April 5, 2024

Postpartum Depression

Mothers with postpartum depression (following childbirth) can usually continue to breastfeed. Health care providers should work with mothers experiencing postpartum depression to ensure they receive appropriate treatment, support, and safe medications while breastfeeding.

Depressed mother holding her sleeping infant.

Overview

There is not enough evidence to know if breastfeeding is associated with a higher or lower risk of postpartum depression (following childbirth). According to a 2018 systematic review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), understanding the relationship is challenging "because women with depression may have difficulty initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, and women who experience breastfeeding difficulties may develop depression" (p. 107).

Antidepressants while breastfeeding

It may be safe to take antidepressant medications while breastfeeding. Although many medications pass into breast milk, most have little or no effect on milk supply or infant well-being.

When discussing depression medications, the health care provider needs to ask a mother if she is breastfeeding. Together, they can decide which medications are right for her and safe to use while breastfeeding.

LactMed® is a database of information on medications to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed.

Breastfeeding with postpartum depression

Mothers with postpartum depression can usually continue to breastfeed. While some mothers experience positive feelings from breastfeeding, others may not. Health care providers can:

Address mothers' depression promptly and help them reach their breastfeeding goals.
Talk to mothers about treatment options, including medications and non-pharmacological options, such as individual or group therapy.
Help mothers access professional breastfeeding support as needed.