New research does not support the previously observed negative impacts of antidepressant use on breastfeeding. In the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study, use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in late pregnancy was not linked with an increased risk of women experiencing low milk supply.
The study found that women with an underlying psychiatric illness appeared at greatest risk of experiencing low milk supply, however.
The findings highlight the importance of providing women with mental health problems with additional breastfeeding education and support. The retrospective study included 3024 women delivering liveborn preterm infants between 2004 and 2008.
"Decisions around the use of antidepressants and breastfeeding can be challenging, but these findings support continued use of antidepressants in this critical time period of mother-infant bonding," said lead author Dr. Luke Grzeskowiak, of the University of Adelaide, in Australia.
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Additional Information
Link to Study: https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bcp.13575
About Journal
Published on behalf of the British Pharmacological Society, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology contains papers and reports on all aspects of drug action in humans: review articles, mini review articles, original papers, commentaries, editorials and letters. The Journal enjoys a wide readership, bridging the gap between the medical profession, clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry. It also publishes research on new methods, new drugs and new approaches to treatment.
Journal
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology