3 Ways Weaning Your Baby Can Affect Your Mental Health and What to Do about It

A closer look at what happens to your body when you stop breastfeeding Breastfeeding is rich in benefits for both you and your baby. You already know that. Increased immune functioning, higher IQ in late childhood and possibly a lowered risk of adulthood obesity are some of the benefits for your baby, while lowered stress and anxiety, faster weight loss postpartum and increased bonding are some of the many benefits you gain as a nursing mother. But what happens when you stop? Whether your baby self-weans (just stops nursing), or your work schedule makes weaning necessary or you decide it’s simply the right time to stop, weaning your baby can have a dramatic effect on your body and your mental health. With so much focus on the benefits of breastfeeding, the side-effects of weaning are often overlooked. This can be devastating for a mom. Here’s what you need to know: 1. Hormonal Changes It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that hormones can have a significant impact on your mood. Most women experience some sort of mood change during their menstrual cycle after all, reporting mood swings, anxiety, sadness and, in some cases, even depression. Oxytocin One of the most significant hormones involved in breastfeeding is oxytocin. This hormone is released in your body as the milk is “let down” or released as you feed your baby. Originally labelled as the “love hormone,” it lowers stress, anxiety and increases bonding between you and your baby. Pretty amazing, don...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety Family Parenting Pregnancy Stress Women's Issues Attachment Breastfeeding Diet Hormones Obesity Oxytocin Postpartum Depression Prolactin weaning Weight Gain Source Type: news