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Breastfeeding vs Bottle Feeding

Breastfeeding vs bottle feeding is a complex issue for moms who need medication. Many moms with bipolar disorder are unsure about what is best for them and their families. Discover answers now.

There is absolutely NO REASON to feel guilty about bottle feeding vs breastfeeding your baby.

The need to stabilize mood and get back on medication as soon as possible has lead some experts to suggest new moms have their bipolar meds on standby medication with them at the hospital so they can take start back on lithium or whatever immediately after delivery. If a new mother gets back on her meds promptly she may avoid relapse completely, or prevent postpartum depression from even beginning. This is an important strategy that can short circuit some of the biggest risks in bipolar pregnancy.

Sometimes women ignore this advice because they have been told that breastfeeding vs bottle feeding is better for their baby. This can make a woman who does not breastfeed her baby feel like she is a bad mother. This is just not true!

Remember:

1. Commercial formula will meet all your baby's nutritional needs.

2. Bonding takes place with bottle feeding as well - it is the time and care involved that makes feeding such an important connection between mother and baby.

In fact, there are many reasons for choosing bottle feeding vs breast feeding:

- it makes it easier for dads or other family members or friends to help out

- commercial infant formula is nutritionally complete and is prepared under sterile conditions

- it is more convenient and flexible and that makes for less stress for both mom and baby

- most important, if a mom who deprives herself of needed medication becomes depressed or manic or starts cycling uncontrollably, she will not take the best possible care of her child.

Click and see - the reality is that there are MANY GOOD REASONS for bottle feeding vs breastfeeding.

Why risk what should be a wonderful, joy filled time by taking unnecessary chances? Many of the saddest stories about bipolar pregnancy stem from needless guilt about not breastfeeding.

Of course lithium is not the only medication that nursing mothers may have been taking. The current research suggests that Lamictal should be used with caution as a high proportion passes through to the breast milk. However, the concentration in breast milk of Depakote is much lower and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) considers the use use of anticonvulsants to be compatible with breastfeeding.

In summary, lithum or Lamictal = NO, BUT Depakote = YES.

CAUTION: The information on bipolar pregnancy is constantly being updated. You MUST NOT rely on what you read here or on any other website. YOU MUST consult a licensed physician with experience in mood disorders and the associated medications.

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