How a Mother Feels While Weaning: Hormonal Changes That Impact Emotions

Weaning is a significant milestone in both a mother’s and a baby’s life. Whether it's a planned transition or one that happens sooner than expected, weaning can stir up a range of emotions in mothers. Many moms describe feelings of sadness, relief, anxiety, or even joy as they move through this process. But why does weaning feel so emotionally charged? One of the main reasons lies in the hormonal shifts that occur during weaning.

Let’s explore how these hormonal changes impact a mother’s feelings and how to navigate the emotional ups and downs that can come with weaning.

The Hormonal Rollercoaster of Weaning

Breastfeeding is more than just a way to nourish your baby—it's a complex process that involves powerful hormones like prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones not only help with milk production but also play a major role in how you feel emotionally.

1. Prolactin: The Calming Hormone

Prolactin, known as the “milk-making” hormone, is responsible for stimulating milk production. But beyond its biological function, prolactin has a calming and soothing effect on the mother. It helps create that peaceful, nurturing bond between mom and baby, often making mothers feel more relaxed and connected during breastfeeding.

As you begin to wean and cut down on nursing or pumping sessions, your levels of prolactin decrease. This drop in prolactin can leave you feeling less calm and more emotionally vulnerable. Some mothers describe feeling anxious, unsettled, or more easily stressed when weaning begins.

2. Oxytocin: The Feel-Good Hormone

Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love” or “cuddle” hormone, is responsible for the milk ejection reflex (or “letdown”). But it also plays a key role in the emotional bond you feel with your baby. Oxytocin is released in large amounts during breastfeeding, creating feelings of happiness, warmth, and love. It’s part of why breastfeeding often brings such a deep sense of connection.

When you start weaning, oxytocin levels naturally decrease. This can lead to unexpected feelings of sadness or even emotional detachment. Many moms are surprised by how emotionally difficult it can be to reduce those oxytocin highs that come with nursing. Even if you're ready to stop breastfeeding, the sudden lack of oxytocin can leave you feeling emotionally “off.”

3. Estrogen and Progesterone: Rebalancing the Body

In addition to prolactin and oxytocin, two other hormones—estrogen and progesterone—also come into play during weaning. While breastfeeding, estrogen and progesterone levels are suppressed, keeping your menstrual cycle at bay and allowing prolactin to dominate. As you start weaning, these hormone levels begin to rise again, which can lead to physical and emotional changes.

For some mothers, the return of these hormones can trigger mood swings, irritability, or even premenstrual-like symptoms. The hormonal rebalancing can also cause physical changes, like increased energy or even the return of your menstrual cycle, which may come with its own set of emotional shifts.

Emotional Responses to Weaning

Weaning can bring up a wide array of emotions, and every mother’s experience is unique. Here are some common emotional responses mothers report while weaning, and how these feelings can be influenced by hormonal changes:

1. Sadness or Grief

It’s very common to feel sadness when weaning, even if you’re ready to stop breastfeeding. The act of nursing provides comfort, bonding, and a sense of closeness, and the hormonal drop-off of prolactin and oxytocin can intensify these feelings of loss. Many moms describe this sadness as a form of grief, mourning the end of a special chapter in their relationship with their baby.

What to Do: It’s important to acknowledge these feelings as valid. Take time to process them by journaling, talking to a supportive friend, or simply spending extra cuddle time with your baby to help ease the transition.

2. Relief and Freedom

On the flip side, some moms feel a sense of relief or freedom when they start weaning. Breastfeeding can be physically and emotionally demanding, and weaning may feel like regaining a bit of independence. This is especially common in mothers who have been breastfeeding for an extended period and are ready to reclaim their body and routine.

What to Do: Celebrate this new stage! It’s perfectly okay to feel both relief and sadness at the same time. Weaning is a complex emotional experience, and feeling a mix of emotions is normal.

3. Anxiety or Irritability

As prolactin and oxytocin levels drop, many moms report feeling more anxious or irritable than usual. These feelings may be heightened by hormonal fluctuations as your body adjusts to the new balance of estrogen and progesterone. Weaning can also trigger feelings of anxiety about whether your baby is adjusting well or concerns about nutrition and routine changes.

What to Do: Slow down the weaning process if possible, giving your body and mind time to adjust. Practice stress-reducing activities like deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga to help manage these anxious feelings.

4. Guilt

Some mothers experience guilt during weaning, especially if they are stopping breastfeeding earlier than they originally planned due to medical reasons or personal circumstances. Society often places pressure on mothers to breastfeed for as long as possible, which can lead to feelings of guilt or failure.

What to Do: Remind yourself that every breastfeeding journey is unique, and any amount of breastfeeding you’ve done is a success. Weaning doesn’t diminish the love and care you’ve given your baby, and making the best decision for yourself and your baby is what truly matters.

Tips for Managing the Emotional Effects of Weaning

Weaning can be both a physical and emotional journey, so taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your baby during this time. Here are some tips for managing the hormonal and emotional shifts that come with weaning:

1. Wean Gradually: If possible, reduce nursing sessions slowly to give your body and hormones time to adjust. Gradual weaning can help ease the emotional and physical transitions for both you and your baby.

2. Get Extra Support: Talk to your partner, friends, or a healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. Sometimes just having someone listen can help you process your emotions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in postpartum mental health.

3. Engage in Self-Care: This is a time to prioritize self-care, whether that’s taking long walks, enjoying a relaxing bath, or engaging in activities that make you feel good. Taking time for yourself can help manage the emotional ups and downs.

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Eating well and staying hydrated can help balance your energy levels and mood. Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes impact how you feel physically, so staying nourished is key to feeling your best.

5. Practice Mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, or mindfulness exercises can help you stay grounded and focused on the present, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety or sadness during the weaning process.

In Conclusion

Weaning can bring about a wide range of emotions, from sadness and grief to relief and freedom. Much of what we feel is driven by the hormonal changes happening in our bodies, as prolactin, oxytocin, estrogen, and progesterone fluctuate. Recognizing that these emotional shifts are normal and valid can help you navigate this transition with more ease.

Remember that weaning doesn’t mean the end of your bond with your baby—it’s just the beginning of a new phase in your relationship. Embrace whatever feelings come up during this time and give yourself permission to process them fully.

If you’re struggling with intense emotions during weaning, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Weaning is a significant transition, and you deserve the support and care you need to navigate it.

Resources:

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262, available 24/7 in the US for free and confidential mental health support.

• Postpartum Support International: Call or text 1-800-944-4773 globally for help from a trained volunteer specializing in postpartum mental health.

  
  

Weaning is a journey—both physically and emotionally—and no matter how it happens, remember that you’re doing an amazing job.