OB appt Today

[mamabear26]

So, I go see the OB today. i have a list of questions to ask her. hoping to get some answers and make some decisions!!!! i should be sleeping, not on here but my insomnia is really bothersome!

I'm just a little nervous because I have been having some tightening in my stomach. I have no clue what it is from. I am sure I will know then. Thanks for reading my ramblings. FTM so I am always nervous!

[mamabear26]

Coming out of my appointment, i have a question that she couldnt answer and it is an opinion question. I know there is no right or wrong answer but I was wondering if anyone has input. So here it is:

I am taking Lamictal for my bipolar. I can't really go off of it and am taking it pregnant with the blessing of every doc but my family doc who, quite frankly, isnt a psych or OB so her opinion doesnt really matter for this decision. I am 100% ok with this decision. My question comes in here. DH wants me to try to breastfeed. He knows I cannot go off this med lest I try to kill someone! And we both understand that pregnancy and breastfeeding are too totally different things. My ob today said their is no concrete scientfic evidence either way just that some effects have been noticed From what I can tell, the sampling is very small. And the amount in breastmilk a bit higher than other meds like my bp med. I was all for formula because of the medication issue. Now I am just looking to see what other mommies think. I know you pick up some antibodies and it's healthier for the baby but is risking my health worth it? I am thinking not but just wondered what you all thought.

I'm sorry this was long. Thanks for reading and for any input!

[sammilynn]

Another momma on one of my Fb group is nursing on it. She called infant risk 1(806)352-2519 and they said it would be safe but you need to talk to your psych and pediatrician. I would also see if there may be an alternative med that works for you that is a lower risk. But honestly I would be more worried about keeping my mind in tact after baby then breastfeeding (I may get tons of hisses at that) but as a person who suffers mental illness, is a psychology major and also suffered PPD, Your mind is more important for you and your baby so I would do evaluations and get all doctors input. i would even pick a pedi and talk to them before the baby is born. Sometimes you can even get your psych and pedi to meet up to decide on the best treatment for both.

I wish you tons of luck and its a difficult issue to deal with.

[mamabear26]

Another momma on one of my Fb group is nursing on it. She called infant risk 1(806)352-2519 and they said it would be safe but you need to talk to your psych and pediatrician. I would also see if there may be an alternative med that works for you that is a lower risk. But honestly I would be more worried about keeping my mind in tact after baby then breastfeeding (I may get tons of hisses at that) but as a person who suffers mental illness, is a psychology major and also suffered PPD, Your mind is more important for you and your baby so I would do evaluations and get all doctors input. i would even pick a pedi and talk to them before the baby is born. Sometimes you can even get your psych and pedi to meet up to decide on the best treatment for both.

I wish you tons of luck and its a difficult issue to deal with.

Thank you so much! I was thinking the same thing about a healthy mama is better for the baby. The OB today said the same thing but that she couldn't give a difinitive answer. i am very stable and function well with this med. It's the first one that my body has accepted. I will be checking into all the prenatal classes next week so I hope to meet a lactation consultant soon too. I had never heard of Infant Risk before and you are the second person today to mention them.

[babykenny]

But honestly I would be more worried about keeping my mind in tact after baby then breastfeeding (I may get tons of hisses at that) but as a person who suffers mental illness, is a psychology major and also suffered PPD, Your mind is more important for you and your baby so I would do evaluations and get all doctors input. i would even pick a pedi and talk to them before the baby is born. Sometimes you can even get your psych and pedi to meet up to decide on the best treatment for both.

I wish you tons of luck and its a difficult issue to deal with.

I completely agree with Sammi. I exclusively pumped with DS, and am going to try with this LO, but I feel there is WAY too much pressure to bf these days. We all know the benefits, but I was never breastfed as a baby and I've made it 34 yrs as a perfectly healthy person with no major illnesses, injuries or hospitalizations,

i couldn't agree more that it is far more beneficial for you, baby and your whole family to keep your mind and spirit intact. It is your body after all, and what will serve your child better - a mother who is mentally stable, IMHO!

It is your body, so good luck with your choice!!!!

[Ginger_Laraine]

I say formula.... and i strongly believe in BFing, unless medical reasons say you cant.... im sure the baby would want a happy healthy mommy, and if you have to be on Meds then i would stick with the ones that work, i just wouldnt want my baby getting the chemicals from my meds through BFing... that is just an opinion i know nothing about meds or infant risk but just from reading this i would sway the formula way. hope your having a good day!

[kmrk336]

I agree with all the pp. I feel like babies very easily pick up on mama's mood, emotions etc and it's most important for everyone to be healthy and happy. As long as you're not starving your child, no one can tell you that you're doing something wrong. I also think talking to a lactation consultant is a great start.

[Coral]

Call your local LLL leader and ask them to look up the med for you. They have a ton of resources and have always been great when I've asked medication questions.

I'm a HUGE supporter of breastfeeding. I believe that it's one of the best possible things you can do for your baby and yourself. However, it's also incredibly important for baby to have a stable, happy, healthy momma. So, I would probably go forward with breastfeeding if you can get the answers you're comfortable with about the medication and infant transfer risk. If not, I think you being sane and stable is more important. <3 Many hugs to you. The first of many hard decisions you'll face as a new mom.

[mamabear26]

Thank you ladies for all the support!!!! I do intend to talk to LLL or a lacatation consultant but DH is now leaning back towards formula. I really appreciate how supportive you all are. And you understand the situation from both sides!!!!

[rnale]

I would say formula. You need to be your best in order to give your child the best. I know that when you find the right med whether for mental illness, BP, Diabetes whatever that actually works well and either does not have side effects or very few that you can deal with it is best to stay on this route. So much can happen, as you know, if you try to change your medication to one that does not work for you.

Good Luck!

[mamabear26]

I would say formula. You need to be your best in order to give your child the best. I know that when you find the right med whether for mental illness, BP, Diabetes whatever that actually works well and either does not have side effects or very few that you can deal with it is best to stay on this route. So much can happen, as you know, if you try to change your medication to one that does not work for you.

Good Luck!

Thank you so much! I feel a lot better about my decision after hearing from all of you!