Why does stopping breastfeeding make me sad?

The Emotional Landscape of Weaning
Stopping breastfeeding can evoke a complex mix of emotions, often leading to feelings of sadness. This emotional response is not uncommon and can be attributed to several intertwined factors, both psychological and physiological.
Attachment and Bonding
Breastfeeding is not just a means of nourishment; it is also a profound bonding experience between mother and child. The act of nursing fosters a unique connection, characterized by intimacy and closeness. As mothers wean their babies, they may feel a sense of loss regarding this special bond. The transition can feel like a severing of a vital emotional link, leading to sadness as they navigate the change in their relationship with their child.
Hormonal Changes
Physiologically, the process of stopping breastfeeding triggers significant hormonal shifts. Prolactin and oxytocin, hormones associated with milk production and bonding, decrease as breastfeeding ceases. This hormonal fluctuation can lead to feelings of sadness or even depression. Some mothers report experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings during this transition. These changes can amplify feelings of sadness, making the weaning process emotionally challenging.
Cultural and Societal Pressures
In many cultures, breastfeeding is celebrated as a natural and essential part of motherhood. Mothers may feel societal pressure to continue breastfeeding for longer periods, which can lead to guilt or sadness when they decide to stop. This pressure can create a sense of inadequacy or failure, further complicating the emotional landscape surrounding weaning.
Personal Expectations and Experiences
Each mother’s journey with breastfeeding is unique, shaped by personal expectations and experiences. For some, breastfeeding may have been a source of joy and fulfillment, while for others, it might have been fraught with challenges such as pain or stress. When the decision to stop is made, it can bring up feelings of regret or nostalgia for the moments that were both joyful and difficult.
Navigating the Transition
Understanding that these feelings are normal can help mothers navigate the transition more smoothly. It’s important to acknowledge the sadness and allow oneself to grieve the end of this chapter. Engaging in supportive conversations with friends, family, or support groups can also provide comfort and validation during this time.
In conclusion, the sadness associated with stopping breastfeeding is a multifaceted issue, rooted in emotional attachment, hormonal changes, societal expectations, and personal experiences. Recognizing and addressing these feelings can help mothers find peace as they move forward in their parenting journey.

Can stopping breastfeeding cause trauma?

Gradual weaning
ruptly can be physically and emotionally traumatic for both mother and baby and is best avoided when possible. Weaning gradually over a period of weeks or months allows breastfeeding to end in a comfortable way.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after stopping breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

How long do the weaning blues last?

It’s common for weaning blues to persist for up to eight weeks. However, if you don’t start to feel better after a month or so, don’t hesitate to seek support from a medical professional, naturopath, or hormone specialist.

Why is stopping breastfeeding so emotional?

Prolactin produces a feeling of well-being, calmness and relaxation, while oxytocin is known as the “love hormone,” and creates those warm and fuzzy feelings. The sudden drop in these hormones can truly cause some to feel a rollercoaster of emotions.

Why do I feel sad when I stop breastfeeding?

For some mums that last breastfeed can be tinged with sadness, feelings of what you had and feelings of what you will miss. It is important to remember that anything we have loved doing can make us sad to say goodbye to. This is totally normal.

How long do breasts hurt when drying up milk?

Breast engorgement often occurs around three to four days after giving birth and can last about 48 hours. If your breasts do become engorged, they may feel hard, tight and painful. We have included some tips below to help minimise any discomfort you may experience when drying up your milk supply.

What are the negative effects of not breastfeeding?

For infants, not being breastfed is associated with an increased incidence of infectious morbidity, including otitis media, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia, as well as elevated risks of childhood obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

How long does it take to feel normal after stopping breastfeeding?

Usually, you will feel back to normal after a few weeks but if you feel like your mood is very low it is important to contact your GP or maternal child health nurse.

What are the side effects of stopping breastfeeding?

What’s more, when you wean, your body stops producing the feel-good hormones of oxytocin and prolactin. For some parents — especially if those who wean abruptly — this can increase feelings of moodiness, irritability, and sadness. For others, it can lead to something anecdotally known as post-weaning depression.

What are the four stages of weaning?

Weaning stages

• start by introducing single flavours of vegetables.
• introduce fruits once they are used to savoury flavours.
• add different types of food, like proteins, dairy and carbohydrates.
• introduce them to mealtime routines.