The study uses data obtained by counselors at CPEIS’s California affiliate. Like CPEIS, the California program is a toll-free service offering evidence-based clinical information about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It focused on 466 pregnant women who contacted the service over a ten-year period with questions about a wide variety of exposures and, after being counseled, agreed to participate in a follow-up study of their pregnancy outcome.

The study specifically examines breastfeeding choices of women exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants at the time of delivery, compared to those who discontinued use of antidepressants earlier in pregnancy, as well as to those women who report not taking antidepressants at all.

The results showed women exposed to an SSRI anytime in pregnancy were about 60 percent less likely to initiate breastfeeding than women who took no antidepressant.

“While the benefits of breastfeeding an infant are very clear, this study suggests that women who are taking antidepressants in pregnancy are not engaging in this behavior as often as we would like to see,” said Christina Chambers PhD, MPH, professor of pediatrics at UC San Diego and co-author of the study. “Whether this is due to the mother’s fear of harming her baby by breastfeeding while taking the medication, or due to the mother’s depression itself is unclear.”

According to Sharon Voyer Lavigne, MS, coordinator of CPEIS, which is based at the University of Connecticut Health Center, regardless of the reason for breastfeeding choice, the study suggests that women who have depressive disorders and/or who take antidepressants in pregnancy may require additional encouragement and support when making the choice to breastfeed an infant.

“Our goal is to provide accurate up-to-date information on breastfeeding while on medications. This allows the woman to weigh the benefits of the treatment for her with the potential risks to her nursing infant. In this way the woman can make an educated decision for her individual situation,” said Ms Voyer Lavigne.

Questions or concerns about antidepressants or any other exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding can be directed to CPEIS at 800-325-5391 (Connecticut only) or 860-523-6419. Outside of Connecticut, call the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) at 866-626-6847.