Barbara wrote, "Does anyone have any information on an estrogen patch used for PPD called Estradiol transdermal systems. Dosage is .05mg per day. Mother is nursing a 2 1/2 month old. Anything I've read advised against nursing if this is used." Yep. One of our OBs prescribes Estrogen patches occasionally to prevent post partum depression and tells moms he has references to support their use during lactation, in particular that they *do not* exert a negative effect on breastfeeding. However, I don't share his confidence, and have been unable to find the "research" he describes. I documented one client receiving this Tx very carefully. 3rd baby (a boy) she had BF lst baby for just a few weeks, second one for longer, and had lots of contact with LLL while BF the previous baby so she was highly motivated and she knew what she was doing (unlimited access to breast, no dummies, extra water, anything else). The patches were used from Day 1 to Day 28 post partum. Nobody suggested not breastfeeding. Baby appeared to obtain sufficient quantities of milk (lots of swallowing, adequate urine output), but remained jaundiced and had borderline weight gain in spite of very frequent breastfeeding and receiving mother's own expressed hindmilk as a supplement. I concluded that the quality was affected (possibly fat and protein content?) Once mom came off the patches the rate of gain was something like three times what it had been and the jaundice disappeared. There are so many other ways of treating postpartum depression - why use hormonal preparations that are known to have an adverse effect on lactation? If this Tx is suggested to current clients I suggest that the mom explore other alternatives first, and if she does go with it, to monitor baby's rate of gain very carefully to ensure that he "gets enough". BTW I would be grateful for any references you have Barbara, as I have found very little specifically relating to estrogen patches. Pamela Morrison IBCLC, Zimbabwe mailto:[log in to unmask]