Hormonal reaction when done BFing?

kimikins79 · January 2013

I wanted to make it to 1 year, but it was so odd, my body just tanked and my milk production dropped from 24 oz per day to about 6! So, I have stopped breastfeeding (well pumping since I work full time).

A few days after I have begun to feel majorly depressed and sad. I have no focus, don't want to do anything but just lay around. I googled and read this is a possibility. Anyone with experience on this? It has lasted for a week or so and I feel no better, in fact worse. I may need to call the doctor soon, I just hate feeling this way all the time.

christine6980 · January 2013

I had the SAME issue. Long story short, I was an EP and I was getting stresse with going back to work and other stresses in my life. My supply dropped a lot. I decided to supplement with formula. well that became all too easy because we just went formula full force! I regretted it from the day I stopped. I was sad, always irritable and depressed! It was the worst decision I could have made! I decided about almost 4 weeks ago to start relactating. I started taking feenugreek, eating oatmeal and upping my water intake! I'm also pumping and trying tro get her to latch whenever I can! I will not stop breast feeding my baby! I know the feeling. You want to be able to provide for your baby. It's supposed to be the most natural thing, but it's SO hard! =( I hope you the best of luck in whatever you choose. But if you still want to breast feed or pump then you can still make that work. Take the feenugreek, eat oatmeal, ask your doc about a prescription for helping supply.

dee12807 · January 2013

I had this last time when I stopped pumping. About a week later I thought I was having PMS b/c I was so upset, but after 2 weeks of it I called the doc. She said it was most likely just a hormonal change because breast feeding had ended, but that it very well could be PPD starting as well brought on by of the change in situation. She asked a ton of questions and decided it was probably just hormones. I seem to remember it being a few weeks and I started to feel 'normal' again. Hope you feel better!

danieliza1127 · January 2013

My best friend EBF for over a year and she had a lot of hormonal issues when she stopped. She was depressed, paranoid, anxious, everything. It was a really rough time for her but it did pass and she knew it was just hormones.

shotzie · January 2013

My BFF went through the same thing, it lasted a couple weeks. Here's what Kellymom says:

"Sadness/depression when weaning

Its not unusual to feel tearful, sad or mildly depressed after weaning; some moms also experience mood swings. These feelings are usually shortterm and should go away in a few weeks. This is caused, in part, by hormonal changes. One of the changes that occurs with weaning is a drop in prolactin levels. Prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production, also brings with it a feeling of wellbeing, calmness and relaxation. The faster the weaning process the more abrupt the shift in hormone levels, and the more likely that you will experience adverse effects. Moms who are forced to wean before they are ready or for reasons beyond their control and moms with a history of depression are also more likely to experience depression after weaning.

Even for mothers who feel ready for weaning and wean gradually, there may still be some sense of loss and sadness. Weaning marks the end of a physical oneness with your child, the close of a very special period in your lives. Remember that your childs strong need for your presence continues, even if it is now expressed in other ways."

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