15 Jul 2022 | 4 min Read
Sayani Basu
Author | 607 Articles
Motherhood can be filled with countless emotions. From postpartum depression to new parent syndrome, life takes a 360-degree turn. Similarly, post-weaning depression is a mood disorder that nursing mums experience once they begin to wean their babies off breastfeeding.
When a baby moves from the mother’s breast milk to other sources of nourishment, it is called weaning and the process takes patience and understanding from both you and your child.
It is the process of slowly putting a stop to breastfeeding, and gradually incorporating other foods into the diet of your child. Since weaning can be a complex and emotional process, some mums even experience depression as they wean. Here are some tips to deal with post-weaning depression.
Therefore, refusing to offer breast milk to your wailing child, can make you feel terrible.
Oxytocin is also responsible for triggering a bond and a feeling of affection towards your baby, during the breastfeeding activity as well.
However, when you stop breastfeeding your baby, it can confuse your brain and thus lead to post-weaning depression.
Here are some of the tips to deal with post-weaning depression:
You can consult a doctor and take medications that can reverse the negative effects of hormonal fluctuations and improve your condition. Your doctor can prescribe certain medications to help bring your body back to your normal self.
However, bring these emotions out and talk your heart out with your partner, sibling, parent, or friends. Talking to them about your feelings will make you feel better.
But you need to know and believe the Persian adage, “This too shall pass.”
You need to believe that you are a strong individual who can fight your way through the toughest of situations.
It is advisable to consult a doctor and start exercising as it can calm your mind. There’s no need to try out a vigorous regime right away. Yoga, aerobics, or low-intensity Zumba can help for sure during this time.
Post-weaning depression generally lasts for only about two weeks. It begins once you start weaning your baby. Your hormones will gradually begin to stabilise and they will fall into a more regularised routine.
You need to stay positive and believe in yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for help. You should always keep in mind that you are strong enough to fight your way through this phase.
DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.
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