Please reassure me...

[Genesis]

...that me going up to 50 mg of Zoloft will not hurt DS.

It was already hard enough to go on meds in the first place, and I waited as long as I could before going on them (way too long actually) and it was very hard for me to start them, because I always said I would never take anything while breastfeeding.

Well, now I need to go from 25 mg to 50 mg and I am so worried that it is going to hurt DS somehow; his development, his health, his moods, etc. and it is really getting to me.

I know I have heard many moms say that their children were completely unaffected (seemingly so) while they took Zoloft, some of them even taking it long-term while breastfeeding. But lately, I have been reading some conflicting information. And I know there is not many studies at all reagarding how Zoloft affects the nursing child. (right?) And there are definitely no long-term studies, so I am just not reassured at all. And I can not stop worrying about it. Any thoughts? Or information that would be useful to me?

Thanks in advance.

[NotTheOnlyOne]

I have taken it since my ds was 2 weks old. I am now on 50 mg, but at times have been on 75, even 100. He is 14 months old, have a LARGE vacabulary, never has seemed affected by it at all. Happy healthy, 50% for height and weight. Still breastfeeds. Your ds will be fine. A healthy mama is relaly really important.

Originally Posted by Natural Mommy*J

...that me going up to 50 mg of Zoloft will not hurt DS.

It was already hard enough to go on meds in the first place, and I waited as long as I could before going on them (way too long actually) and it was very hard for me to start them, because I always said I would never take anything while breastfeeding.

Well, now I need to go from 25 mg to 50 mg and I am so worried that it is going to hurt DS somehow; his development, his health, his moods, etc. and it is really getting to me.

I know I have heard many moms say that their children were completely unaffected (seemingly so) while they took Zoloft, some of them even taking it long-term while breastfeeding. But lately, I have been reading some conflicting information. And I know there is not many studies at all reagarding how Zoloft affects the nursing child. (right?) And there are definitely no long-term studies, so I am just not reassured at all. And I can not stop worrying about it. Any thoughts? Or information that would be useful to me?

Thanks in advance.

[janellesmommy]

I read a study saying that an extremely low level of Zoloft passes into breastmilk. I think it even said that in some women, none was detected. I don't have that study anymore, sorry.

[mom0810]

It will not be a problem at ALL. 50 mg is still a VERY VERY small dose. The lowest therapuetic dose, and undetectable, if ANY, amounts, will get into your milk, and from there, your baby will not even have any detectable amount in his blood.

I nursed ds on 25 mg to 19 months. He is waaaay fine, ahead of all milestones, happy, healthy, and wonderful.

Now, if you really want to feel better, my cousin had a preemie at 28 weeks. He was 2 lbs. She nursed him while on 75 mg and up of zoloft, from birth, through a feeding tube at first, obviously, but he got breast milk all along. He has defied all odds. They told her he probably would be retarded in some way, would never walk, would never talk, might not be able to live at home (THEY SAID THIS DUE TO HIS PREMATURITY NOT HER TAKING THE ZOLFT!) and he is now 5 years old, TOTALLY normal, TOTALLY smart (smarter than she would care to have, sometimes!), and AHEAD of his classmates in every aspect.

Every time I start to think, or question, taking meds, I think of this child, and how wonderful he is and the fact the he was so tiny and mom took so much medication and he is wonderful and totally fine, defying anything any doctor told her would happen.

So, sweetie, don't feel scared about going up to 50. It will all be fine. Your baby is much better off having a mommy who is going to be smiling at him and laughing and functioning.

Also, be careful what you read on line. It's not all credible and not all true...I suggest staying off the computer and just seeing what happens in your own life. It will all be beautiful and fine.

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

Zoloft is the preferred drug for a bf mom w/ ppd. If any gets into the milk it is in insignificant levels and does not harm baby. Most women are on about 100 mgs, some even more, so 50 mgs is definitely fine.

[Genesis]

Thank you for the responses, mamas.