1. You Might Have Mood Changes
Feeling a little down while weaning? You’re not imagining it.
“Just like when you’re pregnant or lactating, weaning can lead to fluctuations in your hormone levels” that may affect your mood, says Cindy Rubin, MD, a pediatrician and breastfeeding-medicine specialist at In Touch Pediatrics and Lactation in Westchester, Illinois.
There are two hormones responsible for this shift: oxytocin and prolactin, says Melissa Kotlen, RN, an international board–certified lactation consultant and care manager at Boram Care, a postnatal care center in New York City. These are considered “mothering hormones,” because they contribute to a sense of calm and attachment, she says.
When you’re breastfeeding, your body produces high levels of oxytocin and prolactin, but those levels dip as you wean. It’s not uncommon to feel tearful, sad, or irritable as a result, Kotlen says. Plus, even if you’ve chosen to wean, you may still feel grief or sadness that your breastfeeding journey has come to an end, Dr. Rubin says.
What You Can Do
Knowing that these mood changes may happen and that they’re temporary can help. Likewise, connecting with others who are also weaning — via support groups or social media, for example — may help you feel less alone.
The choice to stop breastfeeding is a personal one. So, if you’re not totally sure you’re ready, consider taking some time to process your reasons first.
If your mood changes are persistent and severe, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.
“Postpartum Support International is also a great resource if you’re going through any postpartum mood or anxiety disorders, whether or not they are related to lactation or weaning,” Rubin says.
2. Your Period May Be Different
Even if your period was fairly regular before pregnancy, it may be inconsistent as you wean.
“During lactation, your estrogen levels are very low and your prolactin levels are very high, both aiding in suppression of your period,” Kotlen says. “When you wean, though, you’re teaching your body that it’s okay for those hormones to return to ‘normal’ levels.”
This transition is not always fast or predictable. Rubin says the first few periods may be “anovulatory,” meaning you menstruate without ovulating, which can cause irregular bleeding. Your period may also be heavier or lighter than usual, and you may notice different premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, according to research.
What You Can Do
Patience is key, Rubin says. Your period should regulate within about six months after weaning.
“If you continue to have unusual, irregular, or very different bleeding patterns (compared to pre-pregnancy) after six months of weaning, you should call your doctor so they can rule out other causes,” she says.
And keep in mind: An irregular period does not protect you from getting pregnant, Kotlen says. So if you don’t want to get pregnant, make sure to use a form of birth control.
3. You Might Have Skin Issues
Your fluctuating hormones can cause some acne as you wean, Rubin says. As the hormones that maintain milk supply (prolactin and oxytocin) drop, progesterone and estrogen rise again, Kotlen says. This hormonal shift can cause an increase in your skin’s natural oils (called sebum), which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
On a positive note, other pregnancy–related skin changes may actually improve. For example, your stretch marks may lighten. And your areolas and nipples, which may have darkened and grown larger, will usually return to their original appearance, Kotlen says.
What You Can Do
To manage weaning-related acne:
- Wash your face daily with a gentle cleanser.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Opt for hypoallergenic makeup.
If your acne is severe, reach out to a dermatologist for help.
4. You Might Feel Fatigued
Your body burns a significant number of extra calories per day while nursing, according to the La Leche League International, and weaning can lead to fatigue, too.
As your progesterone and estrogen levels begin to normalize, you might feel very tired, Kotlen says. You might also be adjusting to a new sleep schedule, as your body may still be used to waking for middle-of-the-night feedings.
What You Can Do
Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and keep a consistent sleep routine — as much as possible with a baby or toddler — to help yourself feel less tired, Kotlen says.
If your fatigue becomes worse or happens along with feelings of sadness or loss of interest in your baby or your favorite activities, you could be dealing with postpartum depression, Rubin says. In that case, reach out to your doctor or a therapist for support.
5. You Might Continue to Produce Milk
When you stop breastfeeding, you don’t automatically stop making milk. In fact, “milk production can continue for many months after weaning,” Rubin says. People who have an oversupply of milk also tend to take a bit longer to dry up, Kotlen says.
Frequently stimulating your nipples or hand expressing to check if you’re still making milk will signal your body to continue production, Rubin says.
What You Can Do
To help your milk supply dry up, avoid nipple stimulation and hand expressing. Kotlen also suggests that some over-the-counter topical creams containing concentrated cabbage extract may help support the suppression of breastmilk.
6. You Might Feel Like You Have the Flu
“Fluctuating hormones can sometimes cause chills and sweats,” Rubin says, though this shouldn’t cause a true fever. If you’re feeling flu-like symptoms along with breast engorgement or distinct areas of swelling, you may have mastitis, she says.
Mastitis is a breast infection that can happen when stagnant milk in the breast becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, according to Mayo Clinic. Kotlen says that symptoms often include:
- Tiredness
- Aches
- Chills
- A high-grade fever
- Breast redness, tenderness, or lumpiness
What You Can Do
Chills and sweats should go away once your hormones settle. However, mastitis will not get better on its own and requires antibiotics from your doctor, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. You can lower your risk of mastitis by weaning slowly, Kotlen says.
7. Your Breasts Might Hurt
Painful engorgement and clogged milk ducts can also occur during weaning, Kotlen says.
Engorgement happens when milk isn’t emptied from your breasts, causing them to become swollen, tight, and tender, according to Cleveland Clinic. Clogged milk ducts can also happen if your breasts are full, although Kotlen says the ducts are usually narrowed by inflammation rather than truly “clogged.”
“Some amount of engorgement is expected and is a necessary part of the weaning process,” Rubin says.
What You Can Do
Weaning slowly, by dropping one nursing or pumping session every few days, is the best way to prevent discomfort.
If you develop a clogged duct or soreness, try a combination of the following:
- Use of ice
- Breast rest, meaning no aggressive massage
- Use of an over-the-counter pain reducer like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
Some natural remedies may also help. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, peppermint and sage (often consumed as tea) are known to potentially decrease milk production. Taking sunflower lecithin supplements may also help decrease inflammation, but talk with your doctor before you try any new supplement.
8. Your Libido May Rev Up
Low estrogen levels during lactation can contribute to decreased sexual desire, Kotlen says. “The good news is that, after weaning, estrogen levels rise again, and libido will return,” she says. Of course, everyone is unique, and a fluctuating libido is normal during this stage of life.
What You Can Do
Speak openly with your doctor and with any partners about your libido, so they can best support you.
9. Your Appetite and Weight May Fluctuate
Your body needs extra calories while lactating, but as you wean, your caloric needs will lessen. “This can lead to changes in appetite and fluctuations in weight,” Rubin says. For example, if you keep eating extra snacks, you might gain a few pounds.
What You Can Do
To support a healthy weight for your body, you can take the following steps:
- Eat plenty of healthy fats and lean proteins.
- Get as much sleep as possible.
- Exercise regularly.
According to Hackensack Meridian Health, practicing these habits can help you deal with post-breastfeeding hormonal changes. And according to Harvard Health Publishing, a lack of sleep, in particular, can affect hunger hormones and increase appetite.
The Bottom Line
The changes your body goes through while weaning can be unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the transition.
If you have any questions or concerns about your weaning process, talk to your ob-gyn, midwife, or an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).
Where to Find Licensed Lactation Consultants
The following organizations can help you find IBCLCs in your area:
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