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Comments

Heather

Yes, Yes, Yes! This happened to me when I weaned my son at 18-months. I didn't understand what I was feeling at all and was so surprised by it. I wish I could tell you what ended up helping it, but I actually got pregnant two-months later, so I don't think my answer would be typical. Good luck!

Marian

I just have to say I'm new to reading this site and it is absolutely wonderful. I'm guaranteed a smile or laugh every day. Anyway, my comment is related to weaning but not about PPD after weaning. I was nearly depressed WHILE breastfeeding. I stopped at 3 months and felt loads better after - calmer, more like myself. When I was nursing, I could barely eat, lost a ton of weight, felt wound tighter than a drum, couldn't sleep, blah, blah, blah. Weaning, for me, helped tremendously. Those hormones are a killer!!

Kelly

I'd recommend having your thyroid checked. I did, on a lark, and found the various and extremely vague symptoms I'd been having (tiredness, weight non-loss despite exercise, dry skin - it was winter, depression) were all because of a low thyroid function. The drugs are simple and work immediately and wow do they make a difference!

enu

There's a huge body of lit relating to depression as a risk factor in causing moms to wean, much less for weaning as a risk factor in causing depression. See:
Susman, V. L. (1988). Weaning and depression: another postpartum complication. Am J Psychiatry, 145(4), 498-501.
"This paper reviews endocrinologic data which support the thesis that postpartum psychiatric disorders have a hormonal basis and discusses the possible psychiatric effects of breast-feeding and weaning. The cases of four patients who developed major depressions in close temporal association with weaning are presented and discussed."

Misri, S., Asinclair, D., & Jkuan, A. (1997). Breast-Feeding and Postpartum Depression: Is There a Relationship? Can J Psychiatry, 42, 1061-1065.
"In an outpatient sample of depressed postpartum women, the onset of depression preceded the cessation of breast-feeding."

Is it too shallow of me that I got a huge chuckle from the author's surname?

giddy

Yes yes, me too!! My daughter weaned at 18 months, about a year ago now, and within about 2 months I was really down. I knew it was hormonal, because I felt awful for 2 weeks of every month, and ok for 2 weeks. It got worse in the winter, so I think there was a bit of seasonal affective in there too. (Incidentally, no hormonal birth control has been involved. and, I did have my thyroid checked in January, and it was fine, although at the time I did some research and there was something to suggest that sometimes thyroid problems can go hand-in-hand with PPD, although normally earlier after birth.)

I'm still not back to "normal," but I can tell you what has helped and what hasn't. First, I DID start T-Tapping, using Summer's advice, and it is definitely a mood booster. Even if all I do is the primary back stretch and hoedowns, I feel MUCH better, immediately.

I also try to avoid sugar (or at least, large quantities of sugar at any one sitting) for the week before and after my period. It really seems to affect my mood. I hate that it does (because I like me some sugar!) but it does and that's that. (I discovered this a few months after the Xmas holidays, when the candy and rich foods had finally given way to soups and veggies, and I was like, "hey, I wasn't a total basket case this month! Why is that?" I am definitely better in summer, and I'm sure it's a combination of more light, leading to more exercise, and more fresh vegetables.) I still have my daily coffee, and that seems to be okay.

I have not tried the omega-3s, though, so I will. I also haven't tried anythign like a massage but it sounds kind of good. I just don't know if I can convince my husband that it's supposed to be nonsexual.

Anyway. Jeanne, you are not alone with the post-weaning PPD, or whatever would be the proper name for it when your child is already a toddler!! It is definitely not any fun. And it's not easy to shake. But hopefully by working in some of these strategies so early in your post-weaning, you can ward off the longer-term blues that I seem to still have. I wish I had done so!

I will be following this thread eagerly too, to see if others have some good ideas. Thanks, Moxie!

