Hormones Out of Whack Post Breastfeeding?

Hi T., you are not a lunatic at all! I experienced the same thing. I breastfed by daughter until she was almost a year. I was hoping to make it to the full year but my daughter's biting prevented that from happening (and no strategy that my lactation consultant provided worked unfortunately). I was really sad about it. I was told that this was completely normal, especially because that bonding period was over. To help me with the transition, after bottle feeding my daughter at night, I would have a cuddle period with her against my chest with her head on my shoulder. I found that holding her close gave me almost that same kind of bonding that breastfeeding did. I would say the post-breastfeeding blues lasted about six weeks - and then I was able to enjoy a new phase with my daughter! But don't worry, it's the hormones!! Here's an awesome poem that helped me throught it:

Wean Me Gently by Cathy Cardall

I know I look so big to you,

Maybe I seem too big for the needs I have.

But no matter how big we get,

We still have needs that are important to us.

I know that our relationship is growing and changing,

But I still need you. I need your warmth and closeness,

Especially at the end of the day

When we snuggle up in bed.

Please don't get too busy for us to nurse.

I know you think I can be patient,

Or find something to take the place of a nursing;

A book, a glass of something,

But nothing can take your place when I need you.

Sometimes just cuddling with you,

Having you near me is enough.

I guess I am growing and becoming independent,

But please be there.

This bond we have is so strong and so important to me,

Please don't break it abruptly.

Wean me gently,

Because I am your mother,

And my heart is tender.

Best of luck! J.

1 mom found this helpful

Just pump some of that milk to bottle feed so you still feel he is dependant on YOU mommy. It's hard watching them grow...........

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Hi T.!

I have a feeling that there is more to it than it just being your hormones out of whack, although that would definately contribute to it as well!

When I stopped BF-ing my daughter I went through a major depression and also got extremely bitchy! lol In my case it was because I gave up something that was special between my daughter and myself. Something that nobody else could do for her. It was also VERY hard since I knew this was my last child. And I am sure also the hormones had something to do with it :) It lasted for about a month until I realized- Hey I am her Mom and I gave birth to her and there will be many other things I can share with her as she grows that no one else can!

I found that writing always helps me. If I found that I was angry or on the verge of "losing it" I would write an email to whoever and say all those things I keep inside and then send it to myself and delete it! Once I delete it I have given it up and would not let myself dwell on it any longer. Take some time for yourself.... a bubble bath, a good book, a pedicure or whatever you like!

So, no- I do not think you are a lunatic! Wait until they are teens and then you will walk on that fine line between sanity and lunacy! lol

Be patient and give yourself time to get the hormones back to normal and accept that you did a great job for as long as he would allow you to by givng him such a great start in life! If it does not go away within a month or you have very negative thoughts then definately seek help! KNow you are not alone and if you need someone to talk to just email me!

Many blessings to you and your family!
- T.

The very same thing happened to me when my son weaned himself at 12mos. You're not a lunatic, it's your hormones. I remember that feeling - so awful! I laid low for awhile. Just do your best to "baby" yourself and ride it out. I ended up with medication for postpartum depression, but that's not the case for everyone. Hang in there and take care of yourself!

I breast fed both of my children, and I experienced the same sort of symptoms. I was really moody, and I had this constant anxious feeling. It lasted about a month for me. I asked my doctor about it, and she said it was normal. When a child stops breastfeeding, your hormone levels change. Of course, if you feel extremely depressed, you might want to at least call your doctor.

I have heard of that happening....a huge hormonal shift especially since he was still breastfeeding 3-4 times a day. Are you sure he isn't just doing a nursing strike?? If you are uncomfortable you can pump some off to relieve the pressure. But give yourself some slack....what you are experiencing is normal and should subside over time.

Hi T.,

I had to stop breastfeeding my daughter cold turkey at 9 weeks due to a series of breast infections. It had to be the most painful three days ...I was shaking uncontrollably, had the night sweats, cried a lot and felt like I was going out of my mind. I asked the doctor and it was all due to hormones. With my second daughter I am currently weaning her slowly and not experiencing any side-effects. I would say that it is completely your hormones and you are not going crazy. Hang in there, the feelings will pass. I would have to say that I felt fine in about a week. It is actually like a form of post-partum depression because of the hormones. I would recommend calling your doctor if the feelings don't pass within a few weeks. Best of luck to you and hang in there!

I am with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But this is my 3rd and I know from the past that it does get better! It seems toget worse with ech kid too! Give it time, I promise it will get better!
PS My hubby would say I have turned into a lunatic!!! :)

Try bikram and/or hot vinyasa yoga. Not only can you take some much-deserved time for yourself, but you will also get a great workout, sweat out toxins, and probably find some inner peace. It is truly amazing the effect that hot yoga has on me...I can literally feel a difference in my attitude, patience, everything if I go 2 weeks without going to yoga...so I try to go at least once or twice a week!

My studio is called Om On the Range (totally kitzchy, I know, but it's phenomenal). It's at Ravenswood and Grace. omontherange.net

They have a new student special deal that's a week of classes for $20. Come check it out, try to go to at least 3-4 classes that week, and I promise you, your body, skin, nerves, patience, everything will improve DRASTICALLY.

And don't be hard on yourself - no one but other moms can understand how freaking hard it is sometimes. But it's a cycle. As soon as you feel better, your kids and husband will feel better, and you'll be the hero again instead of the "bad guy."

Best of luck to you. :)

You're body sounds like it is DEPLETED of OMEGA 3's (what baby's in utero and nursing extract - usually every available bit) and that is what our brain's our made of. You also need it so help balance hormones.

OMEGA ZONE is a great book to get - a special chapter just on PP Depression. Over 100 pages of studies and references as well. Amazon carries it. Also the Omega Connection - also a special section on PP Depression and relationship to Omega 3's.

Fish oil - pharmeceutical grade - best choice.

Here is where I (as a certified maternal fitness specialist have my patients go - because the products on there are all pharm grade. Just put in search engine):

www.herbal-nutrition.com/bonniewayne/

yes, that happened to me both times.. both cold turkey. Luckily I had meds to take the edge off..
it'll pass. Just try and remember that's not you and find a different outlet (besides venting all over those ;you love).
xo Make sure you ask for help before you feel so angry.

Hormones made me feel like that. It was like the post partum depression waited until I was done BF. I really didn't want to get on any prescription pills, so I tend to go natural. I took ST. John's Wort. You can get it in the vitamin section of any grocery store or wal-mart. It's a natural herb that balances you out. It also got rid of my hot flashes. Also, exercise did wonders for me. I know it's hard to find time for yourself when there are little ones around, but 30 min on the treadmill was a lifesaver for me. Hang in there and you'll be back to normal in no time!

You are not a lunatic. I repeat: YOU ARE NOT A LUNATIC!!! It does feel that way sometimes, huh? I'm sure you've learned to "go with the flow" of being a parent. I sometimes forget about that vital piece of advice. Hormones are SO SUPER wacky, and if your little guy just stopped; your body was probably shocked!!!

I hope you just make sure to get enough rest and do whatever it takes to relax while your body becomes accustomed to something brand new. 15 months is a long time to re-program.

Take care!!

I had the same thing happen to me after I stopped breastfeeding. I never had postpartum depression, but I felt depressed and really irritable after I stopped breastfeeding. And I even stopped the feedings gradually over the course of two months. I would say it took about two months for me to feel back to normal. And another thing to look out for -- because I stopped breastfeeding, but didn't alter my diet, I gained about 5-8 pounds! Sorry I don't have any advice for you. Just know that this will pass, so hang in there!