Is it common to go through a depression when weaning a child?

Question

I've been feeling down lately and I'm just wondering if its related to the fact that I'm weaning my daughter. Does anyone have similar experience?

Answer 1

I was the opposite, I was happy to stop breast feeding; my son was just as happy as I was.

I breast fed him for the health benefits but never enjoyed it .. when he was finally off the breast I couldn't have been happier :)

Answer 2

YES!!!  The "baby blues" sometimes tend to come back when weaning your child from breastfeeding.  You know, the weepy feelings you have for a a few weeks after giving birth??  You should feel better a few weeks after you wean your child, but if not, ask your doctor for some medications to help you out a little until your hormones go back to normal.  Don't try to suffer through it like I did!

Answer 3

Yes, when you start weaning it can effect your hormones and cause a depression.  I would definitely check with your doc though because they may be able to prescribe something to make you feel better.  I was on a low dose of Lexapro for PPD.  It was ok to use while breastfeeding, so it would be ok for weaning too.

Answer 4

i would think so. One your hormone levels will start to level out to pregnancy. And two depending on the age of your child or not it can be hard to let go of your baby in that way. I hate waking up in the morning and not feeding my baby before I go to work. Just that one little bit makes me sad. So I can imagine how sad it might be and a little depressing to stop. Even if your ready, it's letting your baby go and you wont ever have that time again.

So I would most defiantly see if a women might be a little depressed.