Breastfeeding with Postpartum Depression on ADVANCE for Physician Assistants

 

Vol. 15 •Issue 3 • Page 33
Breastfeeding with Postpartum Depression

New mothers who develop postpartum depression and who want to breastfeed their infants present a treatment challenge. SSRIs may be a safe and effective option for mother and child alike.

By Adam Slevin, PA-C

About 10% of women who have recently given birth experience postpartum depression (PPD),^1-11 making this disorder the most common complication of childbearing.^1-2 The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) does not recognize PPD as distinct from major depression, but it does provide the addition of a postpartum-onset specifier for women with an onset of depression within four weeks of delivery.⁹ Correctly diagnosing and treating PPD is critical—especially considering treatments that are conducive for breastfeeding mothers......

Breastfeeding with Postpartum Depression on ADVANCE for Physician Assistants