Hi Kathleen:

My experience with mothers having panic attacks in the early postpartum
period indicates postpartum depression and should be taken very seriously.
They often require medication and if this is the case it is important to let
them know that they can continue breastfeeding even if they are placed on
strong antidepressant medication.  Sometimes these mothers are seen in the
ER and while the physician will know how to manage the mothers condition
they will tell her she cannot breastfeed on the drugs.   In Ottawa we have a
mother risk clinic and I always suggest the mother give them a call
regardless of what they are told, for reassurance, as the Mother Risk clinic
has access to all the data banks regarding drugs and mothers milk etc.

For these mothers normalizing their situation is very important and
breastfeeding allows them to do that.

Susan Moxley IBCLC
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