Let’s talk about something rarely discussed with those who breastfeed—Post-Weaning Depression. Yep, you heard that right.
Post-weaning depression is a very real thing.
Why am I, as a Certified Placenta Specialist, talking about it? Well, This is something I talk about with all my clients who are planning on breastfeeding because your placenta capsules or,
even better, this is where your placenta tincture can support you even if it is months after your postpartum. Those extra pills tucked away in your freezer or that placenta tincture in
the cabinet can help balance those fluctuating hormones again. The healing power of your placenta doesn't end after your postpartum. There are many great ways your placenta can support you
throughout your life. They can support hormone balance and well-being during Weaning, PMS, Perimenopause, and Menopause.
What is post-weaning depression? Post-weaning depression is a term used to describe mental health symptoms that can occur after a lactating person stops breastfeeding. Many of the symptoms
that can arise after stopping breastfeeding are thought to happen as a result of hormonal fluctuations and even psychological stress.
Although it's an area in need of additional research, there has been some research on how stopping breastfeeding can lead to symptoms such as depression and anxiety.1
Gail Saltz, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry at the New York–Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, explains that post-weaning symptoms after stopping
breastfeeding can include:
Post-Weaning Depression Symptoms
Symptoms of post-weaning depression can include:5
Anxiety that interferes with your ability to function
Intense feelings of sadness
Hopelessness
Crying and irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in appetite
Mood swings
Difficult concentrating
Not being able to function daily as you usually do
What Causes post-weaning depression?
A drop in oxytocin: "Oxytocin, which [rises] during breastfeeding, decreases with weaning," explains Dr. Saltz. "This being the bonding, feel-good hormone means [someone] may miss the
oxytocin good feelings and experience a more intense sense of loss and sadness."
A sudden drop in prolactin: Prolactin, which is typically elevated during breastfeeding, is associated with feelings of calm. Post-weaning symptoms may be more severe if you have to stop
breastfeeding suddenly instead of gradually. "An abrupt decrease in this hormone, when abrupt weaning occurs, can cause [bad feelings as well]," adds Dr. Saltz.
Decrease in estrogen: In the meantime, estrogen remains lower during breastfeeding and returns to pre-pregnancy levels after weaning.
Shifting hormone levels: For some people, the changes to estrogen levels happen at slower rates, which can still impact mood. "Shifting estrogen levels cause depressed or irritable moods for
some [people]," says Dr. Saltz.
Read More on Post weaning depression in this article
Link to article https://www.parents.com/.../post-weaning-depression-is-a.../