From the Guidelines
Weaning from breastfeeding can cause mood disturbances in mothers, and it is essential to consider the potential impact on mental health when stopping breastfeeding. The hormonal changes that occur during weaning, particularly the decrease in prolactin and oxytocin, can trigger temporary mood changes, including sadness, irritability, anxiety, or feelings similar to depression 1. These symptoms are sometimes called "weaning depression" or "post-weaning depression" and typically last from a few days to a few weeks.
Gradual weaning rather than abrupt cessation can help minimize these effects by allowing the body to adjust more slowly to hormonal changes. Self-care strategies that may help include regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, social support, and mindfulness practices. It is also important to note that breastfeeding has been associated with lower rates of postpartum depression, and weaning may increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms 1.
If mood symptoms are severe, persistent beyond a few weeks, or interfere with daily functioning, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider, as this could indicate postpartum depression requiring professional support or treatment 1. In such cases, treatment may include antidepressants or specific psychotherapy approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or brief psychosocial counseling, alone or in combination.
Key considerations for managing mood disturbances during weaning include:
- Gradual weaning to minimize hormonal changes
- Self-care strategies, such as regular exercise and social support
- Monitoring for severe or persistent mood symptoms
- Consulting a healthcare provider if symptoms interfere with daily functioning or are severe
- Considering evidence-based counseling interventions, such as CBT, for managing depression in breastfeeding women.
From the Research
Weaning from Breastfeeding and Mood Disturbances
- Weaning from breastfeeding can cause mood disturbances in some women, as evidenced by studies that have investigated the relationship between breastfeeding cessation and psychiatric symptoms 2, 3, 4.
- A case report and literature review found that nine patients developed psychiatric symptoms, including insomnia and anxiety, after weaning from breastfeeding 2.
- Another study proposed a biologically plausible mechanism for affective dysregulation during weaning, suggesting that the complex hormonal milieu during this time may modify GABAA receptors and contribute to depressive symptoms in vulnerable individuals 3.
- A review of the literature concluded that post-weaning depression is a rare but severe complication of breastfeeding cessation, and that research is needed to address this important unmet need 4.
Effects of Weaning on Mood and Sexuality
- A study found that non-pregnant women who weaned from breastfeeding reported a significant decrease in fatigue, improvement in mood, and an increase in sexual activity and feelings after weaning 5.
- In contrast, women who conceived during the study did not show these changes, and instead experienced a gradual increase in fatigue and decline in sexuality 5.
- Another study found that women who weaned their babies within 3 days were more likely to report feeling happier since weaning, and were also more likely to use binding or ice packs to relieve discomfort 6.
Weaning Practices and Mood Disturbances
- The duration of weaning has been associated with mood disturbances, with shorter weaning durations potentially leading to more severe symptoms 2, 6.
- A study found that women who returned to work were more likely to take longer than 3 days to wean, which may be related to the stress and emotional demands of returning to work 6.
- Further research is needed to understand the relationship between weaning practices and mood disturbances, and to inform evidence-based guidelines for weaning from breastfeeding 2, 3, 4.