Sarah

I don't know if you found these comments in your research so far, but just to let you know that you are not alone, you may also wish to read:

http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/nursing/depression.html

I have learned through pregnancy and new mommyhood that hormones are AMAZINGLY powerful. I am in the process of weaning, now down to one breastfeeding a day, and have been suffering insomnia and headaches recently. I wondered if it was related to weaning and now realize that it probably is. Give your body at least 6 months to re-adjust!

Good luck!

AmyinMotown

YES!! YES!!! Me!!!

I weaned much earlier, at 8 months, and was just bitch-crazy-psycho weepy for a while. That did pass fairly quickly, then once my cycles started returning I just felt so awful for the couple weeks preceeding my period, as a previous poster described. Like, typical PPD feelings of "I am a horrible mother and person and my daughter and husband deserve so much better--I am just going to sneak away one day and move to another state and change my name and they'll be much better off." My husband luckily quickly disabused me of this notion that they'd be at all hapy without me, and those particuluar set of bad feelings went away. However, I did go through a wicked, like so bad I am tearing up right now just thinking of how miserable I was, awful horrifying I almost didn't make it depression. Maybe it was hormonal, maybe it was just my naural tendency toward depression (I've fought it off and on for a long time), maybe it was all of the above plus some pretty mind-numbing financial stress, but Wellbutrin brought me back to life, literally.

I am pregnant again and off the meds, and am following Moxie's Preventing PPD plan. So far, so good!

Meg

In addition to Moxie's suggestions of exercise, massage, and fish oil, I'd recommend trying the ayurvedic herb shatavari (http://ayurveda-foryou.com/ayurveda_herb/shatavari.html), which is a tonic and can really help to re-balance the female system. And I would definitely, definitely get off the hormonal birth control. Hope you are feeling better soon! Congratulations on a long and happy nursing relationship with your little one. :)

Carla

Wonderful comments from your readers! I agree that TCOYF is a great book for understanding the female body and as an aside, I was successful in using it to conceive our first child.

Jane

Just to give another idea for nonhormonal birth control. The copper IUD is great and does not require as much thought as TCOYF. And if your insurance company pays for the pill then it may pay for the IUD.

Allison

My daughter weaned at around 15 months, and I finally went onto antidepressants (had been off them since early pregnancy) a few months later, after a long bout with denial.

Absolutely check out T-Tapp (and Summer's intro post). I did (last time Moxie posted a series about PPD), and it's been great. While I haven't necessarily lost weight (I'm pregnant, so duh), if I'm feeling down or tired, even the 15-minute BWO+ will perk me up in a big way.

Charisse

I had some "blues" around weaning as well, nothing horrible--Mouse was 2 and I was thrilled to wean at that point, but the breast pain and general hormonal adjustment caught me by surprise. I felt depleted, used up, dry...my body felt much more normal 3 months out--I hadn't realize the extent to which a body nursing a toddler once a day is still truly a nursing body. It's a big transition. I was amazed on the positive side too, how much athletic ability remained in reserve while I was nursing and came back when I stopped. I think post-weaning is a great time to exercise, you will likely impress yourself and feel good.

I also heartily second the copper T IUD. I got one at 10 weeks postpartum and love it, and it's good for another 7 years.

Julie

I don't remember if I was depressed after weaning - we had a trip to visit my in-laws right after so it's hard to differentiate between the two. Ha ha.

The thing I have noticed for me is that my body reacts totally different to birth control pills now than it did before pregnancy. Horrible headaches....regardless of the brand. I'm excited to go read the comments to see what other people are suggesting since I've been thinking for a while that it's just not working anymore with the pill.

I hope you are able to sort things out and are on your way to feeling more like yourself again soon.

Julie

Can someone tell me what the copper IUD is and how it is different from other IUDs? Thanks.

