Q about weaning

sanae78

This is kinda directed at those who BF to a year or past (Renee, Sarah, Malia, etc) but feel free to chime in, anyone.  Did you notice when you weaned that you were really hormonal/emotional/depressed?  I have been weaning Kaya very gradually, cutting out one feeding starting in February, I think.  Then down to 2 feedings a day a few weeks ago and then one a day and the past week or so I've only nursed her if I felt pain or discomfort.  I read that weaning abruptly can cause depression/severe PMS symptoms, whatever.  But for the past 3 nights I've been so emotional, crying, depressed.  Not really depressed about weaning, although I do miss nursing.  Just depressed in general, crying about whatever.  It doesn't help AT ALL that Kaya doesn't seem to be taking it well, either.  Her separation anxiety from me has definitely intensified.  She whines if I leave the room, even if B is right there.  Also, he usually gives her a bath and she's fine, loves bath time.  But the past few nights she's been crying because she knows I'm home and I'm not with her.  Tonight was particularly bad.  He was bathing her and I was cleaning her diaper so I was in the bathroom, too.  She was SCREAMING nonstop, thrashing and hitting her head against the bath, trying to stand up and get out of the tub.  It was awful.    I had to get in the bath tub to calm her down and I had to put her to bed.  She only wants me, he can't console her.  Ugh.

Anyways, so my questions are did you experience anything like this?  How long did it last?  Did you do anything that helped?  (I'm considering trying St. John's Wort).  TIA.

inamra

I'm of no help b/c I'm not quite there yet but it sounds really rough =( Just wanted to send lots of hugs your way and I hope it gets better soon...

SanHawaii08

this came up in a thread on the moms list at work recently.  a few people said they felt very emotional and depressed while weaning, but it passed in a couple weeks.  good luck and hugs to you and kaya!  sounds rough for both of you

vanilla15

I am sorry. I am not there yet, but I know it has to be rough.  I do remember Malia mentioning that Alexa was extra attached when they stopped nursing.  Can you maybe ask your pedi or a LC about any tips for making the weaning process a little smoother?  If you need an LC, I can give you my LC's email address.  I am sure she would be willing to help.

Hope things are getting better!