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2001 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition San Francisco Marriott/Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, October 20-24, 2001.
Attend the National Conference and you will: hear comprehensive updates from experts in the field of pediatrics; practice your techniques and apply new skills; view the latest technological advances in products and services; discuss your challenging cases; network with your colleagues from both the United States and abroad; and earn hour-for-hour AMA PRA Category 1 CME credit hours. Registration Program is available on-line at www.aap.org.
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Sixth International Meeting of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Wyndham Hotel, Washington DC, November 1-5, 2001.
The Sixth International Meeting of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine provides physicians the opportunity to meeting other physicians from around the world dedicated to an interest in breastfeeding and human lactation; share experiences on physician education, and clinical management of breastfeeding patients; and attend workshops, abstract presentations, and lectures regarding relevant, controversial topics such as human milk banking, maternal depression, breastfeeding advocacy, and more. For further information please contact ABM Executive Office. Phone: (877) 836-9947. Fax: (619) 295-0056. E-mail: abm@bfmed.org. Or visit the ABM Web site at www.bfmed.org.
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Mary M. Dahms RN, BSN, IBCLC
Many women really love breastfeeding and want to continue, however they may be hesitant to do so if they have a history of depression and feel much better when taking medication. A woman who is depressed and is prescribed Prozac or other antidepressants may be reluctant to take it for fear that it may have an effect on her infant's central nervous system or that it may harm the baby in some other way.
Emotional swings are not uncommon during the first week postpartum. The "baby blues" is generally considered to be attributed to the major hormone level adjustment after delivery and usually dissipates with rest and emotional reassurance within a few days. Postpartum depression on the other hand, may occur anytime within the 1st postpartum year and lasts for at least 2 weeks, though usually longer. Symptoms include: overall sadness, tearfulness, decreased appetite, self-blame, insomnia, excessive dependency, anxiety, irrational fear, despair, and even suicidal thoughts. For women who have had a history of depression, the reoccurring symptoms after the birthing experience can be intense and should be taken seriously.
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Prozac is a popularly prescribed medication for treatment of depression, however research indicates that it may not be the best choice for a breastfeeding woman due to some reports of colic and decreased weight gain of the infant. Better choices for treatment include: Zoloft, Paxil, (both selective Seritonin reuptake inhibitors) and Pamelor (a Tricyclic antidepressant). All of these three preferred drugs, are less present in breastmilk when compared to Prozac, though isolated cases of fussiness and irritation in breastfed infants have been reported. In conclusion, the dilemma many women feel is understandable, as there have been limited studies regarding effects of medications with regard to breastfeeding infants. On the other hand, research has shown the adverse effect of growth and development on infants of mothers who have untreated depression. Having self-awareness of your mental health is a positive step in getting treatment. In addition, receiving assistance from a physician, family members, and attending a support group, adds to success in overcoming depression. For further information regarding expertise on the effects of drugs and their effect on breastfeeding, I recommend calling Dr. Phil Anderson (UCSD) @ 1 900 288-8273. |
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