Women who breastfeed can not take most medications because of the risk of entering breast milk.

This causes some young mothers to give up antidepressant medications prescribed by the doctor.

A new study by Australian scientists shows that women on antidepressants can successfully continue breastfeeding.

These results were presented at the 18th Annual Conference of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand in the city of Perth.

According to the Mayo Clinic (USA), many young mothers experience mood swings and tearfulness after childbirth that eclipses the joy of motherhood. In most cases, it quickly passes. Nevertheless, some people have a more severe postpartum depression, which does not disappear for many months.

Although it is successfully treated with medications and psychotherapy, Mayo Clinic notes that when there is lactation there is a poorly understood potential risk of antidepressants for a child.

To treat or not to treat?.

Postpartum depression is accompanied by a whole set of symptoms that, in the absence of adequate treatment, can prevent a mother from performing her daily duties, and even jeopardize a child's health and life.

These symptoms include:.

• Insomnia.

• Fatigue.

• Irritability.

• Severe mood swings.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Intentions to cause harm to the child.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11% of the population of the States over the age of 12 years are taking antidepressants, and women are prescribed these drugs 2.5 times more often.

Women who refused tablets, often stopped feeding.

To further explore the benefits and risks of antidepressants for nursing mothers, scientists from the University of Adelaide in Australia, led by Dr. Luke Grzeskowiak of the Robinson Research Institute, used data from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DBC). They analyzed 368 women who took antidepressants before pregnancy.

Researchers estimated that 67% of women refused prescription antidepressants before pregnancy, when they learned about their situation.

Dr. Grzeskovyak notes: "One third of women (33%) continued to take antidepressants throughout their gestation and feeding period, and these women had better lactation, they often continued to feed until the recommended 6 months".

Women who refused to take prescribed antidepressants had more complications and often stopped lactation earlier than the recommended period.

Australian scientists say that the benefits of taking antidepressants during lactation substantially outweigh the possible risks to the baby.

There are several beneficial effects of full lactation in the first 6 months of a child's life. For example, in 2013, a study was reported that showed: prolonged breastfeeding improves the child's intelligence.

Tom Frieden, director of the US Central Clinical Hospital, recalls that children breastfed with children "have a lower risk of ear and intestinal infections, diabetes and obesity; women who breastfed are less likely to suffer from breast and ovarian cancer ".

Mom on antidepressants should be maintained.

"This is really an important statement," says Dr. Grzheskoviak. He believes that the process of feeding a child already in itself partially protects mothers from postpartum depression.

Although many women are very negative about talking about taking medication during pregnancy and lactation, the doctor says: "The amount of antidepressants that is found in breast milk is very low. We believe that continued use of antidepressants and regular feeding of the baby will be the best option for both ".

The Mayo Clinic offers simple steps for young mothers who will help overcome postpartum depression:.

• Make a choice in favor of a healthy lifestyle: eat right, move, completely eliminate nicotine and alcohol.

• Make real plans and do not try to succeed in everything..

• Spend some time in person for yourself by connecting your husband and relatives.

• Think positively. This can help special courses of therapy.

• Avoid social isolation.

"If mom takes antidepressants, she should feel the support of family members, friends and health professionals. Continuation of medication is important for the continuation of lactation and the well-being of the mother and child ", - write scientists.

medbe. en.