Can You Have Breast Feeding Depression

I think that maybe this is you just missing the baby and maybe that you know that this was your last one that makes everything worse. Just because you are turing 30 don't rule out having another baby! If this feeling continues I would talk to your dr and see what he says. You can still get depression even though your baby is 10 months old.

You're probably not necessarily being depressed over not breast feeding, but over the fact that you baby is growing up and has now "graduated" from that stage. Only the first in a long line of graduations, and each one meaning he will "need" you less when it comes to physical acts of help.

I felt sad when my second started surpassing those moments, with the realization that I'll not experience them again. We don't really want a 3rd. partly because we don't want the indians to out number the chiefs, but also the financial thing. It's kind of like when you start packing those baby clothes away or setting them out for garage sale. Part of you wants to keep them, because of "what if", but part of you knows you don't need to keep them.

Something that seems to help is babysitting a baby. You may find your self thankful for all the new things your little guy is doing. Also journal, it's a way to have you time and reflect how you are feeling and the things that are going on around you. Maybe you can find a pattern as to why you feel this way. I know what you mean breast feeding was an amazing conection with my children. Well one more than the other but I really liked it and was sad when that time was over but mostly that the baby time was over. They get more independent and ther own minds as to who they are and what they want to do. You are not alone. But before it get to bad you may want to talk to your dr about what you are going throught. They may have something to help with the pain or help you dry up all the way. Hope this gets better for you.

I had the same exact experience. My kids reached about 10 months when nursing ended. I was working, so I was a little glad to not have to run back and forth during breaks to pump but I missed it terribly. The closeness you get with nursing is so special and I am glad I did it--even though I felt like a milk machine for months! I talked to a couple of women about this at the time and they had the same experience. IT sounds like what you are experiencing is normal (and also conincides with your baby growing up).

I was in a funk for a while but I got out of it when I started to realize that my kids were beginning to enter another fascinating stage-- talking, walking, running, and expressing their little personalities more. YOu will get past this stage and enjoy the next. Remember, too, that it takes a while to get the hormones back on track after nursing-- so what you are feeling is also a result of hormonal changes.

Best of luck and hang in there. It gets better!

:)

You can have Post-partem depression for up to two years after the birth of your child and yes, stopping breastfeeding can cause you some sadness.

For one thing, when you nurse, your body releases all these happy hormones. You're not getting that fix anymore.

For the second thing, you're not as close as you were with a bottle, than when you were nursing.

Keep track of your moods. I journal, it makes it easier to monitor and if you find it gets worse then, I would suggest going to the doc to find out if you have major depression.

I hope you feel better soon. Good Luck.

I had the same sadness when I stopped nursing, S.. I'm pretty sure that it is hormonal, and it will pass. Just add some extra cuddle time in so neither of you is missing it. Hold him close and hold the bottle for him when you bottle feed. I promise it gets better!

You definitely can have breastfeeding depression- or rather WEANING depression. Producing milk includes producing hormones that make you feel good. Here is a quote from kellymom.com: "It's not unusual to feel tearful, sad or mildly depressed after weaning; some moms also experience mood swings. These feelings are usually short-term and should go away in a few weeks. This is caused, in part, by hormonal changes. One of the changes that occurs with weaning is a drop in prolactin levels. Prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production, also brings with it a feeling of well-being, calmness and relaxation. The faster the weaning process the more abrupt the shift in hormone levels, and the more likely that you will experience adverse effects."

So at least part of your sadness might be hormonal. Personlly, I love breastfeeding. I found it an amazingly convenient way to feed my baby, give immune/health support, help confort through illness, deal with my son's allergies and asthma, and just strengthen my bond with my "baby." My now 2.5 year old weaned himself just after he turned two when my milk dried up from a new pregancy, or who knows, we might still be nursing.

It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Maybe feeling sadness is in part just because part of you really weren't ready to stop! If it hasn't been too long (like more than a couple weeks) you could always start breastfeeding again, and put limits on the relationship if there are parts about it that bother you.

Do what feels right and I'm sorry you've been feeling down!

Best wishes,
S.

Hi! Breastfeeding is much more than giving your child "food". It is a means of healthcare and comfort (for both mom and baby) among many other things and there is nothing like knowing that you were able to nourish your child in so many ways. I myself have experienced the disappointment of no longer being able to give my child my milk. I have many friends who have experienced the same. Many including myself will focus on replacing those special times with other types of special times in the form of play, reading, projects, hugs and kisses.

I'm sure it's a combo of the things people mentioned. But don't forget that your hormones could still be a bit wacky from pregnancy, child birth and breast feeding. OR...is your period coming back and you're pmsing? I'd give yourself a a week or two and if you're not feeling any better, call your doctor.