Is Postpartum Depression Treatment Safe While Breastfeeding?
Some, but not all, treatments for PPD are safe to take while nursing.
Not all antidepressants are safe to take while nursing. This can pose a challenge for treating postpartum depression (PPD).
In this video, learn which medications for PPD are safe while nursing, according to Naomi Torres-Mackie, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health. Plus, learn what research is showing so far for newer PPD medications.
- Naomi Torres-Mackie, PhDNaomi Torres-Mackie, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Postpartum depression.
Bullock, A., et al. (2022). An open-label study to evaluate concentrations of zuranolone in the breast milk of healthy lactating women.
Frieder, A., et al. (2019). Pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression: Current approaches and novel drug development. CNS Drugs.
Kimmel, M. C., et al. (2023). Safety of infant exposure to antidepressants and benzodiazepines through breastfeeding. UpToDate.
Mughal, S., et al. (2022). Postpartum depression. StatPearls.
Rosen-Carole, C., et al. (2021). Using brexanolone for postpartum depression must account for lactation. Maternal and Child Health Journal.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves first oral treatment for postpartum depression.
U.S. Office on Women’s Health. (2023). Postpartum depression.
Viguera, A. (2023). Mild to moderate postpartum unipolar major depression: Treatment. UpToDate.
Viguera, A. (2023). Severe postpartum unipolar major depression: Choosing treatment. UpToDate.