Recent research published in JAMA Network Open provides significant reassurance for breastfeeding mothers who are undergoing antidepressant treatment. The extensive study followed 97 mother-child pairs over nearly two decades, focusing on children exposed to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The findings indicate that exposure to SSRIs through breast milk does not adversely affect children’s cognitive development.
The study examined the cognitive abilities of children who had been exposed to SSRIs both in utero and through breastfeeding, comparing them to those who had only been exposed before birth. Results showed that the average IQ scores of the children who were exposed to SSRIs via breast milk were comparable to those who had no exposure after birth. Children who were breastfed without postnatal SSRI exposure recorded an average IQ of 109, while those exposed through breast milk scored 106. These findings suggest that breastfeeding while on SSRIs does not contribute to lower IQ levels.
The concern over the safety of SSRIs during pregnancy and breastfeeding has led many mothers to forgo necessary medication. SSRIs, commonly prescribed for conditions such as depression and anxiety, work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation. While these medications have been shown to improve mental health, their implications for breastfeeding mothers have been less understood.
The research was part of the larger MotherToBaby California cohort study, which enrolled participants from May 8, 1989, to April 14, 2008. It aimed to assess maternal SSRI use and its subsequent effects on children’s development. The cohort was divided into three groups: those who were breastfed and exposed to SSRIs, those who were breastfed but had no postnatal exposure, and those who were not breastfed at all.
Upon reaching ages four to five, cognitive assessments were conducted using standardized IQ tests. The results indicated that additional exposure to SSRIs through breastfeeding did not correlate with lower cognitive performance. This aligns with existing literature suggesting minimal impact of prenatal SSRI exposure on cognitive development.
The researchers advocate that these findings, combined with previous studies, can help alleviate concerns for mothers who require SSRIs postpartum. By encouraging continued medication use, the study highlights the importance of maternal mental health while also supporting the benefits of breastfeeding for infant growth and development.
As the discourse around mental health and maternal care continues to evolve, this study represents a significant step in understanding the intricate balance between medication and breastfeeding. The authors, led by Essi Whaites Heinonen, hope that the results will empower mothers to prioritize their health without fear of compromising their child’s cognitive development.
For further details, refer to the comprehensive study, “Cognitive Outcomes of Children Exposed to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Through Breast Milk,” published in JAMA Network Open.
