Treating severe, postpartum unipolar major depression in patients who are breastfeeding*

* Treatment of severe, unipolar major depression in patients who are breastfeeding entails pharmacotherapy or electroconvulsive therapy, and adjunctive psychotherapy is usually indicated. Full details of treatment are discussed in the treatment topic, including treating psychotic depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

¶ Refer to UpToDate topics on the safety of using psychotropic medications during breastfeeding.