The end of breastfeeding and its effect on mood - tips to counter the blues

[poachedeggs]

For over 6 years I have been either pregnant or breastfeeding, apart from a 3 month hiatus.

DD self-weaned very very gradually, and hasn't been feeding at all for about 4 months. I've just realised that I have the blues and I suspect it's related. It's mild (I have had full on depression before, but over a decade ago) and rather than feeling the cold bleakness I have experienced in the past I am just unmotivated and irritable, struggling to stick things out. I have had truly awful PMT for the last 9 months or so, although I think it might be easing up recently (I am taking vitamin B6).

Any thoughts on taking St John's Wort or something? I'm not using any hormonal contraceptives so that's not a consideration. I need to exercise more, and finish the huge declutter I am in the midst of, to try and clear my mind. But perhaps a biochemical kick up the bum would help - after all, I reckon it's the lack of oxytocin which is the problem.

Hmm I would expect oxytocin withdrawal in the short term but I don't know 4 months later.

If you have bad PMT I would start on the starflower oil or fish oils. They are really amazing for PMT and whatnot but you have to keep taking them.

Exercise and de-cluttering will help your mood. Nothing like a good chuck out.

I agree, but I think although I've just realised I have the blues they've been around like a little cloud for a while.

Please don't let it be the case that I'm doomed to be miserable unless I keep having children?!