Post-Weaning Depression: Recognize the Signs & Find Support

Symptoms of Depression When Weaning

Making the decision to stop breastfeeding or pumping is very personal — there’s no “right” or “perfect” time to do it. Whether you’re considering weaning your baby out of necessity or you believe that you’ve done it long enough and you’re both ready, the weaning process can be difficult for both of you.

Research suggests that breastfeeding cessation increases the risk of anxiety and depression in mothers. Understanding the potential symptoms that may indicate depression during weaning is essential so you know when to seek professional help.

Common signs of depression that may appear during or after weaning your baby include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability and anger
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Guilt
• Concentrating
• Anxiety
• Physical symptoms, like headaches, muscle pain, or stomach issues
• Thoughts of harm or suicide

What Causes Post-Weaning Depression?

Post-weaning depression can result from a complex interplay of hormonal, emotional, lifestyle, and emotional factors. Understanding each possible contributor to your mood changes will allow you to address them effectively. 

Hormonal changes

When you stop breastfeeding, your body experiences a significant hormonal shift that can impact your mood and emotional state. Hormones involved with breastfeeding include:

• Oxytocin: Commonly referred to as the love hormone, oxytocin levels surge when breastfeeding. This hormone promotes a sense of calm and is thought to help mother and child bond. When you stop breastfeeding, there’s a sudden drop in oxytocin that might lead to feelings of sadness or detachment.
• Prolactin: Prolactin stimulates milk production, but it’s also known to affect mood. When your time breastfeeding comes to an end, and the demand for milk is no longer there, your prolactin levels decrease, triggering depressive symptoms in some women.
• Estrogen: Estrogen levels fluctuate during the weaning process. The estrogen hormone directly impacts the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate your mood, including serotonin and dopamine. The fast drop in estrogen can cause mood instability or enhanced depressive symptoms.

There is also some research on the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) suggesting it reduces anxiety by increasing GABAergic inhibition, which causes a calming effect on the brain. During weaning, ALLO levels fluctuate significantly, and it’s believed this hormonal shift can lead to increased stress and depression, especially in hormonally sensitive mothers.

Emotional adjustment

The process of weaning can further exacerbate the sense of grief, loss, or feeling like you’re experiencing an identity shift. The transition from being the primary source of nourishment for your baby and the loss of a physical closeness that promoted bonding can trigger depressive feelings.

Nutritional factors

Nutrition plays a critical role in overall mental health. Breastfeeding requires extra calories and nutrients to maintain your health and establish a sufficient milk supply. When you stop breastfeeding, you might adjust your nutritional intake to reflect the changing caloric and nutrient demands. Ensure you get enough nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins, as these are linked to reducing depressive symptoms.

How Does Diagnosis Work?

The most crucial part of treating post-breastfeeding depression is getting an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, it often flies under the radar because it’s not officially listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5). 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression you think might be related to weaning, you should talk to your doctor or a mental healthcare professional as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to keep a log of your symptoms. This will help your doctor better understand what you’re going through and ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Diagnosing post-weaning depression vs. postpartum depression

Post-weaning depression and postpartum depression can be similar in nature and symptoms, but they’re actually very different.

• Post-weaning depression is directly linked to the process of weaning your child from nursing. Because women wean at different times, this form of depression can emerge weeks, months, or even years after childbirth, depending on when you decide to stop breastfeeding. A doctor or mental healthcare provider must make a diagnosis. To do so, they’ll assess your emotional and physical symptoms, including sadness, irritability, changes in sleep or eating patterns, or reduced interest in friends or activities.
• Postpartum depression (PPD) generally occurs within the first few weeks to 2 months after childbirth. Occasionally, it can begin before you give birth. PPD is characterized by severe mood swings and feelings of worthlessness. In extreme cases, you might have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. You must have persistent symptoms for at least 2 weeks to get a clinical diagnosis.

To be diagnosed, both conditions require a combination of assessments, including medical history, mental health screenings, and a psychological evaluation. The diagnosis will also strongly consider the timing of onset, duration, and severity of symptoms. 

How Long Do Post-Weaning Symptoms Last?

The duration of post-breastfeeding depression varies widely from woman to woman. Symptoms of post-weaning depression can typically last from a few weeks to several months.

Average duration depends on multiple factors, including:

• How fast you wean
• Your overall mental health
• Presence of support systems in your life
• Level of concurrent stress
• Other life changes occurring at the same time

Ways to Cope with Depression After You Stop Breastfeeding

Transitioning from breastfeeding can be an emotional time. If you’re experiencing post-weaning depression, try using the following effective strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve your overall mental and physical well-being.

Stay connected to your baby

With the loss of closeness and bonding time, depression after breastfeeding is common for many mothers. While missing that dedicated time can cause you to feel depressed, skin-to-skin contact and cuddling might help. You can also engage in playful activities together. Meaningful interactions with your baby can compensate for the loss of closeness you’re mourning.

Engage in self-care

Practicing self-care is always important, but it’s an incredibly essential task for mothers. Self-care for parents doesn’t have to mean booking an expensive spa treatment that requires you to find childcare and leave the house for hours (although it certainly can be that). 

Simple things you do for yourself are just as important, which can include: 

• Reading a book
• Taking a nap
• Doing a DIY at-home spa day
• Baking
• Gardening
• Doing yoga
• Meditating
• Practicing deep breathing

Seek support from friends and family

Now is when you should lean on your family, friends, and social circle. Let them provide you with the emotional support, physical help, and companionship you need. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with someone who listens or can relate. Having a solid support system will help significantly reduce feelings of isolation and stress that might lead to depression. 

Get professional treatment for depression

If symptoms of depression persist or worsen after you stop breastfeeding, get professional help. A mental healthcare provider can offer effective therapy for depression that treats both postpartum and post-weaning depression.

Prioritize adequate sleep and nutrition

Taking care of yourself includes getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy diet. Studies show that prioritizing sleep and nutrition regulates mood and improves overall health, decreasing symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Aim for a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and try to get adequate sleep at night.

Find Professional Support for Depression

Recognizing and addressing post-weaning depression is a vital step in your journey toward recovery. For many mothers, this means seeking professional help. Even if you feel reluctant or unsure about talking to a therapist, fear judgment, or believe you should be able to manage things on your own, getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Ultimately, it shows how committed you are to your own, and to your family’s, well-being.

Professional support can give you a safe space to explore your feelings and understand the root causes of your depression. You’ll learn effective coping skills for depression through personalized care that addresses your unique situation. 

Navigating motherhood’s complex emotions and challenges can be overwhelming — Talkspace makes getting expert support and therapy easier than ever, all from the comfort of your home. Taking care of your mental health is essential to motherhood, and Talkspace is here to help you do it. 

Reach out today to learn more about online treatment for depression.