New mothers who are on antidepressants are more likely to breastfeed their babies if they stay on the medications.
"We found that two thirds of the women (67 [percent]) stopped taking their antidepressant medication either after becoming pregnant or during breastfeeding," NHMRC Early Career Fellow Doctor Luke Grzeskowiak from the Robinson Research Institute said in a University of Adelaide news release.
The researchers used information from the Danish National Birth Cohort in Denmark, to make their findings. The study encompassed 368 women who had been taking antidepressants before becoming pregnant.
"A third of the women (33 [percent]) continued to take antidepressant medication throughout their pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and these women were much more successful at maintaining breastfeeding up to and beyond the recommended six months," Dr. Grzeskowiak said. "In contrast, those women who had stopped taking antidepressants were also more likely to stop breastfeeding within the recommended six months."
The researchers believe the "benefits outweigh the consequences" when it comes to breastfeeding while on antidepressants.
"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," Dr. Grzeskowiak said. "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."
Many women worry about whether or not they should abandon their medications during pregnancy and lactation; the researchers hope this study will help them make the right decision.
"If they're taking antidepressants, they should be supported and encouraged by family members, friends and healthcare professionals to continue with their medication, knowing that good breastfeeding outcomes are all-important for them and their child," Grzeskowiak said.
