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Bipolar Disorder/biopolar pregnancy and breastfeeding

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 4/25/2008


Question
my 17 yr old got pregnant in Jan. was diaonosed bipolar with psychotic reactions mid April put on AMBILIFY. she wants to breastfeed but this drug says no breastfeeding. Do you know of a drug which she could be put on to make it safe?

Answer
Hi Terri:

I'm afraid there is no medication for bipolar disorder that has been deemed safe to use while breastfeeding.  The only two choices your daughter would have would be to risk a bipolar episode by going unmedicated, which is definitely not recommended, or to bottle feed.

                          Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

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Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

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