Anyone used Lexapro while bfing? Is it not recommended?

[Softheart]

Hi! With my last child I started Lexapro at about a year post partum, and it worked SO well and just saved me...So now I want to be aware of my options for after my upcoming birth...But it seems like all the posts here only mention Zoloft and Paxil, which I've never taken, and somehow thought were not at advanced at Lexapro...But maybe Lexapro goes more into your breastmilk? It worries me to think of trying something new like Zoloft or Paxil at a vulnerable post-partum time, when I know that the Lexapro works great for me...I wonder if I should just ask for the Lexapro, or do moms here really think that Zoloft or Paxil works every bit as well..? Thanks so much!

[kalisis]

SSRI's are so difficult to make broad statements about...they work differently for everyone.

If you've had success with Lexapro, then it's probably your best bet.

Hale lists it as a Lactation Category C - I'll be back later to type up what that means. In a nutshell, if the benefits outweight the risks, then it's safe. Hale says to watch out for sleepy infants (and I agree - when my does was too high, I was a zombie and just slept on the couch for days on end).

I am currently on 10 mg. The highest dose is 20 (and that's what made me sleepy, sleepy, sleepy).

I waited to start until after my daughter was 6 months old, but in hindsight, maybe should have started sooner.

I think that Zoloft and Paxil are the 'go to' drugs for many OB's b/c they're so widely prescribed. I have a psychiatrist and more anxiety than depression, so she thought Lexapro was best.

Good luck!

[haynmama]

My OB prescribed me it after I had sweaty side effects from Zoloft. He said it's fine for BFing mothers. I love it. My depression and anxiety are starting to dissipate and I have lost some weight.

[JessasMilkMama]

I used it and everyone said it was fine.

[stephaloo]

I used it too. I lowered the dosage to 10mg because 20mg made me and the babe too sleepy.

I loved it. It helped me enjoy life and the babe.

Good Luck to you!

[punkrawkmama27]

I wish I had known that it was fine! I love Lexapro. I was severly depressed with during my last pregnancy. My CNM prescribed Lexapro, it was the best anti-depressant I had ever been on! My husband was so happy, I was able to act like my self. However, when I went to meet with our new ped, he told me to stop taking it 1 week before I delivered or before my due date. SO I did, then a couple days after discontinuing the Lexapro, I went into labor. The lactation consultant at the hospital told me I wasnt allowed to bf for 1 week so ds would not get any of the remaining drugs in my system. All the nurses at the hospital kept giving him bottles, I was a mess. I wante to bf my son, I was crying and upset. (So bad they sent a counselor to talk to me). I told my CNM, and she told me it was fine. So when the nurses werent around I nursed my son ( I had to be so sneaky). I think the only side effect that I have found while researching is that it can make them drowsy, but my son was just fine while bf.

[friendlymamma]

My DS is 11 weeks old. I started taking Lexapro when he was 5 weeks old and he is doing great - gaining weight and sleeping fine. At first I was so stressed about taking it, feeling like I was going to hurt him by continuing to breastfeed. But I did my research and posted here, too, and got lots of support and reassurance that I needed to be healthy, and my babe needed a healthy mommy. And the Lexapro has been a life-saver! I'm finally me again! And my DS is doing just fine, like I said. Remember that your babe needs you to be happy and healthy, so take the Lexapro if you need too and don't feel guilty about it. Just watch for sleepy baby and good weight gain.
Good luck, mamma!

[mariposa78glf]

thinking of lexapro too!

Hi there! I am so glad that you posted this tread! I had just logged on to ask if there were moms our there who had used Lexapro...like you, I have amazing success with Lexapro and have held off getting back on it until now... my son is 20 months, and I don't think I can "tough it out" anymore. I don't want to wean!!!! I have an appointment this morning and will update you on the outcome later! Everything I have heard and read is supportive of my desire to combine nursing and Lexapro...this makes me hopeful.

Mother to AJ 20 months :

[pfamilygal]

I've taken it after the first 4 babies. And dh is picking some up this afternoon for me. I never had problems with it. I took if for the first few months 10 mg per day and then at about 4 mo switched to 10 mg every other day.