Is Is Normal To Get Moody When You Stop Breastfeeding?
February 22, 2010 by Guest Author
Filed under Breast Feeding Supplies, Breastfeeding Your Baby
Last question! I stopped breastfeeding and I am so moody the last few days, worse than PMS. Is this normal and what if anything can be done to alleviate it? I am going to try breastfeeding again but if that doesn’t work then what?
You may want to talk with your doctor. You mentioned in your previous posts that your baby was about 5 weeks old, you may be experienced postpartum depression or just a regular hormone change. You just gave birth and your body has to adjust to your hormones trying to regulate themselves to a pre-pregnancy state. I know it seems practically impossible, but try taking a few minutes for yourself per day to center yourself. You can either spend it exercising, meditating, soaking in a hot bath, or whatever relaxes you and allows you to contemplate the changes the have come into your life.
Breastfeeding releases the same chemical that is in warm cow’s milk that makes people sleepy. It effects both the baby and the mother. This chemical can also stave off the effects of post-partum depression and when you stop, you will feel that kick in. If you can’t handle it, try breastfeeding again, it’s good for the baby anyway, but if it’s too late, or if you’d rather not, you need to make sure to give yourself plenty of love and rest. And if you EVER think things like that you might hurt yourself or your baby for ANY reason, please get help, even if it’s just the neighbor to watch the baby for a few minutes.
He’s only 5 wks old, it’s best for both of you if you breastfeed exclusively as long as possible. It’s the best thing for his system too, as far as the constipation. It will help with your feelings of depression, b/c breastfeeding releases a hormone that affects mother and baby and promotes bonding.
There are studies that have proven breastfeeding is good protection against breastcancer for the mother…the longer you breastfeed, the better for you and baby.
Wait!!! Listen it is true -it does mess up your hormones for a few days!! But if you start again you are going get babys system all messed up, so he will be cranky!!! And you will just have to go thru this again in a few months!! Just hang in there for a few more days and if you dont feel better -check with your doctor!!!
Talk to your doctor. Post partum depression is a hormonal imbalance, whereas regular depression is a chemical imbalance. You may need anti-depressants to get yourself back on track – it’s nothing to be ashamed of, LOTS of women go through this.
As for breastfeeding – do it as long as it’s good for both you and your baby. If you have to wean, don’t let anyone (including us yahoos) make you feel guilty or pressure you into continuing. I breastfed my daughter until she was almost 6 months, and then had to wean because I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to begin treatment. When I posted questions on here for help with weaning, I was torn apart by some fanatical moms who screamed that my actions were selfish and would be determinental to my child because I was “ripping away her security and filling her full of junk”. REAL helpful.
Yes. Drastic hormone changes will do that to your body. I would definitely bf again, and just wean slowly when baby is ready. I think it will help a lot.
It never happened to me. But I know breastfeeding releases hormones that make you feel good and promote bonding. I really don’t know how to help you. Maybe you should see a doctor?