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Depression after weaning from BFing

davis0905davis0905 member
in Babies: 0 - 3 Months
I am in process of weaning my 2 month old from BFing.  I can't be talked into continuing so please, with all due respect, don't tell me to call an LC or go off dairy!  I have had some issues with overactive letdown --I've tried to correct it with no success--and DS has reflux and terrible gas issues and it's just too stressful and heartbreaking for me to keep at it.  However, I'm also grieving the loss of this very special time.  When nursing sessions were good, they were very good.  When bad, very bad.  I loved the convenience and peace of the night nursing sessions.  I loved when he fell asleep at my breast.  I love that I was able to provide him with all the nutrition he needed for the first 2 months of his life.  So it's hard for me to let go. But I just cannot do it anymore. I am almost dried up now and don't plan to continue to pump (it just adds to my stress).  I have a history of depression and anxiety and I am on Celexa 10 mg.  It is only half of the lowest dose. I  am considering going up to 15 or 20 mg but I would kinda like to see if my hormones level out and see if my mood balances out.  Just wondering if any of you experienced the same thing and how long did it take for you to feel better? 
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Re: Depression after weaning from BFing

  • ars1218ars1218 member
    I had to wean my dd off it alot earlier than that but was still very depressed when i started because i was so deadset on bfing and i just couldn't. i i felt like i was failing her. I also suffer from depression and that and all the hormones were no picnic but once i started to see her progress on formula i felt a little better i still get sad when i see post about people bfjng but i know I'm feeding my daughter and she gained the weight that she wasn't with bfing and that helped a lot so just hang in there you know what's best for your child
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  • kpierce0102kpierce0102
    I never usually write in these but I just had to respond to you-it hits very close to home and I really feel for you. I was so set on BFing my baby girl. I learned everything I needed to know and in the hospital, when she got the hang of it, it was so amazing. I looked forward to it at home. When she was about a month old, I had to finally throw in the towel. I don't know if it was because she was early or what the problem was, but she never quite took to it. She wasn't eating enough and my supply was dropping quickly. I tried to pump, but eventually I had to just stop all of it. I felt so sad. I felt depressed because I liked the idea of it, and because it was so stuck in my head that it was the best thing to do for her. But then I realized, how could that be the case? She was always so stressed when it came time to nurse, she hated every minute of it and she wasn't getting enough food. 
    Anyway, you should feel extremely proud for sticking with it for two months. Your baby got all the nutrition he needed and then some. Sometimes, I get Oakley undressed and remove my shirt so we're still skin on skin when she drinks the bottle. There are lots of ways to keep that closeness. I hope you feel better soon and find joy in formula feeding!

    Kayla 
    www.raisingoakley.wordpress.com
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  • hells115hells115 member
    I was the same way with my first, but she still grew and was very healthy with formula. Right now, I have the same issues with #2 as you are. I am going to transition in EPing, but I'm having a hard time letting go of the good feedings/bonding moments. Hang in there! No matter what, your baby will be healthy!
    M/C #1 on 8/20/08 and #2 on 1/10/09. Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Pregnancy Ticker
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  • AlexisLAAlexisLA member
    edited August 2013
    The fact that you are so concerned with this shows you are a wonderful mother! Take heart in that. LO will be just fine with formula and there are so many other bonding experiences to be had without Bfing not to mention the pluses of formula feeding such as not having to worry that she is getting enough, not having to pump like crazy or stay home because you don't have a bottle to give a caretaker, being able to eat, drink, exercise and get in shape as you like, not having every person you know (or don't know) see your boobs because you need to whip them out every 2 hours, and then some!!
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  • NKF312NKF312 member
    I had to wean also.. And I think I was the most upset before weaning.. After a week I was so impressed with how much happier my lo was that it made me feel much better about it.. When bf isn't going well the baby is stressed too! Try to remember that and that now your baby is getting the nutrients he or she needs without the stress :)
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  • davis0905davis0905 member
    Wow. Thank you everyone for your kind and encouraging words.  I am feeling so much support from strangers on the Internet!  I know that I'm already feeling a little more relieved because I'm not worrying so much about what I'm eating/drinking.  That was a major issue for me.  I kept wondering if there was something in my diet that was making DS have such terrible gas pains or reflux issues.  Now I don't have to worry.  And I can wear whatever bra or shirt I want to, after I dry up! :) Yay for no more uncomfortable nursing bras!  Trying to look on the bright side.  I'm thankful for the time that I was able to breastfeed.  I know that many moms out there wish they could do it but cannot for medical reasons. 
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