoms.  All of these should be okay to use with prescription antidepressants.  Kava and skullcap are sometimes recommended, but their use is controvercial in breastfeeding moms.  (Info from Nursing Mother's Herbal by Sheila Humphrey).

Good luck.  Take care of yourself, mama!