As your breastfeeding or pumping journey comes to an end, you may experience something called post-weaning depression.
Weaning can trigger hormonal changes and emotional challenges that may impact your mental health.
If your symptoms last longer than several weeks and interfere with daily functioning, it’s worth seeking professional support.
When you’re expecting a child or are newly postpartum, there's a lot of conversation around breastfeeding: Strategies for the best latch, the nutritional benefits for your child, and how it can help you bond.
However, much less is said about the weaning process and its impact on your mental and emotional well-being. For some people, this transition can cause something called post-weaning depression.
While post-weaning depression isn’t an official clinical diagnosis, it’s a very real challenge for many women as they stop breastfeeding or pumping. Fortunately, the right support can help you process your feelings and embrace your next chapter as a mother.
What is post-weaning depression?
Post-weaning depression refers to a series of symptoms that can develop during or after you stop breastfeeding or pumping. Like mood disorders, it can involve mood swings, feelings of sadness, and limited interest in your usual activities.
Other signs and symptoms of post-weaning depression include:
Anxiety
Emotional numbness
Irritability or restlessness
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in appetite
Low energy
Social withdrawal
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Post-weaning depression may seem similar to postpartum depression (PPD), but there are some key differences. PPD develops during the first year after birth, while post-weaning depression begins whenever your body stops producing breast milk.
Both can cause mood swings, but post-weaning depression tends to be less persistent and may resolve as your hormones stabilize. Either way, it’s important to seek support if symptoms last longer than a few weeks or feel difficult to manage.
What triggers depression after breastfeeding?
Post-weaning depression is linked to hormonal changes that occur when your body stops producing milk. While breastfeeding, your body has increased levels of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin [1]. They play a key role in regulating your milk supply, as well as promoting calm and connection with your baby. Levels drop when you wean, which can impact your emotions and mood.
The process of weaning can also be emotionally challenging. You may question who you are or how it will impact your bond with your child. Even the loss of routine can trigger symptoms of depression.
Your risk for developing post-weaning depression may vary depending on your:
Approach to weaning: Gradual weaning may reduce your risk of mood swings and other depressive symptoms.
Readiness to wean: You may be more likely to experience depressive symptoms if you were unable to breastfeed as planned [2] or stopped sooner than you would have liked [3].
Access to a support network: Having a support network — friends, fellow parents, and loved ones — can help make the transition a bit more manageable.
General mental health: Women with a history of depression or other mental health challenges may be more likely to experience post-weaning depression.
Emotional impact of ending your breastfeeding journey
People stop breastfeeding for a range of reasons. For example, you may find that it’s too taxing on your body or that you're not satisfied with your milk supply. Weaning may also mark the start of a transition, like returning back to work or your child turning a certain age. Whatever your reason for weaning, remember that you’re entitled to your feelings about this change.
For many parents, weaning can feel like the end of a special chapter for their family. As you or your partner begin the transition, it's normal to feel sad, lost, or guilty [4]. You may question if you’re doing the right thing and how it will impact your bond with your child. Even when you know you’re ready to wean, you may still feel anxious or uncertain.
Where to get help with post-weaning depression
Symptoms of post-weaning depression typically last for a few weeks, though they can persist for much longer. If you notice that your symptoms aren’t improving or seem to be impacting your daily functioning, it’s best to make an appointment with a qualified healthcare provider. This could be your primary care provider, OB-GYN, or a mental health professional.
During this conversation, you’ll review your current symptoms, health history, and any other concerns. Depending on the situation, your provider might suggest talk therapy, medication, or both.
Coping strategies and treatment options
In addition to professional help, you can manage symptoms with self-care, lifestyle changes, and social support.
If you or another caregiver in your life are struggling with the transition, consider the following advice:
Go slow. Parents don't always have control over weaning. But if you do, try to take it slow. Weaning gradually may help the process feel less taxing, physically and emotionally.
Find new ways to bond. Look for other ways to feel connected with your baby, like with cuddling, skin-to-skin contact, and creating special routines.
Take care of your own needs. Sometimes parents are so focused on caring for their child’s needs that they forget about their own. Remember to make time for reading, regular movement, or whatever helps you feel your best.
Show yourself compassion. Weaning marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It’s completely normal to miss that part of your life, so show yourself kindness as you adjust to this next phase of parenthood.
Stay connected. Being a parent or caregiver makes you part of a rich community. Whether you confide in other new parents, your own parents, or a healthcare professional, remember that you don’t have to process your feelings on your own.
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Clinician’s takeA subtle sign I look for is how a parent talks about the experience. It’s less about physical symptoms and more about a sense of grief or loss. They may miss the closeness, the routine, or what the moment represented. The emotion tends to center on connection, not just the body adjusting.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Find care with Rula
Breastfeeding is a unique opportunity to care for and connect with your child. And when this chapter comes to a close, you may feel emotional. If you’re struggling with the weaning process, know that help is available. Therapy can help you understand your feelings and manage depressive symptoms in healthy ways.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- The Role of Reproductive Hormones in Postpartum Depression https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4363269/
- New Evidence on Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: The Importance of Understanding Women’s Intentions https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4353856/
- Breastfeeding cessation and symptoms of anxiety and depression: a longitudinal cohort study https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1471-2393-12-36
- Investigation of the Relationship Between Weaning Readiness and Maternal Depression: Cross-Sectional Online Survey https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11899335/
Alex Bachert
Alex Bachert is a freelance copywriter and mental health advocate. Since earning her masters degree in public health, she has focused her career on creating informative content that empowers people to prioritize their health and well-being. Alex has partnered with organizations like Ro, WellTheory, and Firsthand, and her work has been recognized by the Digital Health Association.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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