Jane

There are two main types of IUDs on the market right now in the US. One is the Mirena which has low dose progesterone, the other is the copper T IUD, the brand name that I know is Paraguard. Both require insertion by your Dr./midwife, but are then basically maintenance free. They both have an impressive effectiveness rate, the copper one for 10 years and the hormonal one for 5 years. Basically the copper acts both as a spermicide and helps to make the uterus inhospitable. The hormonal one prevents ovulation as well. They can be removed at anytime and for the copper one, because it does not use hormones, fertility can resume immediately. Insertion can be painful, but is much less if you have already had children. There can also be cramping and spotting for a little while afterward.

Overall it has been great for me, I got it about 8 weeks post partum and have not regretted it once.

Maria

Hmmmm... I definitely had a few very 'down' days when Mio went from nursing 'around the clock' to only before naps and bedtime (at what, 8 months or so). I noticed a clear drop in supply and luckily made the connection with my tearful, fight-picking mood pretty quickly. . It only took a week or so to clear up. But now I'm thinking... At 14 months, Mio recently weaned himself of his last, 5 am feed, and last week definitely was hard, emotionally. Just a general 'wading through mud' feeling, and feeling I 'should' be a better mom. Like someone said above, it just didn't occur to me how much brief nursing once a day still affects your body. No helpful advice here, just a reminder for myself.

The copper IUD is an IUD that releases no hormones. Instead, it contains a copper wire wound around the frame of the IUD. This releases small amounts of copper. It is though to work by decreasing the mobility of the sperm and changing the lining of the uterus (some say by causing a light inflammation) to prevent implantation.
Side effects are slightly longer and more painful periods. No personal experience, although I am considering it.

SarcastiCarrie

About IUDs:
There is a progesterone-coated IUD (brand name Mirena) and it, obviously, has hormones. It lasts for about 5 years when all the hormones have been absorbed out of it. Because of the progesterone, it can lighten periods or make them disappear altogether.

Then, there is the hormone-free copper IUD (no idea the brand name, Copper T maybe). It lasts longer, about 10 years. Not sure what happens about the bleeding (heavier, lighter, unchanged, no idea).

An Aside:
I love my birth control pills and you will need to pry them out of my 45-year old non-smoking hands some day. But, I have PCOS and without them, I bleed irregularly or for months and grow hair in socially unacceptable places. I don't think depression would be caused by The Pill. I could see headaches and things, but depression (or even the blues) seems like it would be caused by the underlying weaning hormones (total fluctuations caused by such a big change) and not The Pill since The Pill would act to regulate and override the hormones, but again, I love The Pill and think it can do no wrong.

k

Abot the above poster, and meaning no offense, but check with your doctor or the manufacturers website on the pill and depression. I've had a doctor change my pill when questioning that a few years back. I have a friend who changed pills based on it. I've seen it listed in the long packet of side effects they give on some pills I've taken.

Jeanne

Wow, thanks Moxie and everyone for your responses. The reason I was so drawn to this blog in the first place was because it was so nice to realize I wasn't alone, especially when my daughter was not sleeping well and I was exhausted. And this topic has been no different - I'm so glad so many of you can relate! Of course, your advice is amazing. I have an appointment with my midwives to see if any testing should be done, and I'm following up on all the suggestions mentioned here. Thank you, thank you!

Elizabeth

Oh wow, this makes me so scared to wean! Wondering - those who weaned when they became pregant again, what was that transition like? I currently nurse my 2.3 yo at least 2x per day and am trying to conceive our next baby. In an ideal world, dd would be weaned by the time I conceive, but it's not likely. So I will probably step up the weaning efforts when pregnant and hope that she can be weaned gently. Is this going to suck so, so bad?? Anyone BTDT?

Jeanne

Elizabeth, please don't be scared! The reason I was caught off guard by my experience was because all of my friends talked about how great they felt when they finally weaned (anywhere between 8 and 18 mos.), so obviously, many women (most?) do just fine. I'm sorry I don't have any experience with weaning just before or during a second pregnancy, but I just wanted to tell you not to worry, for what it's worth. :) Either you'll be fine or if you do have a little "crash," you'll have all of the above posts to help you out!

