Feeling low after stopping breastfeeding

[looseleaf]

I think this is quite normal after a long time breastfeeding with hormones going a bit all over the place but is there anything I can do to help?

I'm thrilled have managed to stop as the time feels right (DS is 2.3 and has adjusted without any problem) so it's not that, I just feel so low and trying so hard not to!

I've tried exercise and seeing friends etc but just want to feel my cheerful normal self and it's so unlike me to feel down like this. I stopped breastfeeding 6 days ago and breasts are still quite tender but going down in size- thank goodness

I only bf for 4 months but when I stopped I felt like I had the worst PMS ever - being really really healthy helped a little, so the blood sugar level was kept stable.

When I got my first period a month later though, I INSTANTLY felt better, like one minute I felt horrendous, the next I felt totally back to my old self!

Oh my - this is the third post like this in a week.

PM me for some references which shows how well-known this phenomenon is.

Thanks, so glad for a reply as really feel miserable. I tried a big pasta and salmon lunch with cauliflower! I know it'll pass but I just feel like curling up into bed and crying but instead am smiling and trying to chat to lovely DS on his mini trampoline!

How long has it been? Your brain produces oxytocin when you nurse.. when you stop nursing your brain misses that hormone and you feel low.

It does pass though.

Thanks Tiktok, you are most kind. I normally do search older threads but today no will or time for the effort!! I shall have a look on the other threads too

It's been since last Friday but it's yesterday and today I just don't feel remotely myself

It hasn't been long. It should pass pretty quick.

I had this with all three of mine when I stopped feeding them at roughly a year- 18 months. It probably lasted a month or so then tailed off when my normal cycles came back and settled down. Thought I was losing the plot! It's just your hormones though so try not to worry too much it will soon get better.

Linkerarama:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22204416

www.empowher.com/parenting/content/end-breastfeeding-depression-after-weaning

www.newbornmothers.com.au/blog/2012/2/17/grief-and-depression-after-weaning.html

There are others but don't have time to hunt 'em out at present, sorry!

Baldricks I will be glad if it's shorter than a month as really utterly miserable! But I shall steel myself for that and at least know why.
tiktok I much appreciate the links and you taking the time - it sounds like oxytocin is key so I may need to trigger some to help what feels like sudden and heavy depression

Apparently buying a cat oxytocin would help but I don't think DH would be pleased

would help oxytocin I mean

Weeel at the risk of sounding crass.. you release the same thing during orgasm. Sorry I couldn't think of a round the houses way of saying that.

At least that's easier and less maintenance than getting a cat

Well there's that