Post-Weaning Depression Is a Thing, And It's Time We Start Talking About It

Two months after she stopped breastfeeding her daughter, MacKenlee, digital influencer Angela Lanter started experiencing some unpleasant symptoms.

"It began with insomnia for me," says Lanter. "I first saw my OB-GYN and had her test my hormones since I was having night sweats every night."

Aside from her progesterone and estrogen being a little low, Lanter's results came back normal.

But then, after going several weeks without a full night of sleep, she took an over-the-counter sleep aid one night and woke up at 2 a.m. with her first panic attack.

"It was terrifying," recalls Lanter.

The next day, Lanter visited her primary care physician. She listed her symptoms, which also included nervous feelings and weight loss, and her doctor made a connection.

"He immediately recognized that I was experiencing delayed post-weaning depression because his own wife had experienced it," says Lanter, who is married to actor Matt Lanter.

While she was relieved to hear her symptoms were connected to a medical condition, Lanter was also shocked: She had never heard the term post-weaning depression before.

"This has to be fake, right? Nope. It's a real thing. And turns out it's something that we women aren't talking about enough," she wrote in an Instagram post where she shared her experience with her more than 265,000 followers.

Lanter quickly learned other women could relate to her struggle.

"So many moms have reached out and let me know that they too experienced to at least some degree what I've been going through," she said.

Fellow moms have also commented on her post to talk about their own experiences, including some who, just like Lanter, didn't know anything about post-weaning depression.

What is Post-Weaning Depression?

Post-weaning depression is a term used to describe depression that can occur after a lactating individual stops breastfeeding. It can come as a result of hormonal fluctuations as well as the psychological stress of weaning.

Gail Saltz, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry at the New York–Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, explains that post-weaning symptoms can include:

• Increased irritability
• Teariness
• Loss of pleasure in a usually pleasurable activity,
• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating

What Causes Post-Weaning Depression?

Post-weaning depression is thought to be caused by the change in hormones that happen in the body when breastfeeding is stopped.

"Oxytocin, which [rises] during breastfeeding, decreases with weaning," explains Dr. Saltz. "This being the bonding, feel-good hormone means [someone] may miss the oxytocin good feelings and experience a more intense sense of loss and sadness."

Other hormones play a role, too. Prolactin, which is typically elevated during breastfeeding, is associated with feelings of calm.

"An abrupt decrease in this hormone, when abrupt weaning occurs, can cause [bad feelings as well]," adds Dr. Saltz.

In the meantime, estrogen generally remains lower during breastfeeding and returns to pre-pregnancy levels after weaning.

For some people, this happens at slower rates. "Shifting estrogen levels causes depressed or irritable mood for some [people]," says Dr. Saltz.

What Do Studies Say About Post-Weaning Depression?

There is not a lot of research or awareness about post-weaning depression, but it is noted in scientific studies on postpartum health.

For instance, the fact that weaning from breastfeeding can cause depression is noted in studies as far back as 1988.

And the BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Journal noted in 2012 that there is "an association between maternal symptoms of anxiety and depression and early breastfeeding cessation."

You may be more at risk for post-weaning depression if you:

• Have to stop breastfeeding very suddenly
• If you stop breastfeeding earlier than you wanted to
• If you had any symptoms of pregnancy anxiety and/or depression before breastfeeding
  

How Doctors Diagnose Post-Weaning Depression

Unfortunately, lactating individuals aren't always closely monitored for depression at the time of weaning, says David Goldstein, M.D., an OB-GYN based in Philadelphia.

Dr. Saltz adds that despite some increased awareness, post-weaning depression remains less familiar to the psychiatric community than other postpartum conditions.

"Women often do not reveal they have these feelings or don't realize that [post-weaning depression] is what they are experiencing," she notes.

Most people who have given birth are screened on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at their postpartum visits, and their OB-GYN might discuss possible symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety at that time.

But checkup usually happens at around six weeks postpartum and doesn't account for the fact that some people may wean sooner or even much later.

It can be challenging to identify post-weaning depression, but if you are having symptoms and have recently weaned in the past few weeks or even months, you should mention it to a doctor.

Symptoms of post-weaning depression can be similar to postpartum depression symptoms.

Dr. Goldstein says that often, his patients have no idea why they are having symptoms of depression, but he has been able to tie it to post-weaning depression.

"Sometimes there's an aha moment when you bring it to their attention," he adds.

How to Get Help for Post-Weaning Depression

While some sadness and feelings of loss may be normal during the weaning process, if you are having severe symptoms, it's best to talk to a doctor.

Dr. Saltz recommends reaching out for help if you are experiencing:

• Symptoms that interfere with your ability to function
• If you are having thoughts of suicide
• If you are having trouble taking care of yourself or your baby
• If you are having difficulty sleeping
• If your eating habits have changed

"If the symptoms become severe enough to interfere with [your] ability to function, this is more severe and requires evaluation and treatment," says Dr. Saltz.

Anyone dealing with post-weaning symptoms can get in touch with a mental health professional, general physician, or OB-GYN who will help determine the best course of treatment.

Also important? Know you're not alone. Even if your symptoms or their timeline don't fit the commonly painted picture of maternal mental health issues.

"Don't suffer in silence," says Lanter, who sought out counseling and is now taking the antidepressant Lexapro.

"Go to your doctor. Talk to your spouse, family, and friends. Seek out counseling," she added. "You will get better, but in the meantime, you do need support."