Bipolar and breastfeeding

I'm diagnosed bipolar and I took carbapazapine while breastfeeding. It was deemed safe for breastfeeding but not while pregnant. I didn't notice any change in my son but I did notice shortly after starting it that my supply dropped drastically and I could not get it to go back up and I made the decision to stay medicated instead of breastfeeding. My mental health, for me, was priority over breastfeeding. But to be fair I have had a very hard struggle with my mental health for 10 plus years and knew just how bad things could get. Just be sure to ask lots of questions I did my own research on my meds and brought in the research to show my Dr so he could help explain any concerns I had.

It's a little weird he didn't know what medication to put you on, is this your OB?

No just my regular doctor.

That's what I'm worried about that it would mess up breastfeeding for us.

My OB prescribed Zoloft for me but I think you should call your OB and see what they say because they deal with that kind of thing all the time.

I have a question... How do you ladies go about telling you doc you have anxiety and other problems. I find myself having problems but I guess don't want to admit too and be on medication for. I don't want to love he restvof my life on medication. Does it affect you as a parent? I'm scared ppl will judge me or think I'm not capable of keep raising my kids on my own. I know this might sound like who Cares what ppl say but I do.

The only people that know I'm on medication are my husband and my doctor. My doctor asked me at my appointment after I had my baby. It really wasn't a big deal at all it's very common. Just tell your doctor your having a bit of anxiety and ask if you can try a medication to see if it helps. I've also gone off of my medication before so it's not like you'll be stuck on it forever, my anxiety/depression goes away for awhile and then comes back. I don't think many people judge mothers about taking medication for that kind of thing so it's not something I've ever worried about.

This is just your reg doc? So primary care correct? If so you need to see a psych. He shouldn't be guessing what you have and giving you meds that could worsen your imbalance. Or be completely wrong and put you on somthing you don't need. Psychs look at everything and know what meds to try. If he thinks your bipolar he wouldn't put you on a antidepressant by its self. Its does the opposite and makes things worse. Any psych knows this. I would ask to get a referral to see a psychologist or call your insurance. As for meds for Bf. There isnt much. But like pp said its really up to you and if you feel you can do okay without them till your done bf. For me I gave up bf in order to take meds. Hope the best... But please see a doctor that specializes in this type of care.

I just ask them if I can be referred to our mental health department. My regular dr actually refuses to prescribe medications for bipolar disorder he automatically refers it to the mental health department so I guess I have never had a problem telling my psychologist/psychiatrist that I am struggling because there is a level of trust that is built and established almost right away.

And typically with bipolar they would pair an antidepressant with a mood stabilizer and I have only had the antidepressant prescribed when I am going thru a low...

A psychiatrist is the best doctor to ever have with any psych medications. I breastfeed while taking Depakote, Buspar, and Latuda. My psychiatrist has helped me through two pregnancies and I'm still seeing him, probably will my whole life.

Okay thank you. I had asked before like 3 yrs ago and my do had mentioned she can give me med but I told her no thanks that I'd try and control it. But this has been happening for like 8. 9. Years. Sometimes bad but I can't show it bc I don't want my family to think I'm crazy. I try and cope everything and relax

But I will look into asking again bc sometimes I give myself headaches. Just thinking and thinking.