Whether your breastfeeding journey comes to an end unexpectedly or you've decided it’s time to wean, this milestone can come with some new experiences. Here are four things you might experience—both physically and emotionally—when the time comes to wean your baby from breastfeeding.
You Might Be Surprised By Your Emotions
Even for those who are happy to be done breastfeeding or pumping, the days after weaning can be an emotional time. Some mamas feel tearful, sad or mildly depressed after their baby is done nursing. Others may feel irritable, anxious or moody. Many feel a mix of emotions, such as relief, grief, and sadness about the loss of connection and those sweet feeding time snuggles.
You may assume the hormonal changes in your body are a partial reason for these big changes in your moods. When you breastfeed, your body produces two “feel good” hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, to create breastmilk and the let-down reflex. Prolactin produces a feeling of well-being, calmness and relaxation, while oxytocin is known as the “love hormone,” and creates those warm and fuzzy feelings. The sudden drop in these hormones can truly cause some to feel a rollercoaster of emotions. People who wean faster may experience more of these adverse emotions, while those who wean gradually may experience them less intensely.
Regardless of how, when or why you weaned, it’s important to be prepared for these mood swings and to know you’re not alone. If you’re experiencing feelings that are affecting your quality of life for more than a couple of weeks, or feel sad, hopeless or depressed, contact your provider and seek help. Though the depression can pass after your hormones return to normal, post-weaning depression can become serious. A health-care professional can help you manage your mental health so you can feel like yourself again.
Your Period Might Be Different
Some mamas might start to get their period again even while breastfeeding. For others, their period may return as they start to drop feedings. Either way, you may notice a few changes in your cycle once it resumes. Irregular periods are totally normal for a while, and having a late (or even missed) period isn’t unusual. Not to worry. Your periods will become more regular after a few months.
Some women also find that their periods after weaning—and after pregnancy in general—are more intense. They may experience more cramping and PMS symptoms. Others may experience more regular periods and fewer PMS symptoms.
It’s also important to remember that you can get pregnant while breastfeeding and weaning. If you’re not already using a form of birth (and aren’t prepared for another pregnancy), be sure to speak with your provider about birth control options.
Your Body Might Produce Milk for A While
It can be shocking to find that even after you have completely weaned, your body might still leak or produce small amounts of milk. It’s a good idea to have some breast pads available in case. Don’t worry, this will go away soon. Some people might still be able to hand express some milk a few weeks after their little one has weaned…for others it can be months. Everyone’s body is different, and will stop making milk in its own time.
Other Strange Body Ailments Can Happen
Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop. But in most cases, these strange reactions to weaning will resolve after your hormones have balanced out a bit. If you find your body’s emotional or physical responses to weaning are extremely intense or don’t begin to lessen, schedule some time with your provider to talk about ways to relieve your symptoms.
Good Things to Come!
Weaning is a big step in the motherhood journey. Be proud of the hard work you did to provide milk for your baby. Good job, mama!