Depression after stopping breastfeeding

[sadnessandhope]

Been feeling out of sorts for a while now. My hormones are all over the place and one minute I feel OK and then I feel like I'm at the bottom of a dark hole. I've just come to the realisation today that this probably started after I stopped breastfeeding around December time. I had breastfed for 3.5 years so I don't know whether that's had an impact or if I'm just sensitive to hormones. Has anyone else experienced this and how long did it last? I'm worried that it's now gone on too long and that maybe it's not just the breastfeeding.

Yes I had this both times I stopped breastfeeding, I was also incredibly anxious every time I dropped a feed. The low feeling took about three months before I realised it had fully gone. The second time I stopped breastfeeding, I was prepared for it and knew what it was, so it was easier to handle. It's very normal especially since you fed for so long and won't be getting the happy hormones anymore. It's really hard but it will pass

I found this too. In fact with my youngest even when I just cut out day feeds, the drop was enough to make me suicidal. When I stopped altogether the extra sleep helped a bit (DH stayed with her at night while we adjusted) but it was still really tough.

I think some of us are just more sensitive (physically) to changes in hormones. Like there are varying degrees of PMT, and some women won’t be too bothered by the baby blues around day 3. I most definitely was - absolute sobbing wreck with all 3 DC.

It could be the time of year making it worse/longer lasting too, especially with all the covid uncertainty. But it is absolutely normal, I’m sorry you’re going through it and I hope you feel better soon 💐

That said of course if you want to consider some ADs don’t be afraid to talk to a GP 💐

Yes I had this, DS went on a nursing strike at 10 months, turns out he had thrush and it was painful to feed, by the time we figured that out and git it sorted he no longer wanted me. I think I'd had PND since birth, hight maintenance child, and this tipped me over the edge. Ended up on AD's for months, but I'm doing better now, been off them for a year I think, and while lockdown is taking its toll, I'm still doing ok.

Thanks all. Really struggling today. As you say I don't think the lockdown etc is helping as I don't know how much it's contributing. Don't also know if there are any other possible causes but it definitely seems to be hormonal as linked quite closely with my monthly cycle. Going to speak to a GP tomorrow so hopefully get something to help.

Hi OP, how are you doing? I felt strongly that the rush of hormones caused by stopping feeding caused my mental break.

I'm still feeling very low and just run down. Have been in touch with the GP so ruling out any physical causes first but I think I will maybe need some medication or something to help. It's been about 4 months now since I stopped bfeeding and I feel that it's getting worse rather than better. I feel very anxious and just keep getting waves of panic washing over me which is making me feel terrible. Thanks for checking in with me.

Just wondering for anyone who was prescribed ADs which ones you were given and how long it took for them to have an effect? Thanks.

Hello! Sorry for thd massive gap in replying, I hope you are doing ok?

I was put on citalopram, 10mg I think, then upped to 20mg after a month after I was tolerating it well. I did well on it, my memory fails me a bit, but I think I was on it for about a year, stopped last spring and have been doing well since.