A client with a history of depression asks about postpartum medication. The nurse's guidance should reflect that postpartum med choices depend on breastfeeding status.

• A. Any medication is safe to use regardless of breastfeeding.
• B. Medication may be needed, but specific choices depend on breastfeeding status.
• C. Medication should be avoided entirely during breastfeeding.
• D. Medication is never needed postpartum.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that postpartum antidepressant decisions are tailored to whether the mother will be breastfeeding. Some medications pass into breast milk and can affect the infant, so the clinician chooses meds with safer lactation profiles and uses careful monitoring if breastfeeding is planned. If the mother isn’t breastfeeding, the priority is still effective treatment, but infant exposure isn’t a concern, so the choice can differ based on safety data and efficacy. This approach acknowledges that postpartum depression often requires treatment, but the safest and most effective option depends on breastfeeding status.