Post-Weaning Depression and Its Effects on a New Mom's Mental Health
This blog is a contribution to raising awareness on post-weaning depression, along with an encouragement for greater societal attention and research. I hope to provide normalization to any mothers experiencing sadness post-weaning, along with coping skills they can use to feel better.
What is post-partum weaning?
Shortly after I started weaning my toddler, sadness engulfed me. I felt like melted ice cream, honestly. This led me down a rabbit hole of reading. I am sure that you are joining me in my surprise that as a therapist, a former educator, and a mother who reads every parenting article I can get my hands on, I had never heard of post-weaning depression. Well, I think that the answer is two-fold. From what I can gather, there is limited research on post-weaning depression; attributed to the varied times at which mothers wean. Mothers are typically seen 6 weeks after childbirth and assessed for postpartum depression at that time. Otherwise, it is not for a year to follow that they are seen by an OBGYN again. Monitoring for postpartum depression may continue through their pediatrician’s office, but an official period to monitor for post-weaning depression has not been determined.
What are the psychological components of weaning?
A combination of emotions may occur during the weaning process, and all of them are normal. You may feel a sense of relief at no longer needing to attribute time and physical energy to feeding and nursing. You may celebrate the autonomy and independence regained. A sense of loss and sadness may ensue.
What is the physiological component of post-weaning?
During breastfeeding, mothers experience an increase in oxytocin and prolactin, those feel-good hormones that create an overarching sense of calm and relief. Estrogen levels generally remain lower during breastfeeding and return to pre-pregnancy levels after weaning; and within this shift depression may occur.
What are signs of post-weaning depression?
Indicators of post-weaning depression can include:
Anxiety or mood swings
Increased irritability
Tearfulness or crying spells
Loss of pleasure in things that once brought joy
Low energy
Trouble concentrating
Emotional distress; grief, sadness
Lack of motivation
Impact on functioning
Difficulty sleeping or eating
Thoughts of suicide
What can be done about post-weaning depression?
Keep in mind that you and your baby remain connected and bonded. You may be wrapping up a major milestone, but the strength of the connection remains the same. Make sure to take in as many cuddles, kisses, and skin-to-skin as you can.
Take your time in making the decision to wean if you can do so. I recognize that there are many reasons that make it not always possible, but when it is, trying to drop feedings gradually may be helpful. This will slow the drop in “feel good hormones” more gradual.
Maintain healthy habits. Eating properly, exercising, and getting sunshine are important and will contribute to attaining adequate sleep and elevating low mood.
Utilize the support of loved ones. Leaning on your partner, family, and friends, for emotional support. Reach out to other mothers that may be experiencing similar things.
Seek out the support of mental health professionals to help navigate this transition and build coping skills.
Helpful Resources for New Mothers
Motherhood should feel far from isolating, it is my desire that writing this blog will bring awareness and normalization to what many may be experiencing but not talking about.
If you are interested in reading more on the topic of post-weaning depression, I found these articles helpful:
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Interested in Counseling for Depression or Anxiety Surrounding Motherhood?
If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting as a specialized service, and Brainspotting can be done online, too!
Here’s how you can get started! Online counseling for depression, anxiety, and motherhood aren’t the only services offered at our Maryland office
The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students and international students.
Written by: Caroline Masucci, LMSW
Caroline is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) at LifeSpring Counseling Services in Maryland, and she specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and communication skills. She works closely with children, teens, and adults.
