Stopping breastfeeding a child is not always easy

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Every woman experiences weaning differently; For some it is a relief, while for others stopping breastfeeding can be traumatic. Be that as it may, weaning is not a simple process; Here you can learn more about this organic process that so many mothers have to go through.

The decision to stop breastfeeding a child or the need to do so represents – as many women have seen – a moment of change. For some women, weaning is a relief. However, For others, stopping breastfeeding can be quite hard. and even cause depression.

Weaning is a special time; a natural phase of baby development and the motherhood process. It’s normal to feel sad about the change., although you are aware that this change is normal. But how is it possible that something initially so natural can not be easy at all?

It is also normal to feel that pain, which is more common than you think.

In addition to this possible sadness or slight depression, some mothers may also experience irritability, anxiety, or mood swings. These feelings are usually short-lived and tend to go away within a few weeks. However, in some cases mothers experience more severe symptoms that may require treatment.

Weaning, sadness and depression

But what causes these mood swings? There is very little research on the topic, but it has been hypothesized that Hormonal changes are the main cause of mood swings after weaning.

One of the changes that occurs with weaning is a decrease in prolactin and oxytocin levels:

Prolactin, a hormone required for milk production, also brings with it a feeling of well-beingcalm and relaxation. Oxytocin, the hormone required for milk ejection (known as love hormone), It also produces a feeling of well-being.

It makes sense, therefore, that a sudden decrease in these hormones could have an effect on the mother’s emotions at weaning.

Studies tell us that the faster the weaning process, the more abrupt the change in hormone levels and the more likely you will be to experience adverse effects. Additionally, mothers who are forced to wean before they are ready (or for reasons beyond their control), along with mothers with a history of depressive symptoms, have more likely to experience depression after weaning.

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Even for mothers who feel ready to wean and do so gradually, or who initially do not seem affected by having to stop breastfeeding, there may be some sense of loss and sadness.

Weaning for these women marks the end of physical unity with their child, the end of a very special period in their lives.

Overcoming sadness after stopping breastfeeding a child

For many mothers, breastfeeding their child is not only a pleasant habit, but it is almost addictive.

In the case of prolonged breastfeeding, this phenomenon may be even more pronounced, but Everything has its moment and, sooner or later, it has to stop. Overcome sadness and mood swings after weaning, It may be easier by following the following guidelines:

Exercise regularly

Exercise releases hormones that produce well-being and pleasure naturally, especially if it is a medium and high intensity exercise.

More moderate exercises such as yoga or Pilates also work. It is also highly recommended exercise outdoors (just walk) to get fresh air to oxygenate and improve the health of the body in general and the brain in particular.

Also, if you can exercise during the day, even better, since vitamin D helps improve your mood and your immune system.

Breathe consciously

That pressure you have in your chest when you’re stressed is because you breathe too fast and don’t fill your lungs enough. Take a few minutes when you feel that pressure and slow down your breathing.

Drop your shoulders, close your eyes, and breathe deeply and slowly until you feel the stress melt away and the pressure ease.

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Regulate your hours of sleep. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Regular sleeping habits help regulate your hormones.Control what you consume. Don’t compensate for tiredness with excessive consumption of stimulant drinks and sugary and starchy foods. This will not only affect your physical and mental health, but it will delay the getting of your hormones in order.Give yourself time to have fun. Do fun things with your family and enjoy time alone with your partner. Cultivate your relationships, but also dedicate time to yourself and your hobbies.Facilitates the production of oxytocin. Hugs and kisses promote the production of oxytocin. And that is something you can do daily with your children and your partner, but also with your family and friends.

The debates that remain open around breastfeeding. In this sense, mothers can consider some recommendations and discard others, starting with whether or not to breastfeed. In any case, breastfeeding is a stage that must give way to others and, as with any change, we must have Be careful in the transition, since it is a particularly delicate moment.