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July 2014 Moms
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Stopped bf and now depressed

missyrissymissyrissy member
in July 2014 Moms
Due to health issues, such as repeat mastitis and blocked ducts, I decided it was best for me to stop exclusively pumping. So, slowly I have been weaning myself off. It's been 2 days since I've pumped now and I'm starting to feel extremely guilty about my decision and overall can't stop crying. While I'm used to anxiety, I'm not used to being so weepy... This stinks! Could stopping lactation cause hormonal imbalances? Anyone with a prior baby had this reaction?
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Re: Stopped bf and now depressed

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    lamareilamarei member
    Sounds like you made the best choice for you and your family. So proud of you for sticking it out through so many troubles!
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    jennp1979jennp1979 member
    I had to do the same after only 2 months and have felt the same guilt. Realize that some women are unable to BF at all. I was formula fed and so was DH and we're both fine (depending who you ask lol). Just remember you did your best and even though BFing is natural, it is not as easy as others make it sound. As long as LO is fed, that's all that matters and going this long is a huge accomplishment. great Job
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    mamaloafmamaloaf member
    I stopped BF for my own mental health. I felt like I was being extremely selfish and I was so guilt ridden with my decision. I still feel guilt about it sometimes, even though it's been almost a month since I stopped. I have to remind myself that I KNOW I made the best decision for the both of us. 

    Keep your chin up and hopefully you find some peace with your decision soon!
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    jessafishyjessafishy member
    edited November 2014
    Weaning absolutely can cause depression. I just read this article and I thought it was good. There is also information on KellyMom about weaning and depression.

    ETA: I know you said you were EPing but it's the same hormone shift. ;)
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    nogonogo member
    As long as your LO is healthy and fed, no need to feel guilty! I've also had repeat mastitis and will start to begin to cut out pumping sessions. Let us know how it goes! I'm kind of terrified of getting mastitis yet again in the weaning process. It's the worst. 
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    BadLeroyBrownBadLeroyBrown member
    I felt guilty when I had to stop pumping too. You have to make the best decision for your mental health, family, body and life.  Keep your chin up!
    Baby boy "F" was born on 7/11/14!!


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    jrinehart0jrinehart0 member
    I've always had a completely open mind about breast milk versus formula and never planned to nurse/pump for that long.  But, my supply dipped drastically as a result of a work trip and I'm struggling back and forth on my feelings about it.  One day I pump 6 times because I feel guilty and the next I am annoyed by it all and only pump twice.  I suppose this isn't much help, except to say you're not alone!
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    missyrissymissyrissy member
    Thanks everyone. It all does help. It's not an easy decision, but I'm going through with it for the sake of lo and I! Hope everyone else finds weaning a much more pleasant experience. And yes, mastitis is the worst...
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    ksspiffksspiff member
    @missyrissy‌, I've weaned twice , having had two kids. Each time my hormones too a flying leap towards the deep end, exacerbating my already existing PPD. So yes. Hormones swing are not helping.
    I had a lactation consultant say that weaning and the tough decision was like mourning.m
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    ghostof5lettersghostof5letters member
    Completely normal. I pumped for 9 months with DD1 and was still sad and depressed when I decided to quit. Weening causes a completely hormonal clusterfuk. you did great and should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishment. 
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    mary1217mary1217 member
    I weaned from pumping when LO was almost 4 months.  I had a lot of guilt and stress over my decision.  I had a low supply for the beginning and we had to supplement with formula. I felt like I was spending my entire day pumping, including at night after I got home which took time away from LO.   After I finally made the decision and stopped I am much more relieved and relaxed. 

    You have done a great job and you have to make decisions based on whats best for your family. 

    Our lives are much better, I'm less stressed about constantly pumping and my supply. LO is just as happy with formula as breastmilk.  

    My co-worker who's lo is 3 months older than mine has had no issues with breastfeeding/pumping and is now jealous that I no longer have to pump.  :) 

     
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