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Post-Weaning Depression: The Mood Plot Twist Nobody Warned You AboutBy Mary Warriner, RN, IBCLC — Boob Nerds Lactation

We spend SO much time talking about the beginning of breastfeeding: the latches, the cluster feeds, and the “why does my nipple look like it went through a meat grinder?” moments.

But the end?


The grand finale?


The part where you gently (or not-so-gently) scream “MY BODY IS MINE AGAIN!”?

Yeah… no one talks about that part.

And especially not the part where you think you’re going to be dancing into your freedom, but instead you’re crying at a commercial about paper towels because it “felt emotional.”


Now that you know this twist is real, let’s talk about what post-weaning depression actually is.

What Is Post-Weaning Depression?

It’s the mood dip that can occur when breastfeeding stops or slows.

Basically, imagine your hormones are on a rollercoaster that you did NOT sign up for. During breastfeeding, your body gives you all the cozy hormones: prolactin (calm), oxytocin (love and bonding), and generally good vibes.

When weaning happens, those hormones drop quickly, just like my patience when someone says, “Sleep when the baby sleeps.”

This can lead to:

  • Sudden sadness

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Mood swings

  • That “WHO AM I AND WHY AM I CRYING AT ANIMAL VIDEOS?” feeling

And no, it’s not “in your head.” It’s your biology at work. It’s super extra sometimes!

So why does this emotional crash happen as you wrap up breastfeeding? Here’s what’s really going on:

Think of breastfeeding hormones like emotional bubble wrap. They cushion your nervous system. They help you feel bonded, calmer, and more regulated.

And then ... poof. It’s suddenly gone.


Weaning pops every bubble at once.

Research shows that hormonal shifts after weaning can impact mood (Kendall-Tackett, 2007; Ystrom, 2012). Rapid weaning can make this even more dramatic (Lambert et al., 2023).

So if you feel like your brain has been replaced with a slightly malfunctioning toddler version, it’s okay. This is a normal, temporary stage for most.

And honestly, when you add:

  • Zero sleep

  • A toddler who thinks they’re your boss

  • Work

  • Mental load

  • General survival

It’s honestly a miracle any of us are functioning at all.

But is post-weaning depression really that common? Let’s look at what’s typical.

It's actually very common, but because few people talk about it, many are caught off guard.

If we can normalize talking about mucus plugs, we can DEFINITELY talk about post-weaning depression.

Many parents experience mood changes during or after weaning (Wambach & Spencer, 2021). You’re not being dramatic. You’re going through a hormonal shift along with a big life change.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Post-Weaning Depression

You might be dealing with post-weaning depression if:

  • Your mood crashed around the time you reduced feeds.

  • You’re extra emotional or overwhelmed.

  • You feel anxious or panicky.

  • Your patience left the chat.

  • You’re crying at TikToks of babies meeting dogs.

  • You don’t feel like “you.”

  • You have intrusive thoughts, or your brain is doing Olympic-level worrying.

If this is you, your feelings are valid and treatable.

Ways to Support Your Mental Health During Weaning

1. Wean Slowly (If You Can)

Gradual weaning leads to a slower hormone drop, which means less emotional whiplash (Wambach & Spencer, 2021).


Think of it like a dimmer switch instead of a light switch.

2. Prioritize Sleep (LOL, I Know)

Sleep fixes half of everything.


But if your baby ignores sleep schedules, ask for help. Trade shifts, ask a family member for support, or make deals with your partner, like, “I’ll do dishes for a year if I can sleep for four uninterrupted hours.”

3. Eat Real Food

Remember, coffee and toddler leftovers do not count as a meal.


Blood sugar crashes make mood crashes louder.

4. Move Your Body

You don’t have to run a marathon. Try dancing in your kitchen, walking down the hallway, or doing squats while picking up toys. Movement really does help stabilize mood (APA, 2023).

5. TALK to Someone

Friends, partner, therapist, your favorite IBCLC (hi!).


Let people in. You don’t get extra credit for suffering in silence.

6. Get Professional Support When Needed

If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or stuck, reach out to a provider who specializes in perinatal mental health. Therapy is a sign of strength, not failure.

A Nerdy Note About Identity

We don’t talk enough about how big the emotional shift is when breastfeeding ends.

For some parents, breastfeeding is:

  • A survival story

  • A bonding lifeline

  • An identity piece

  • A symbol of everything they gave

So when it ends, even if it's your decision, it can feel like losing a part of yourself. It’s not just milk; it’s memories, connection, and the closing of a chapter in your parenting story.

Grief is normal.


Missing it is normal.


Mixed feelings are also completely normal.

And if you’re thinking, “No one told me it could be this emotional,”


Yeah, that’s because society still whispers about breastfeeding like it’s a secret, instead of shouting support from the rooftops.

You’re Not Broken, You’re Adjusting

Post-weaning depression is temporary, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. You are not “too emotional.” You’re not weak. You’re not alone.

You’re a person who just went through:

  • A huge hormonal crash

  • A lifestyle change

  • A parenting identity shift

  • A sleep deficit that even NASA would find impressive.

You’re doing beautifully, even if it doesn’t feel like it today.

And I’m right here in your nerdy corner, cheering you on as you adjust and move forward.

References (APA Style)

American Psychological Association. (2023). Physical activity and mental health. https://www.apa.org

Kendall-Tackett, K. (2007). A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: The central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health. International Breastfeeding Journal, 2(6). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4358-2-6

Lambert, S., Johansson, M., & Hauff, E. (2023). Emotional responses to breastfeeding cessation: A qualitative study of maternal experiences. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 27(4), 512–520.

Wambach, K., & Spencer, B. (2021). Breastfeeding and human lactation (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Ystrom, E. (2012). Breastfeeding cessation and symptoms of anxiety and depression: A longitudinal cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 12(36). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-12-36

 
 
 

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