Lisa

I love the Pill too - or at least the progesterone-only version, which I've been using 15 of the last 20 years (allergic to latex and spermicides; all the estro/progestro combos I tried increased my migraines and several made me cry uncontrollably). Hormones and mood are such a complex mix; the results seem unique for each person, and even different at different times of life.

Actually, I'd like to get back to NFP, which we did successfully before and while trying to conceive. But at 18 mos. postpartum, still no period (though - whee! - PMS and associated zits have just returned).

charissa

I haven't read all the comments (sorry!) so hope I'm not repeating someone else's advice... I did not experience PPD after weaning, BUT I have had problems with my hormones (headaches, painful cramping, low libido), and have had good success with treatment from a naturopath. If you can find a ND who specializes in women's hormones, you might consider a consultation, at least. Good luck!

Kristin

Hi there,

Just another vote in favor of TCOYF and for NFP/FAM, especially if hormonal contraception isn't a good option for you. Even if you're not interested in NFP/FAM, the information is nice to have. Good luck -

viv

I just wanted to let your readers know that a great resource out there for ANYONE with PPD is
http://www.ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com. I met Kristin at BlogHer and she is a wonderful speaker and a sufferer of PPD herself.

--Viv
http://coolmomsrule.blogspot.com

abigail

Thank you for this post. I am having to wean my 18-month-old milk lover as I have just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and have to start taking baby-poisoning drugs asap. She is not taking it very well, and I am turning into a teary ball of misery. it's reassuring to know that some of it is probably hormones.

Rebecca

Me, too! Weaned at 11 months and couldn't figure out why I was so miserable! About two months and it was gone! Hang in there and get help if you need it!!!! A lot of people don't associate it with weaning so push if you have to. Even my OB was a little skeptical! Luckily it passed on it's own, but keep being good to yourself!!

Amy

So happy to find this post. Moxie, I LOVE this blog. I think it has saved my sanity on more than one occasion.

As for this post, I am feeling so down right now, exhausted, like I'm not really present. I don't care about anything at all and am not excited by things that normally make me happy. My daughter is bf less than before, preferring pumped milk in a bottle and only wanting to bf at night while we co-sleep. I'm sure this is contributing to my overall yucky feelings!

On a separate note, abigail I too have rheumatoid arthritis and the drugs are nasty. Please, Please do your research and try the least invasive drugs first. Some docs try to throw out the new, powerful drugs right away but they have many bad side effects (as I'm sure you are finding out). I'm lucky in that mine has been pretty mild. I manage with yoga, fish oil and during flair ups a short bout of prednisone. Good luck!

Judy

I weaned my son at right around his second birthday. I did it very gradually and therefore never developed any problem with engorgement etc. My period had come back when he was around 18 months. By then I was only nursing when Ryan woke up in the morning, before his nap and before bedtime. And every once in awhile for comfort if he needed it.

I was diagnosed as Bipolar II almost 9 years ago. I have been on Zoloft for the past three years. In the beginning of my pregnancy, I had a terrible psychotic episode and my pdoc and I decided to double my Zoloft dosage. I immediately felt better and stayed on that dosage until about three or four months ago. For most of the time that I have been home with our son, I have been lethargic, unmotivated, etc. etc. I finally added an additional medication which helps to counteract the lethargy of the Zoloft.

My problem now is that my past two periods have been HORRIBLE! I literally am crazy! I'm extremely angry about a situation in my homelife that really shouldn't be a big deal but it is. I've noticed that right before I've started my period for these last two times, I have had terrible outbursts, tantrums, and instances of spite and malice. This is NOT me! I only put it together when I started my period again today and I had a terrible ordeal last night that was completely my doing and proceeded to embarrass my husband (and myself) in a very public setting.

Could this be hormonal although my son has been weaned since April, 07 at two years of age? I've never had PMS like this. I did a search on hormones after pregnancy and came upon this blog. Thank you all for sharing your insight, I've already learned so much and feel better just knowing that maybe I'm not the only one. Take care, Mommas!

