Hello everyone. My daughter is 2 1/4 yrs old and we're still breastfeeding. I'm thinking about weaning her but am concerned about getting depressed after weaning. Before I became pregnant I had occasional mild depression and a history of depression in my mother's family. While pregnant and throughout breastfeeding I have felt great, most of the time, probably because of the changes in hormones. I've heard that some women experience mood swings, irritability, or depression even if they do gradual weaning (maybe because of changes in hormones?). Have any of you experienced post-weaning depression, and could someone offer any advice on the best way to handle it. Thanks so much.

By Tink on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 11:52 am:

I had what was technically declared Post-partum Depression 7 months after my oldest was born, but it was, coincidentally?, when I stopped breastfeeding her. I went on a low dose of antidepressants for a few months and then weaned off of those. I did this after each of my kids and, like you, I had a family history of depression. I didn't feel like it was bad for me, just a chemical imbalance, but if I didn't need them, there was no point in taking it. Recently, I've felt the need for them and will probably go back to them for a while to see if it helps. Good luck, most people I know just experience a few days to weeks of PMS type symptoms.

By Sunny on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 04:29 pm:

I think most women experience sadness after weaning. Some of it can be caused by hormonal changes, but there is also the knowing that this time in your life is over. I don't believe that it is as bad when weaning is a gradual process, but if you are predisposed to depression, it might be worse than average.
Because you are aware of how you might feel, take it slow and talk it out with other mothers who've breastfed and with any supportive person in your life. Get plenty of rest and downtime, if you can, and don't make any other drastic changes in your life while weaning. Keep alert to any changes in your behavior and if you start to feel depressed, call your doctor.
One other thing, while many women may have some sadness after weaning, it doesn't mean that you will too. Replace those nursing sessions with cuddle time or another activity that brings you close together and try to enjoy this next phase. (((hugs)))

By Fionadeassis on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 01:57 am:

I weaned my little boy at 2......I never felt depressed after though I did miss breastfeeding(I really loved it!)...but Eliah still wanted to 'hold onto my boobs' for a while after that..and he is still very cuddly....

but hormonally I never really noticed a difference...I had a lot more energy and got way more sleep......

Now baby number 2 is on the way in June and I am looking forward to breastfeeding again!

fiona

By Feona on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 06:45 am:

I stopped at three years. I had alot more energy and got more sleep too. You just concentrate on other things with them.

By Melana on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 04:42 pm:

I weaned my daughter at three months, and still get sad about it, she's 9 months now. I can't wait to breastfeed again, lol. I can't wait for this baby to be born either, I'm already tired of being pregnant!

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 06:38 pm:

I was working too many hours and switching from days to nights every 2 weeks. With both my babies my milk supply dwindled to nothing at about 6-7 months. I was very sad both times and cried a lot. I was hoping I could have nursed both of them longer than I did. The sadness didn't last that long, though, but I went through it with both of them.