Women on anti-depressants can breastfeed successfully compared to those who stop using the medication over concerns about baby's health, a new study shows.
The researchers at the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute examined the data gathered from the Danish National Birth Cohort. They collected information on 368 women who were taking antidepressants before pregnancy.
The researchers noted that 76 percent of the participants gave up on the anti-depressants either during pregnancy or after childbirth. Rest 33 percent continued taking the pills.
The study results showed that women who took anti-depressants even after pregnancy breastfed successfully. They were also more likely to breastfeed beyond the recommended six months. But, the women who stopped taking the anti-depressants ceased breastfeeding within the first six months of childbirth.
"This is a really important message because we know that breastfeeding has immense benefits for the child and the mum herself, including a degree of protection against post-natal depression," NHMRC Early Career Fellow Dr. Luke Grzeskowiak from the Robinson Research Institute said in a press release.
"The amount of antidepressant medication that finds its way into a mother's breast milk is very low. On the balance of it, we believe that continuing to take antidepressant medication and maintaining regular breastfeeding will be the best outcome for both the baby and the mother," he explained.
The researchers also said that the women with depression should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking the medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They advised the family members of these women to be supportive and encouraging during pregnancy and post-natal periods.
The study results will be presented at the 18th Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Annual Conference in Perth, Australia.