Heather

Back in the day, I tried several different types of The Pill and consistently suffered from depression while on The Pill, period. This was during my pre-baby years when there were no other hormonal issues going on. My doctor recommended supplementation with B vitamins, especially B-6. This helped a little but going off The Pill and using a different form of birth control was the final answer for me. I think The Pill just interacts differently with each person's individual hormonal make-up.

Elizabeth

I am so relieved to be reading that other Moms have experienced the zaniness of moods with weaning. I have nursed Zachary for four months and have been weaning slowly (dropping one nursing session per week) for the past four weeks...and I have felt nothing short of "off" for a month. My moods are wild - I am happy and myself about 90% of the time, but the other 10% is like something out of a bad movie. I cry, I scream, I go from 0 to 60 in about 3 seconds flat, I'm impatient, I'm dull, I'm weepy, I'm convinced my husband is leaving me - all of this in the span of about 5 minutes. I've been considering anti-depressant medication (until I read this) as it does run in my family and I was about to admit that it finally caught up with me. But now I am going to wean completely and pray that I return to myself in the next month or so. I take fish oil already, and will be sure to get outside and walk for at least 15' a day. Thank you for all of your postings!

Lara

I have a long history of clinical depression, but during the time I was nursing my firstborn I felt great! No PPD whatsoever! When she began to nurse less, the depression slowly crept in, and then when she finally weaned I went spiraling into a black hole. She nursed for a little over two years. I was pregnant with # 2 when she weaned, and I had to make the tough decision to go on depression meds while pregnant. Just my experience.

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Lara, thanks a lot for sharing your experience. That must have been a really tough decision. Isn't it harmful to take such meds while being pregnant?

Rachel

Hi,

I just googled late onset PPD and its confirmed my hunch - this has happened twice to me now, after I weaned my 2nd youngest child and again now. I am sure it must be a reaction to the loss of the effect of oxitocin. I was fairly depressed when pregnant (accidental pregnancy, my other kids are much older) came out of it while feeding, and am feeling pretty anxious and down again now, 3 months after weaning my toddler.

Amber Harris

We have 3 children. The first time I had PPD after birth but became pregnant while breastfeeding so no issues with weaning. The 2nd one I had no PPD after birth or after weaning. The 3rd one I have had both PPD after birth AND after weaning. In fact, I weaned 3 months ago and go through extreme cycle changes. I am having spotting for the week before my period as well. Doing a lot of research into progesterone and estrogen levels, as well as what causes them (mineral deficiencies) and finding that those same deficiencies also affect dopamine and seratonin production. In short, I am now on chaste tree berry supplements long term to regulate the hormones naturally and will be taking 5-HTP supplements only on the very bad days when I feel nearly suicidally depressed. Therapy (1 yr pp) didn't help me and I won't go on pharmaceuticals. I am normally a very even keel person so this has been very difficult on a personal patience level. Thankfully my children are the thread that keep me from going over the deep end edge on this depressive craziness...but I think they are also the reason I am even here to begin with (6 yrs + of pregnancy and nursing under my belt). Good luck, mamas - I hope we all come out of this alive and kicking!

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While uncomfortable and sometimes intolerable, PPD is just a normal body response after weaning. It helps to regularly see your psychiatrist after weaning to walk you through this phase. Anyway, thanks for this very informative link.

