Post-Weaning Hormone Crash?

[Bittersweet]

I may just have a case of garden variety crazy … but is it possible to have hormone swings/blues following weaning? DS went on a nursing strike due to an ear infection and hasn’t nursed in over a week. I don’t want to tandem nurse, so I haven’t encouraged him to nurse and, as a result, it appears that he has officially weaned.

Emotionally, I’m okay with this. We made it a year and DS hasn’t been asking to nurse and seems completely normal. However, I also feel like I’ve been plunged into PMS hell. I cried the entire way into work today for no reason and am constantly on the edge of tears. I HATE feeling this out of control and am miserable.

Could this be weaning related? In theory it makes since, but I just don’t know. I don’t think it is pregnancy related. I’m 16 weeks and haven’t had any of these symptoms before in any of my pregnancies. But maybe? I just can’t handle this much longer and am really hoping it’s a fleeting hormonal issue related to DS’s semi-sudden weaning.

[Pollyanna]

I would say it's due to the weaning and the pregnancy and also the exhaustion that comes from working, parenting a toddler, and being pregnant. Try to take it easy (I know that is easier said than done), I'm sure your symptoms will resolve quickly.

[scrub-jay]

I was pretty emotional following weaning, it went away. It's probably fine, just keep an eye on it. How's your sleep? Maybe that is a contributor? Is there anything I can do to help you out? I'm sure A would love to play with your ds...

[Lala]

I have no idea, but it makes total sense that it would be hormone-related. Hope you feel better soon!

[Bittersweet]

Thanks guys. I thought about it a lot this afternoon.I think lack of sleep and conflicting feelings regarding this pregnancy (gosh, i feel awful admitting that) are probably contributing, too. I'll give it a couple weeks and if I'm still weepy I'll bring it up at my next prenatal appointment.

Thanks for the offer, scrub-jay. I'm really okay but we should get the kiddos together regardless. DS thinks older kids are the cat's pajamas.

[Deebs]

This is tough to say, but i had tons of mixed feelings about baby #3, and I had many more emotional swings during that pregnancy. I really wanted to have my third when my second was in preschool or kindergarten - I just wasn't ready. I honestly knew the second we conceived (because DH was supposed to be wearing something that he conveniently "forgot"), and immediately started kind of panicking. I also didn't really let myself admit to anyone, including myself, that I just felt overwhelmed and not ready. Then, I felt guilty for having those feelings. My emotions settled down a little when my best friend was brave enough to ask me if I felt conflicted, and I burst into tears that I didn't even realize were waiting to come. I think you probably do have emotions and hormones running crazy. Maybe you should take scrub-jay up on her offer and take a little "me" time. And, if you're not thrilled, it really is okay, and it's going to be okay.

[Vishenka69]

Yes. I had the blues and terrible mood swings for a few weeks after weaning. I've asked my Ob and she said it's most likely hormone related and to call her if it continues past a couple of weeks.

[MrsK]

Wait, whoa! I missed your announcement. Congrats.

And, K1 weaned pretty much the same way. He quit cold turkey when I was about 12 weeks pg with K2. K1 was 11.5 months. I felt emotional. Prior to that, I was already worried about weaning, felling sad about my changing relationship with K1, his increasing independence, being displaced by a new baby, overwhelmed by a second baby, and so on. It can be a difficult transition.