I breastfed my son for 18 months and have just reluctantly stopped.
Since stopping i feel so miserable, i dont understand why.
I know i did well to do it for so long and gave him the best start. Im proud of myself.
I wondered if maybe breastfeeding gives you happy hormones and now ive stopped its like a downer.
Has anyone else experienced the same?
2007-09-22 08:44:04 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Yes, breastfeeding made me happy. It would give me a very "relaxed" and calm feeling as well. If I remember correctly, your body releases endorphines during breastfeeding. It's a built-in system that's part of your body. It is believed these endorphines help mom to relax & express more milk. Congratulations for breastfeeding so long, it's the best gift you can give your baby. I, too, missed breastfeeding when my child weaned (24 mos.). I really missed that bond, but we did establish bonding in other ways. It just took a while to adjust. Time will heal, hang in there!
2007-09-22 09:22:13 · answer #1 · answered by gayle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I experienced the same feelings with both of my babies. My oldest was around 18 months when she weaned, and I did feel very sad, my youngest weaned at a little over 3 years of age, and even though it was nice to have my body back, I also felt sad. It didn't last too long, though, thankfully, but I definitely went through that.
Everytime that a baby nurses, your body releases the hormone oxytocin. It stimulates your milk to let down, and also causes you to feel relaxed and happy. It's often called the "mother love hormone" because it facilitates bonding between mother and baby. Incidentally, it is also released post orgasm, which is why we're so relaxed and loving towards our partners after sex.
My advice is to hang in there and keep doing things with your baby to promote bonding. I established a "bedtime routine" with my kids after they weaned. It included a warm bath in the late evening, followed by time in the rocking chair with mommy and stories or bedtime songs. The whole routine was about an hour long, but it really helped me feel close to my children and helped with that sad feeling.
If your sad feelings persist, definitely talk with your Doctor about it.
2007-09-25 08:47:01 · answer #2 · answered by nightynightnurse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As I knew I was going back to work and had problems in the beginning I expressed as well as breast feeding. Being my first time when going to all those classes and having people forcing it on me to whip out my tit when ever the baby was hungry made me quite resentful.
But I had a lovely midwife and I enjoyed it - I only managed to do it for 6mths because the baby would not latch on anymore (guess it was too much hard work after the teat)
I was a little upset but I think I have given him a good start and he settled into nursery without and problems - we still have cuddle times though!
2007-09-23 11:04:45 · answer #3 · answered by Casi J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was the same. I was so damn proud of myself and the first time I gave my firstborn cows milk (after 15 months)I had to run to the toilet and be sick...one of those freaky Mummy things I guess. I just liked the thought that I knew exactly what was going into my baby. My second I couldn't as they were a Premmy and it broke my heart, made me feel inadequate and that I wasn't doing my bit. Honestly, it will pass and your normal.
2007-09-22 09:05:33 · answer #4 · answered by aza 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it does let out endorphins or something that makes you feel happy... either that or the closeness to your child does it. I felt a bit sad to stop nursing as well, even though I was ready and so was my daughter. Chocolate doesnt even do the trick.
2007-09-22 15:19:18 · answer #5 · answered by MaPetiteHippopotame 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I enjoyed breastfeeding and I have to say part of me missed it but I was also happy to have my body back! I breastfed my son 10mos and weaned him because I was pregnant with my daughter and she breastfed 20 mos and I was tired.
2007-09-22 08:50:42 · answer #6 · answered by anjelahoy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No I haven't but it hurts I do know that try researching on it or talking to your doctor asap. I think that you might be depresed and getting it confused with stop breastfeeding, I don't know but I think that you should try calling your doctor.
2007-09-22 08:53:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - It gives a motherly feeling
2007-09-24 22:37:49 · answer #8 · answered by Raj 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i always felt really down when i stopped breast feeding. i felt so guilty too. i do think its more the guilt that plays up rather than your hormones x
2007-09-22 11:51:29 · answer #9 · answered by bemusedconfused 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
separation anxiety. you have that special bonding, and now you might feel that you will lose it. Give it some time.
2007-09-24 11:28:54 · answer #10 · answered by snowwillow20 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