[Maniacal]

I took Lamictal 300mg daily until my drs said it'd be better for the baby if I got off it.
Lamictal in pregnancy is known to cause spina bifida in some cases. Especially in the 1st trimester. Well, I didn't know I was pregnant until 5 months (long story) so that rlly scares me. Especially since my baby has very low birth weight, which sometimes indicates birth defects. I would NOT be able to breastfeed if I went back on the Lamictal.

The drs say it's better to be off it, unless I can't function normally without it... this is where things get tricky. I've found that my depression is worse and my ability to handle stress has been cut in HALF. Hormones in pregnancy are a nightmare! I have TONS of stress at home... my stepkids are AWFUL and they make it harder to keep sane. I'm struggling with my moods severely... but its hard to say whether I NEED meds bcuz I feel like I could definitely manage IF these kids weren't making my life impossible! I don't want to have to deny my precious baby the health benefits of breastfeeding simply bcuz I am forced to take meds to cope with their hellish behavior.

I don't know what to do. I want to do what's best for the baby, but I am desperate to find other alternatives to going back on the Lamictal. I dunno if anyone has any kind of advice as to how to handle my moods w/o meds during pregnancy, or if there are any Lamictal pregnancy success stories but... I don't want to have to sacrifice health benefits simply bcuz these kids are jerks.

[WibblyWobbly]

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I don't have any personal experience, but I have watched my friends and family struggle. My twin sister only breastfed for a few weeks before she decided that it was better for the baby to go on formula and have a healthy mom. My best friend's youngest baby is teeny tiny, she was only 4 pounds at birth but other than GERD she is completely healthy. She's still tiny, wears 0-3 month clothes at 5 months and they are baggy on her I think you should just do what you need to do to stay healthy for your baby and forgive yourself if things don't turn out perfectly.

[cashart10]

I ended up on Lamictal, Abilify, and even Lithium during my last pregnancy. My doctors believed the risk of me being off my meds was greater than the risk of being on them.

Possible trigger:

They were afraid I would lose my mind or end my and my unborn baby's life.

I was VERY out there on and off during my last pregnancy even with the drugs. I of course, did not nurse despite nursing my other two children for more than a year. That was/is the hardest part for me. I ended up in the hospital when she was 7 weeks old so I didn't have much choice anyway. I don't regret it though. It was what was needed for me at the time.

Anyway mama, I don't want to offer advice, just support. Feel free to PM me if you ever need to talk.

[Eliza Jane]

I was surprised to read the title of your thread, because I was specifically switched TO lamictal for my pregnancy because of the good safety record. While there were initially some studies indicating increased risks, the more long term data suggested that there was NOT an increased risk. (Unless there is something that came out in the last two years). I even consulted with a psychiatrist that specializes in reproductive psychiatry, so she should know her stuff. So, hopefully that is comforting to you that you didn't do something dangerous in the first 5 months.

Regarding postpartum, I would say that the absolute BEST decision I ever made was NOT to breastfeed. The day after I delivered, I resumed my other two meds (in addition to the lamictal). It kept me healthy and safe and allowed me to be the best mother I could be. My son has done fine with formula. I think there is a lot of pressure on women to breastfeed nowadays and the benefits can be overstated. There needs to be more support for other choices.

Good luck!
EJ