SSRIs While Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
When you're taking SSRIs, a class of antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, they're commonly prescribed for postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. Many new moms wonder: is it safe to keep taking them while breastfeeding? The short answer? For most women, yes—but not all SSRIs are the same, and knowing which ones pass into breast milk the least makes all the difference.
Not every antidepressant behaves the same in your body after birth. Sertraline, one of the most studied SSRIs for breastfeeding mothers. Also known as Zoloft, it’s often the first choice because it shows up in breast milk in very low amounts. Studies show babies exposed to sertraline through breast milk rarely have side effects, and when they do, they’re mild—like slight fussiness or sleep changes. Compare that to fluoxetine, another SSRI that builds up in breast milk over time. Also known as Prozac, it can linger in a baby’s system for weeks. That’s why doctors usually avoid it unless absolutely necessary. Then there’s paroxetine, an SSRI that’s effective but may cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns if stopped suddenly. Also known as Paxil, it’s not the top pick for nursing moms.
It’s not just about the drug—it’s about your health too. Untreated depression or anxiety doesn’t just affect you. It can change how you bond with your baby, how often you feed, even how well you sleep. A mom who’s stable on an SSRI is often better able to care for her child than a mom who’s off medication but struggling. That’s why the goal isn’t always to stop the drug—it’s to pick the safest one and monitor closely. Most pediatricians and lactation consultants agree: if you need an SSRI, don’t delay treatment. The risks of going untreated usually outweigh the tiny risks from medication in breast milk.
You’ll also want to watch for signs in your baby—like unusual sleepiness, trouble feeding, or jitteriness—especially in the first few weeks. These are rare, but if you notice them, talk to your doctor. They can check your dosage or switch you to a different SSRI. And don’t assume you’re stuck with the first one you tried. Many moms start with one medication and switch later based on how things go.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical insights from moms and clinicians who’ve walked this path. You’ll see how SSRIs while breastfeeding are handled in practice, what side effects actually show up, which drugs are safest, and how to balance mental health with feeding goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are clear, evidence-backed paths forward. Let’s get you the facts you need to feel confident in your choices.
Discover which medications are safe to take while breastfeeding, backed by evidence from LactMed, AAP, and CDC. Learn about pain relief, antidepressants, antibiotics, and what to avoid - without stopping breastfeeding.
Nov, 19 2025