Mental Health After Breastfeeding: My Post-Weaning Journey
Mental Health After Breastfeeding: My Post-Weaning Journey
I’ve nursed two children for almost two years each, and every time I finished breastfeeding, it affected me both mentally and physically—each experience was totally different.
After Breastfeeding My First: Baby Blues & Body Changes
I nursed my first child for nearly 22 months. Besides the sly remarks I got from family members and a few friends about how long I was breastfeeding, I dealt with some baby blues and unexpected weight gain. I was one of those lucky (or unlucky?) mamas who lost weight while breastfeeding. It was phenomenal! The baby blues didn’t last long, and eventually, my weight evened out once my eating habits returned to normal.
For those who don’t know—when you’re breastfeeding, you are constantly hungry. Like bottomless-pit hungry. I even had coworkers comment on how much I was eating. One joked that I might have a tapeworm. It still amazes me how bold (or just plain clueless) people can be with their comments.
The Guilt of Weaning My Second
Fast-forward to the end of my second breastfeeding journey—and wow, the changes this time really caught me off guard.
My sister reassured me over and over that I’d feel free after stopping. That I’d finally “get my body back.” But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. What I actually felt was guilt and selfishness. I felt pressured into weaning—like it had become socially unacceptable to keep going. I wasn’t ready to let it go. I went from feeling like I had a superpower—able to calm tantrums, heal every boo-boo, and put my son to sleep in minutes—to suddenly having to work harder… while also managing my oldest.
Body Changes and Breastfeeding: What They Don’t Tell You
Now, to be fair, the weight I couldn’t shed while breastfeeding came off pretty easily afterward. But on the flip side, my hair lost volume, and the acne around my jawline? Let’s just say I almost bought those star-shaped pimple patches all the Gen Z girls are rocking. Almost.
My motivation took a hit too. I didn’t feel like doing anything—working out, writing blog posts, none of it.
Losing My Motivation (and My Boobs 😅)
And the cherry on top? The big one I wasn’t ready for?
My boobs.
This is not an exaggeration—I lost them. I went from a perky C cup—nice handful, nipples that stood up and said hello—to half a palmful with droopy nips that sag in a way my 30-something-year-old body just wasn’t prepared for. A breast augmentation may be in my future. We’ll see.
Breastfeeding Journeys Are All Different
So, what’s the point?
Every breastfeeding journey is different. Some people do it for a few weeks, some for years. Some don’t do it at all. And that’s okay.
Despite the not-so-glamorous parts, I don’t regret it. I know I did what was best for my kids. And if I had to, I’d do it all over again.
If you’ve experienced anything like this—or totally different—I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @mindsandmamas
Looking for more honest mom talk? Check out these posts:
- What No One Tells You About the Fourth Trimester
- The Truth About Mom Guilt
- My Postpartum Recovery Timeline
