Research published in JAMA Network Open reveals that taking antidepressants while breastfeeding does not negatively impact a child’s cognitive development. The long-term study, which tracked 97 mother–child pairs over nearly two decades, focused on the effects of exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy and through breast milk.
The researchers aimed to evaluate the cognitive abilities of children who were exposed to SSRIs in utero and via breastfeeding, comparing them to those who only experienced prenatal exposure. The findings indicated that children exposed to SSRIs through breast milk scored similarly on verbal and performance IQ tests to those who were not exposed at all. Specifically, the average IQ score for breastfed children exposed to SSRIs was 106, while those not exposed scored slightly higher at 109.
The study is significant as it addresses the concerns many mothers have regarding the safety of antidepressant use during breastfeeding. SSRIs are commonly prescribed for various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. They function by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation. While SSRIs are effective for many individuals, their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been a topic of considerable debate.
Historically, concerns have led many women to discontinue medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to fears regarding potential effects on their child’s developing brain. Although previous research has shown minimal impact from maternal SSRI use during pregnancy, less clarity existed about the risks associated with breastfeeding.
To conduct this study, the researchers recruited participants from the MotherToBaby California cohort, examining data collected from May 8, 1989, to April 14, 2008. They categorized the subjects into three groups: those who were breastfed and exposed to SSRIs through breast milk, those who were breastfed but had only prenatal exposure, and those who were not breastfed at all.
The cognitive assessments were conducted when the children reached ages 4 to 5, employing standardized IQ tests to evaluate their abilities. The results suggest that additional exposure to SSRIs via breastfeeding does not correlate with lower IQ scores, providing reassurance for mothers who require continued treatment for their mental health.
The researchers posit that these findings, coupled with previous studies, may help alleviate concerns among mothers regarding the safety of SSRIs during breastfeeding. This could encourage women to maintain necessary treatment postpartum without fear of harming their child’s cognitive development.
As mental health remains a critical aspect of overall well-being, this study underscores the importance of informed decisions regarding antidepressant use among breastfeeding mothers. The research, led by Essi Whaites Heinonen, serves as a valuable resource for healthcare providers and mothers alike, promoting awareness of the potential for safe antidepressant use during this crucial period.
The full study can be found in JAMA Network Open under the title “Cognitive Outcomes of Children Exposed to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Through Breast Milk” by Essi Whaites Heinonen et al.
