A long-term study has found that breastfeeding while on antidepressants does not negatively affect a child’s IQ. Research published in JAMA Network Open followed 97 mother-child pairs for nearly two decades, focusing on children who had been exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy. The study aimed to assess cognitive outcomes based on exposure to SSRIs through breast milk compared to those whose exposure ceased at birth.
The findings revealed no significant difference in IQ scores between children who were breastfed and exposed to SSRIs and those who were not. Children who received SSRIs through breast milk scored an average of 106 on standardized IQ tests, while those not exposed to the medication after birth scored 109. This suggests that breastfeeding while taking SSRIs is safe regarding cognitive development.
Understanding the impact of SSRIs during pregnancy and breastfeeding is crucial for maternal and child health. SSRIs, commonly prescribed for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bulimia, work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. While previous research has largely focused on prenatal exposure, knowledge about breastfeeding exposure has been limited.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in an infant’s physical and cognitive growth, yet many mothers hesitate to continue their antidepressant treatment during this period due to concerns over potential risks. The current study provides reassurance that the transfer of SSRIs through breast milk occurs at a much lower dose than what a fetus would experience in utero.
The researchers involved in this study recruited participants from a parent cohort called MotherToBaby California, with enrollment spanning from May 8, 1989, to April 14, 2008. They evaluated the cognitive abilities of children at ages 4 to 5 using standardized IQ tests, placing them into three groups: those breastfed and exposed to SSRIs through breast milk, those who were breastfed without postnatal SSRI exposure, and those who were not breastfed at all.
The results indicate that additional exposure to SSRIs through breastfeeding does not lead to lower IQ scores. The researchers hope that these findings will help alleviate concerns for mothers who need to continue their SSRI treatment postpartum, ensuring that mental health does not come at the cost of their child’s cognitive development.
As more studies emerge, the dialogue surrounding maternal mental health and infant safety continues to evolve. This research serves as a significant step towards understanding the complexities of antidepressant use during breastfeeding and its implications for child development.
For further reading, refer to the study by Essi Whaites Heinonen et al., titled “Cognitive Outcomes of Children Exposed to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Through Breast Milk,” published in JAMA Network Open in 2025 (DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.44989).