Each person’s breastfeeding journey is unique. While we may plan breastfeeding and think about things like pumping, burp cloths, a healthy diet and learning about different latches or latching properly, many of us don’t think about what happens after we’re done breastfeeding. Whether you breastfed for three days, three months, or three years, many women experience strange symptoms, intense emotions, or mood swings after they stop breastfeeding. Some people may continue to develop depression after weaning.
Post-weaning depression refers to feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability and moodiness after stopping breastfeeding. It’s important to understand that no matter how long you’ve been breastfeeding, or whether you wean intentionally or for other reasons beyond your control, you may experience depression after weaning.1 It’s also important to differentiate that while it’s not a clinical diagnosis like postpartum depression, and the research is still emerging, experiences of depression after weaning can be very real for many women. So, let’s see why it can occur and what symptoms to look out for.
Many of us are aware of the huge hormonal changes that occur after childbirth, but a similar change occurs during weaning.2 When we feed our babies through the breast, we release:2.5
- Oxytocin: Also known as the love hormone, our bodies release oxytocin when we are close or skin-to-skin with our babies. It helps us release or let down milk, supports our bond with our babies, promotes a sense of well-being and reduces stress.
- Prolactin: This helps with milk supply and increases feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.
When we stop breastfeeding, our bodies no longer release these chemicals at the same level and consistency, and must adjust. We no longer have these feel-good chemicals and there can be an adjustment period as our bodies wean off these feel-good hormones!
Plus, breastfeeding isn’t just about chemicals. There are also physical (physical) and emotional changes to consider after you stop breastfeeding, such as:3.4
- Guilt: Maybe you didn’t breastfeed as long as you wanted or had to wean for some reason. Mothers feel a lot of pressure to breastfeed and you may face stigma if you don’t or can’t.
- Weld: Many people think that breastfeeding is a bonding time and they lose that experience when they wean. In addition, weaning means a step towards independence. . . and to be away from you This can be upsetting and annoying.
- jam: There are physical side effects from stopping breastfeeding. For example, when the breast does not drain completely after feeding, it can become uncomfortable and full. They can feel warm to the touch, leak and swell in size until they become accustomed to no longer producing milk.
- Mastitis: Sometimes it can be flu-like and associated with weaning. Others get mastitis when their breasts don’t drain completely, and it can lead to flu-like symptoms or infections because stagnant milk can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Menses: Your period may return or change. This is because hormones affect our periods and the changes and hormonal changes during weaning can mean our periods seem different in terms of length, flow, pain and emotional turmoil at first.
- Weight gain: We burn calories when we breastfeed and when we stop, many women are used to a certain diet or volume of food. It can take some time for appetite to return to normal, so it’s natural to notice weight gain or other body changes.
You may be wondering how long it takes for hormones to balance after weaning, and while there is no exact date or time frame, symptoms will likely subside within a few weeks. Depression after weaning is only temporary and your body will adjust.1.2 Know that even if things are temporary or relatively normal in terms of weaning experiences, or if your symptoms bother or concern you, it’s okay and necessary to seek support.
Because weaning is associated with chemical and hormonal changes, you may not be able to completely prevent post-weaning depression. But there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood or severity:3.4
- Wean off slowly: This isn’t always possible, but if you can gradually reduce your breastfeeding, your body gets used to a gradual reduction rather than a sudden change.
- Don’t rush it: Some parents feel pressured to wean due to milestones like age, teething etc. but don’t fall into this trap. Wean whenever necessary or right for you and your child. only you will know when it’s right.
There are a few things you can do for yourself to help with post-weaning depression, such as finding another way to bond with your baby or maintain skin-to-skin contact, which helps release oxytocin.1 You can also engage in other activities that feel good, such as exercise or self-care.
Understanding the potential changes and making plans is essential. If you understand the impact of physical and emotional changes, you can better plan support. Consider things like meal prep (to ensure you have a good source of nutrients and healthy meal options while weaning), contact your GP, find telehealth services or try face-to-face counseling if you need support. You could also check in with your local lactation consultant, find a local La Leche representative, chat with friends, or even arrange emotional support check-ins with loved ones.
Weaning is a big step. Sometimes, it is the first major indicator for parents that their child is becoming independent. This can be a time of celebration but also a time of anxiety or mixed emotions. Make sure you make the right or necessary choices for you and your family, without pressure from outside influences. And make sure you have a good support network when you start the weaning process. You got this!
