Research published in JAMA Network Open has provided encouraging insights for breastfeeding mothers taking antidepressants. The study found that exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during breastfeeding does not adversely affect a child’s cognitive development. Following 97 mother-child pairs over nearly two decades, the study specifically investigated the impact of SSRI exposure through breast milk compared to prenatal exposure alone.
The objective was to assess whether breastfeeding while on SSRIs influences children’s IQ. Children who had been exposed to SSRIs through breast milk showed comparable verbal and performance IQ scores to those who had no exposure. The findings reveal that the average IQ score for children breastfed without SSRI exposure was 109, while those breastfed with SSRI exposure scored slightly lower at 106. This indicates that additional exposure via breastfeeding does not correlate with diminished cognitive abilities.
Understanding SSRIs and Their Effects
SSRIs are commonly prescribed for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and bulimia. They function by preventing the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that significantly influences mood. When serotonin transmits a signal between neurons, it is typically reabsorbed; SSRIs block this process, allowing serotonin to remain active in the brain. While these medications have proven effective for many, concerns about their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding often lead mothers to discontinue use.
Previous research has largely established that maternal SSRI use during pregnancy has minimal impact on children’s cognitive development. However, the effects of breastfeeding while on SSRIs had not been extensively studied until now. The researchers aimed to shed light on this lesser-known area, as it is crucial for mothers to understand any potential risks associated with their mental health treatment.
The study involved pregnant women participating in a parent cohort known as MotherToBaby California, with enrollment spanning from May 8, 1989, to April 14, 2008. Data was collected on the mother-child pairs, all of whom had prenatal exposure to SSRIs. The researchers divided participants into three groups: those who breastfed and were exposed to SSRIs through breast milk, those who were breastfed but only had prenatal exposure, and those who were not breastfed.
Reassurance for Mothers
As children reached ages four to five, their cognitive abilities were evaluated using standardized IQ tests. The results indicated that breastfeeding while on SSRIs does not compromise IQ levels. The researchers believe these findings could help alleviate concerns for mothers who require antidepressant treatment after childbirth, encouraging them to maintain their medication without fear of harming their child’s development.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that continuing necessary SSRI treatment postpartum is compatible with breastfeeding. As mental health remains a crucial aspect of overall well-being, understanding and addressing these concerns is essential for both mothers and their infants.
This article was written by Sanjukta Mondal, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked by Robert Egan. For more details, refer to the study: Essi Whaites Heinonen et al, “Cognitive Outcomes of Children Exposed to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Through Breast Milk,” published in JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.44989.
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