Ilke

I just did a google search "depression after weaning" and came unto this site, and what a relieve to see all the posts. I've weaned my, almost 2 years old, daughter 4 weeks ago, I had my period last week and since then I've been like a bitch from hell - my husband and I are constantly fighting about nonsense, I get VERY irritated if my daughter does something naughty, where I usually laughed at her, I will now yell at her and walk out the room. AWFUL! Will this go on forever, or will it end? it's really awful, I also gained so much weight this past month, almost 4kg! :( please help! :(

Fracined

My son is 19 months and I plan to let him self wean. However, I want to get pangnret next year (after he turns 2) and I'll probably be scaling back our schedule from 4 nursing periods to 2. (Rather than on-demand nursing, we've always followed a schedule. Works for us...) I agree with La Leche League's philosophy where breastfeeding should continue as long as both parties - mother AND chile - wish to continue. This is really the only way it can be a happy realtionship. What I don't think should be a factor is societal pressure. I don't hold back in conversation that I still nurse. As my son isn't that old yet, there's not alot of "input" yet. But I can see that changing as he gets older. I'm just going to have to stay strong and help him do the same. As with anything, you have to stick to your values and not be swayed by others who don't agree with your choices. Good luck to those of you nursing "beyond the norm" - stay strong and focused on what's right for your family!

Shanmugaraja

I nursed my dehugtar till about 15 months -- (and for the last month or so just once a day). I really enjoyed nursing -- and my dehugtar did too. However I did feel some pressure to wean from family and my husband. My sex drive was particularly low while nursing -- and I definitely understood my husbands desire for me to stop. Once I stopped, I did have more of an interest in sex and being touched by someone else rather than my baby : ) Another factor was that I was interested in a little more independence. As a nursing mom - whose kido loved to fall off to sleep on the breast -- it required me to be there for all nap time and bed times. I really did have interest in taking a vacation from our bub -- so it pushed me over the edge to wean completely. It was not a dramatic experience for either of us. It was gradual - and my dehugtar has been quite happy to take cows milk since.

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Marty

My babies relaly liked something we called Banana Pudding . It is actually just ripe banana relaly mashed up with a fork, milk added and mashed some more. My biggest baby is now 19, and they all still enjoy it! The banana makes it taste sweet, but it is still healthy. You could probably try this with some other fruits. Or, hey, how about blending with more milk, (it will be more liquidy) and then putting it in the freezer for awhile? YUM!

Delicious

Breastfeeding didn't work out for me and I had to stop pretty early, like five mnhtos. I HATED pumping. After a while, it just didn't make it worth it (like pumping for almost an hour for 3oz or whatever). I was secretly happy. It was so luxurious not having to do it.

Jitu

I know I am wanting to brsaetfeed till minimum of 2 years. I remember reading somewhere, either from the birthing mag or DR. Sears books, that at the two year mark a mothers breast milk has another type of antibodies given to her child! Makes sense. :) They are more social and active by then. Also read an article from Mothering mag of a mother in Mongnolia(SP?) and how they perceive brsaetfeeding! It is simply wonderful and very funny. I think if you were talk to other people besides from the western world, you would see that it is just common sense, and why would you go against mother nature?

Karen

Allergies in hair color are bad. Not many people know about them, but once they start a lot of pcdturos bother you, even some smells. If you itch or have bumps on your head it is already started, some derm don't make the connection, take it from someone that took two outbreaks to figure it out. Be careful and patch test twice and report problems to the web sites on the web that is Consumer protection. Many counties have already taken PPD out of hair color, but some have not USA. The hair color companies don't want to talk to you when you report a reaction. Take pictures so you can show the doctor..Patch test twice .its the second contact that can cause a problem I test patched the first time two places and had a bad reaction at the SALON.

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  • My expertise is in helping people be who they want to be, with a specialty in how being a parent fits into everything else. I like people. I like parents. I think you're doing a fantastic job. The nitty-gritty of what you do with your kids is up to you, although I'm happy to post questions here to get data points of how you could try approaching different stages, because, let's face it, this shit is hard. As for me, I have two kids who sleep through the night and can tie their own shoes. I've been a married SAHM, a married freelance WAHM, a divorcing WOHM, a divorced WOHM, and now a WAHM again. I'm not buying the Mommy Wars and I'll come sit next to you no matter how you're feeding your kid. When in doubt, follow the money trail. And don't believe the hype.
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